California Ag Network

Tag: ABC

  • Almond Board Announces 2025 Election Results

    The Almond Board of California (ABC) has announced the Board of Directors election results, and the names of the following nominees have been submitted to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture for selection to terms of office beginning Aug. 1, 2025:

    Grower Position #1, Member:
    1-year term
    Paul Ewing, Atwater

    Grower Position #1, Alternate:
    Tobin Barth, Esparto

    Grower Position #2, Member:
    3-year term
    Brandon Rebiero, Modesto

    Grower Position #2, Alternate:
    Brad Klump, Escalon

    Handler Position #1, Member:
    3-year term (only one year of term remaining)
    Chad DeRose, McFarland

    Handler Position #3, Member:
    1-year term
    Darren Rigg, Le Grand

    Handler Position #3, Alternate:  
    Dinesh Bajaj, Orland

    Co-op Handler Position #1, Member:
    3-year term
    Laura Gerhard, Sacramento

    Co-op Handler Position #1, Alternate:
    Mel Machado, Modesto

    The Independent Handler Position #1 is normally a 3-year seat but was vacated part way through the term. The elected candidate for the member seat will only serve the remaining one year of the term. This position will be up for election again in 2026. The alternate position was not up for election.

    The ABC board is made up of five handler and five grower representatives, each with an alternate. It sets policy and recommends budgets in major areas, including marketing, production research, advertising, public relations, nutrition research, statistical reporting, quality control and food safety.

  • Almond Board Helps Growers with NRCS Funding Applications

    The Almond Board of California (ABC) has introduced a new feature in its California Almond Stewardship Platform (CASP) that streamlines the process for growers applying for Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) funding from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

    The new CSP report in CASP is designed to facilitate the initial visit to NRCS offices. While it doesn’t change the paperwork required by NRCS, it helps start the conversation with NRCS conservationists by translating the practices implemented on the farm into NRCS practice codes. “This translation makes it easier for NRCS staff to understand the grower’s operation(s) and assess their eligibility for the CSP program,” said Michael Roots, ABC’s manager of field outreach and education.

    The new feature is designed to add value to the CASP system, which already helps growers self-assess their orchards. ABC worked closely with NRCS and CASP-partners SureHarvest to ensure the report’s usefulness for both growers and NRCS offices. By having this new report, growers will be well-equipped when beginning conversations with their local NRCS office about funding for conservation practices.

    Roots noted that the summary report creates an easy snapshot of a grower’s operation, possibly identifying other potential funding opportunities. “By simplifying the initial visit and providing a comprehensive overview of farm practices, the report opens doors to various incentive programs that can benefit growers and enhance their operations.”

    The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) provides assistance for growers who are looking to implement soil health practices. Roots said that a lot of growers are already doing some of these practices and could find funding to help expand those efforts. “The CSP program offers per-acre payments to growers for implementing practices that enhance soil health and overall farm sustainability,” he said. “These practices can include cover cropping, planting hedgerows and dust reduction on farm roads, as well as others. While the specifics of eligible practices are best understood by consulting local NRCS offices, the CSP program aims to reward growers for their efforts in maintaining and improving their stewardship practices.”

    Roots emphasized the importance of contacting local NRCS offices to understand the current status of funding and application acceptance. “Given the fluctuations in funding availability, reaching out to local offices can provide clarity on whether new applications are being accepted and what steps growers can take to prepare their applications”.

    Beyond the new CSP report, the California Almond Stewardship Platform offers numerous benefits to growers. After taking the initial self-assessment, the Platform provides tools like irrigation and nitrogen calculators, comparison reports, and a data share option that allows growers to share their data with handlers to help their conversations with buyers. These features help growers optimize their practices and contribute valuable data to the almond industry’s story.

    For growers interested in learning more about CASP and the new CSP report, visit AlmondStewardship.org. To check the availability of NRCS programs and start the application process, contact your local NRCS office.

  • Overwhelming Grower Support to Continue Almond Board of California

    The Almond Board of California is pleased to announce that California almond growers voted to continue their almond federal marketing order program for five more years.

    Voting was held Dec. 4 to Dec. 20, 2024, and 90.5 percent of voting growers, who together made up 93.3 percent of the almond volume represented in the voting, supported continuing the marketing order.

    The USDA conducts a continuance referendum every five years for the Almond Board of California (ABC) marketing order. The marketing order was established by the industry in 1950 to help growers and handlers work together to address the ever-changing demands on the industry changes and to drive global demand and drive marketing success.

    For the marketing order to remain in effect, it required approval from at least two-thirds of voting growers or two-thirds of the volume of almonds represented in the vote. Growers must have produced California almonds between Aug. 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024 to take part in the voting.

    The vote represents the California almond industry’s confidence in the Almond Board and the many programs it administers and funds with industry assessment dollars. California almonds are the state’s No. 1 crop by acreage, No. 1 ag export, No. 5 crop by value and the No. 1 specialty crop export in the U.S.

    ABC’s initiatives have strengthened key areas such as domestic and international marketing, nutrition research, data collection, production research, environmental stewardship and food safety and quality. By working together, the almond industry has developed valuable tools for growers, driven demand worldwide and achieved impressive milestones over the years.

    More than 200 industry members serve on the Almond Board’s Board of Directors, committees and work groups, and ABC works to engage as many industry members as possible in planning ABC programs and to encourage growers from widely diverse segments of the almond industry to participate in activities.

    Industry members are encouraged to attend one of ABC’s many public committee and Board of Directors meetings held throughout the year. A meeting schedule may be found at Almonds.com/Events.

  • Almond Board of California Calls for 2025 Board of Directors Candidates

    The 2025 election cycle for the Almond Board of California (ABC) Board of Directors launches on Friday, Feb. 7 with the call to all potential candidates to file their intent to run by April 1, 2025.

    A one-year and a three-year seat are open to represent independent growers in the 2025-26 crop year, and a one-year and a three-year seat are also open to represent independent handlers. Alternate seats for those positions are open, as well. Voting starts April 21 and ends May 22.

    To qualify for an independent grower or alternate seat, candidates must be a current grower and must submit a petition signed by at least 15 independent almond growers, which ABC will verify. Independent handler and alternate candidates must declare their intention in writing to ABC.

    All details, documents, open positions, the election timeline and deadlines, and frequently asked questions can be found at Almonds.com/Elections.

    All petitions and declarations must state the position for which the candidate is running and be sent to abcbodelections@almondboard.com or printed and mailed to ABC, 1150 Ninth St., Suite 1500, Modesto, CA 95354. The deadline for all filings is April 1. Potential candidates who’d like more information can contact ABC at abcbodelections@almondboard.com.

    “The ABC Board of Directors plays a crucial role in the success of our industry,” said ABC President and CEO Clarice Turner. “More than 7,600 growers and 100 handlers count on Board leadership to guide the work of the Almond Board. It’s crucial to have dedicated people from across the industry to help navigate these complicated times and work toward a positive, prosperous future.”

    The ABC board sets policy and recommends budgets in major areas, including marketing, production research, public relations and advertising, nutrition research, statistical reporting, quality control and food safety.

    Serving on the Board provides an opportunity to help shape the future of the almond industry and to help guide ABC in its mission to promote California almonds to domestic and international audiences through marketing efforts, funding and promoting studies about almonds’ health benefits, and ensuring best-of-class agricultural practices and food safety.

    ABC encourages eligible women, minorities and people with disabilities to consider running for a position on the Board of Directors to reflect the diversity of the industry it serves.

  • Almond Board Announces Exceptional 2025 Almond Leadership Class

    The Almond Board of California is proud to announce the Almond Leadership Program class of 2025, a group of 18 exceptional professionals expected to help lead the industry into the future.

    Bayer Crop Science has sponsored the Almond Leadership Program (ALP) for a number of years and is again the sponsor of this 2025 class of next-generation leaders who were chosen from more than 40 highly qualified applicants. They come from diverse backgrounds across the full range of the industry and include growers and processors, sales representatives, agronomists, pest control advisors, supply chain analysts, ag realtors and more.

    ALP began in 2009 and has graduated 244 industry members. Dozens now serve on ABC workgroups, committees and even the Board of Directors.

    “This 2025 class is outstanding. They are bright, accomplished and they care about our industry,” said Rebecca Bailey, the ABC senior specialist who oversees ALP. “This program helps great people become great leaders and our industry continues to see the huge benefits from 16 years of this program. We are certain these 18 people will continue to be great assets and advocates for the almond industry.”

    Members of this 16th class – while still working at their jobs – will be immersed in every aspect of the industry, including ABC activities in global marketing, production, nutrition research, food safety and more. They’ll sharpen their communication skills and build lasting relationships with industry leaders, ABC staff and each other.

    “The Almond Leadership Program brings together passionate people from all parts of the industry to learn, collaborate and grow,” said Katie Driver, a class member and technical service manager with UPL. “Through this experience, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the almond industry so that I can better support the growers, who make it all happen.”

