Russell Katayama -- Local Leader in Citrus Cultivation

Russell Katayama recently attended Sunkist's Citrus Célébré, held at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena, California in February, as Sunkist's grower representative. During the four days of the event he answered questions from chefs about the cultural aspects of growing citrus varieties and, at the same time, had a chance to sample some of the creative end of citrus, dishes such as Tangerine Ginger Roasted Quail and Whole Snapper with Lime, Chili and Cilantro. "Citrus Célébré taught me a lot about what can be done with citrus. It encourages chefs to use citrus for more than just a garnish," Katayama was happy to discover.

Although up to this point he says he's always enjoyed his citrus fresh off the tree, at Citrus Célébré, Katayama gained renewed respect for what can be done with fruit he's been growing for 27 years. Doing business as Katayama and Sons, he is a third generation grower in partnership with his brother. Their father is now retired. Together they own eight ranches, totaling 450 acres, near Orosi, between Fresno and Visalia, in Tulare County, California. Their grandfather came to California from Okayama, Japan in 1906 to work on the railroad and, after eight years, began farming on the same land where Russell and his family still live today.

The ranches the Katayamas own, all within a ten-mile square area, are planted about 50% in navel oranges and 35% in valencia oranges, with the rest in lemons.

For the past five years, Russell and his brother have been growing cara cara navel oranges, their first venture into specialty citrus.

Katayama is committed to the highest quality of citrus. "I'm out in the fields every day watching what's going on. Being hands-on insures we grow the best we can." He enjoys being a Sunkist Grower. "The best part of it is getting to know growers and employees from other areas," he adds.

Not only is Katayama a grower, but he's very involved in his co-op packing house, Klink Citrus in nearby Ivanhoe, California. He was recently elected for a second five-year term as chairman of the 11-member board of directors of this multi-varietal house, which packs lemons, oranges, pummelos, minneolos and satsumas.

When not working in the fields or running monthly Klink Citrus board meetings, Katayama stays busy with his three children, aged 18, 16 and 14, all of whom are home-schooled and are very active in sports. He also enjoys working on his golf game.