Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Craig J.  Calandra

Craig J. Calandra

Viticulturist/Farm Manager
Kingsburg,CA

Summary

Accomplished Viticulturist and Grower Consultant enhancing farm productivity through innovative practices and modern equipment. Skilled in all areas of farm management and adept at building strong relationships, I have led the development of numerous table grape programs both domestically and internationally. I am passionate about advancing agricultural efficiency and sustainability.

Overview

32
32
years of professional experience

Work History

Grower Consultant

Self Employed
01.2014 - Current
  • Managed farm staff efficiently, providing training and guidance.
  • Schedule and manage all cultural practices, IPM strategies, plantings, and harvest.
  • Adhere to strict food safety quality control measures during harvesting and packaging processes to maintain certifications.
  • Set up and manage plant irrigation systems to maintain sufficient moisture to different types of plants and trees.
  • Cultivate positive relationships with vendors to ensure timely and cost-effective supply of services and materials.
  • Increase farm productivity by introducing modern farming practices and equipment upgrades.

Viticulturist/ Partner

Scattaglia Growers and Shippers
01.2007 - 12.2014
  • Developed and implemented SGS Table Grape Program leading to production and sales of over 1 million boxes of table grapes annually.
  • Managed contracted growers field practices to include all aspects of table grape farming from planting to harvest.
  • Streamlined operational processes, reducing costs and improving efficiency to benefit company and growers.
  • Collaborated with vendors and sales staff to create innovative packaging for competitive marketing.
  • International table grape consulting.

Viticulturist

Fruit Patch
01.2001 - 12.2007
  • Managed seasonal field farming practices for company table grape program with contracted growers resulting in over 2 million boxes of table grapes annually.
  • Created, scheduled and implemented soil and irrigation monitoring and spraying for all growers.
  • International development of table grape program.

Assistant Ranch Manager/ Grower Relations

Fowler Packing
01.1993 - 11.2001
  • Led team of skilled and unskilled farm personnel through planting, cultivating and harvesting of table grapes.
  • Used effective weed control methods, promoting plant growth.
  • Harvested table grapes and prepared for sale or shipping.
  • Maintained positive grower relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Viticulture/Soil Science

California State University, Fresno, Fresno, CA

Certifications:

QAL

FSMA

Skills

Relationship Building

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Grower Consultant - Self Employed
01.2014 - Current
Viticulturist/ Partner - Scattaglia Growers and Shippers
01.2007 - 12.2014
Viticulturist - Fruit Patch
01.2001 - 12.2007
Assistant Ranch Manager/ Grower Relations - Fowler Packing
01.1993 - 11.2001
California State University, Fresno - Bachelor of Science, Viticulture/Soil Science
Craig J. Calandra Viticulturist/Farm Manager