    Class members are guided by volunteer mentors – many of them ALP graduates – who will help them develop the skills, knowledge and perspective to improve their industry and their communities.

    “Being a mentor gives me the chance to pass along not just what I’ve learned in the last 25 years as a farmer and a conservation biologist but the new challenges we face every year,” said mentor Christine Gemperle, a grower and member of ABC’s Board of Directors. “I believe this next generation of industry leaders has the ability to take that knowledge and grow an even better future for California almonds.”

    The leadership program will also offer class members thorough looks at the impacts on the industry of social, economic, environmental and regulatory issues. In addition,

    participants will take on a yearlong, self-directed project focused on improving the California almond industry. Some past projects have led to important breakthroughs for the industry.

    Leadership class members kicked off their training with a two-day orientation at the ABC offices in Modesto, which included one-on-one talks with their mentors and hearing from ABC CEO Clarice Turner.

    Once again, class members will raise money for California FFA, pledging to raise more than $25,000 in scholarships for high school students interested in pursuing agriculture in college. Through the years, ALP has raised more than $320,000 for FFA.

    The 2025 Almond Leadership class members are:

    • Arik Bains of Turlock, a pest control advisor with Wilbur Ellis.
    • Cristal Da Silveria of Modesto, a plant and food safety supervisor with Grizzly Nut.
    • Katie Driver of Woodland, a technical service manager with UPL.
    • Raquel Gomez of Atwater, a technical agronomist with Brandt.
    • Zach Harcksen of Ballico, a pest control advisor with Mid Valley Agricultural Services.
    • Evan Koftinow of Los Banos, an operations manager with RPAC.
    • Laine LaGrande of Colusa, a product and system specialist of high value crops with John Deere.
    • Brenden Lusk of Modesto, an ag realtor with Real Broker.
    • Joseph McManus of Shafter, a farm manager with Wilson Ag.
    • Luis Mendoza of Denair, a sales representative with Syngenta.
    • Rajan Nagra of Yuba City, a sales representative with Flory Industries/COE Orchard Equipment.
    • Crystal Nay of Manteca, the managing editor of Modern Ag Media.
    • Ricky Robledo of Colusa, a sales manager with TRECE Inc.
    • Kiki Sandrini of Bakersfield, a regional sales manager with Chandler Automation.
    • Ranvir Tung of Selma, the general manager of Tung Corporation.
    • Elizabeth Vander Weide of Sacramento, a supply chain analyst for Blue Diamond Growers.
    • Jake Wiley of Chico, a sales manager with ProFarm Group.
    • Bobbie Williams of Tracy, a clinical dietitian and almond grower with Sutter Memorial Medical Center in Modesto and WMD Farms.

  • Almond Board of California 2024 Elections Underway

    Elections are underway, and almond growers have the opportunity to vote for and select two independent grower positions and two independent handler positions on the Almond Board of California Board of Directors. Alternate seats for those spots are also on the ballot. Voting ends May 23.

    Candidates for the independent grower positions:

    Grower Position #1, Member (1-year term):             Grower Position #1, Alternate:

    Paul Ewing, Los Banos (incumbent)                         Katie Staack, Hughson (incumbent)

    Grower Position #3, Member (3-year term):              Grower Position #3, Alternate

    Joe Gardiner, Earlimart (incumbent)                          No declared candidate

    Candidates for the independent handler positions:

    Handler Position #2, Member (3-year term):             Handler Position #2, Alternate:

    Bob Silveira, Williams (incumbent)                            Dexter Long, Ballico (incumbent)

    Justin Morehead, Coalinga (petitioner)

    Handler Position #3, Member (1-year term):             Handler Position #3, Alternate:

    Darren Rigg, Le Grand (incumbent)                           Chad DeRose, McFarland (incumbent)

    Ballots and instructions have been mailed to all independent growers and handlers whose names are on file with ABC. Ballots must be received by ABC by May 23. Any independent grower or handler who does not receive a ballot can contact Toni Arellano at tarellano@almondboard.com.

    “Every vote is important, and it’s equally important to have as much of the industry as possible represented in the voting,” said ABC President and CEO Clarice Turner. “The Board of Directors represents more than 7,600 growers and 100 handlers. They guide the work of the Almond Board to help the industry build a positive future in these complicated times.”

    All details, documents, open positions, timelines and frequently asked questions can be found at Almonds.com/Elections.

    The ABC board is made up of five handler and five grower representatives. It sets policy and recommends budgets in major areas, including marketing, production research, advertising, public relations, nutrition research, statistical reporting, quality control and food safety.

    Results will be announced June 1 and the new board will start its term Aug. 1.

