Feb 24, 2023

USApple creates environmental affairs position

The U.S. Apple Association has promoted one of its staffers to lead sustainability and environmental matters.

Mitchell Liwanag, who was USApple’s manager of association management, has been promoted to manager of environmental affairs.

In his new role, Liwanag will represent the Falls Church, Virginia-based USApple in matters concerning the environment, including pesticides, water, energy, climate and stewardship, according to a news release.

Liwanag, a former National Association of State Departments of Agriculture staffer, will also identify new areas for the organization to engage and participate in the areas of sustainability and the climate.

“Apple growers have long embraced sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship,” Jim Bair, USApple’s president and CEO, said in the release. “As the industry continues to help lead the charge in sustainability initiatives, it makes sense to add environmental affairs capacity to USApple’s issue portfolios, and Mitchell’s background in environmental policy lends itself to the endeavor. Mitchell has proven himself to be a valued member of the USApple team. His skillset is wide and this is the next step in his providing value to the apple industry.”

Liwanag joined USApple in January 2022 as manager of association management. He previously worked at the National Communication Association and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.

Liwanag earned a Master of Public Policy, with a concentration in environmental policy, from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communication from the California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo.