N. America
After more than a decade at the helm, Dan Flynn has announced that he is stepping down as executive director of the University of California, Davis Olive Center.
“I had accomplished what I had set out to do,” Flynn told Olive Oil Times. “We wanted to advance California olives using the playbook that had worked for California wine.”
See Also:UC Davis Olive Center Turns 10“That model is based on a strong partnership between UC Davis and farmers,” he added. “I appreciate that we had a substantive impact. The center has room for a lot more growth.”
In spite of stepping away from the day-to-day duties of the position, Flynn plans to continue working as an informal advisor to the Olive Center.
“I will continue to advise the center and stay in touch with growers,” he said. “I expect to serve on the center’s advisory council in an emeritus role.”
Since helping to found the center in 2008, Flynn and his colleagues have made their mark on the California olive industry.
A landmark 2010 olive oil quality study found that a sampling of olive oils on California’s supermarket shelves did not meet the standards specified on their labels. These revelations proved to be a watershed moment for the industry and led to numerous similar tests across the olive oil world.
Under Flynn’s tenure, the Olive Center also hosted the International Olive Council’s first scientific conference in the United States in nearly two decades.
However, Flynn said that his biggest accomplishment at the Olive Center was helping to create “what have been called the strictest government olive oil standards in the world.”
In spite of all the success achieved by the Olive Center over the past 12 years, Flynn foresees plenty of challenges for its next executive director.
“The center is self-supporting. While our financial base is solid the center needs more funding to expand its research and partnership network,” he said. “The center’s advisory council has developed promising funding strategies for the next director to consider.”
Applications for the executive director position will be accepted until October 4th. A job description and instructions on how to apply may be found here.
More articles on: California olive oil, Dan Flynn, UC Davis Olive Center
Sep. 16, 2024
California Table Olive Yield Projected to Increase for Second Consecutive Year
California's table olive production is set to rise to 40,000 tons in 2024 due to favorable weather, despite ongoing challenges like labor shortages and competition from imports.
Dec. 5, 2023
An Olive Oil-Centered Curriculum in California Seeks to Help an Ailing County
Despite its agricultural mite, Kern County suffers from elevated levels of food insecurity, obesity and diabetes compared to the rest of the state.
Jun. 10, 2024
Kern County Producer Reflects on The California Olive Oil Industry
Stefanie Wickensheimer explains how Rio Bravo Ranch crafts high-quality extra virgin olive oil in the southern San Joaquin Valley.
Nov. 20, 2023
California Producers Celebrate Olio Nuovo
These producers say early-harvested and unfiltered Olio Nuovo accentuates olive oil’s best organoleptic and healthful qualities.
Jan. 2, 2024
Agritourism Takes Off at Arizona’s Queen Creek Olive Mill
Tourism is key to the success of Queen Creek Olive Mill’s business and the promotion of extra virgin olive oil in Arizona.
Oct. 11, 2023
How Air Pollution Affects Olive Oil Quality in California
Producers and researchers weigh in on the impact of wildfire smoke and air pollution on the local olive oil industry.
Nov. 6, 2023
Making Award-Winning Olive Oil from California’s Centenarian Trees
In the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Guilio Zavolta and Rachelle Bross seek to promote and protect the state’s historic olive trees.
Nov. 6, 2023
Cautious Optimism as Olive Harvest Gets Underway in California
Estimates suggest olive oil production could reach three million gallons, a significant increase over last year.