  • Almond Board of California Announces 2024 Elections

    Elections for the Almond Board of California (ABC) Board of Directors will launch for the 2024-2025 crop year on Friday, Feb. 9 with the call to all candidates to file their petitions or declarations of candidacy by April 1, 2024.

    The industry will choose people to hold two independent grower positions and two independent handler positions on the ABC Board of Directors in voting that starts April 22 and ends May 23. Alternate seats for those spots are also open.

    To be considered for an independent grower or alternate seat, candidates must be a current grower and must submit a petition signed by at least 15 independent almond growers (as verified by ABC). Independent handler and alternate candidates must declare their intention in writing to ABC.

    All details, documents, open positions, the election timeline and deadlines, and frequently asked questions can be found at Almonds.com/Elections. All petitions and declarations must state the position for which the candidate is running and be sent to abcbodelections@almondboard.com or printed and mailed to ABC, 1150 Ninth St., Suite 1500, Modesto, CA 95354. The deadline for all filings is April 1. Potential candidates who’d like more information can contact ABC at abcbodelections@almondboard.com.

    “The ABC Board of Directors is tremendously important to the success of our industry,” said ABC President and CEO Clarice Turner. “More than 7,600 growers and 100 handlers count on them to guide the work of the Almond Board and to help the industry navigate these complicated times and work toward a positive future.”

    The ABC board sets policy and recommends budgets in major areas, including marketing, production research, public relations and advertising, nutrition research, statistical reporting, quality control and food safety.

    Getting involved provides an opportunity to help shape the future of the almond industry and to help guide ABC in its mission to promote California almonds to domestic and international audiences through marketing efforts, funding and promoting studies about almonds’ health benefits, and ensuring best-of-class agricultural practices and food safety.

    ABC encourages eligible women, minorities and people with disabilities to consider running for a position on the Board of Directors to reflect the diversity of the industry it serves.

    About the Almond Board of California
    California almonds make life better by what we grow and how we grow. The Almond Board of California promotes natural, wholesome and quality almonds through leadership in strategic market development, innovative research, and accelerated adoption of industry best practices on behalf of the more than 7,600 almond farmers and processors in California, most of whom are multi-generational family operations. ABC is a non-profit organization that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the USDA. It was established in 1950 and is based in Modesto, CA. For more information on the Almond Board or California almonds, visit Almonds.com.

  • California Almond Acreage Drops Again in 2023

    California’s total almond acreage dropped again in 2023, this time by about 74,000 acres, making two years in a row that acreage has decreased, something that has not happened since at least 1995, according to a new report from Land IQ to the Almond Board of California (ABC).

    Total acreage dropped from just under 1.64 million acres last year to about 1.56 million in 2023, even though bearing acres – orchards producing almonds and planted in 2020 or earlier – increased slightly to 1.37 million acres compared with 1.34 million acres at this time last year. But the amount of non-bearing acreage – new orchards planted in 2021, 2022 or 2023 – sank about 105,000 acres from 294,000 acres in 2022 to 189,000 acres in 2023, according to the Land IQ 2023 Standing Acreage Final Estimate.

    “The latest Land IQ California almond acreage analysis continues to point to a reduction in total acreage driven by fewer new plantings and an increase in orchard removals,” said Richard Waycott, ABC president and CEO. “The 1.37 million bearing acreage in 2023 established a new record, reflecting plantings in 2020 or earlier, but going forward, the analysis points to a lowering of bearing acreage in 2024.”

    Orchard removals increased again in 2023 to about 83,000 acres as of Aug. 31, compared with 60,400 acres removed in 2022 and continuing a trend of an increasing pace of removals that started in 2021, according to the accompanying Land IQ 2023 Removal Update. That contributes to the analysis pointing to fewer acres next year and possibly beyond, Waycott said.

    In addition, nearly 41,000 acres are classified as either stressed or abandoned. They were included in the standing acreage total because the orchards “may have the ability to recover,” Land IQ said.

    The estimates come from multiple lines of evidence, including agronomic and remote sensing knowledge, robust on-the-ground verification, customized image analysis, artificial intelligence and more. Land IQ said the 2023 standing acreage estimate is 98.8 percent accurate.

    Land IQ’s acreage estimates are commissioned by ABC to provide statistical transparency and a robust picture of California almonds to industry stakeholders around the world. In 2018, ABC first commissioned Land IQ, a Sacramento-based agricultural and environmental scientific research and consulting firm, to develop a comprehensive, living map of California almonds. The map is the result of more than a decade of research.

  • Almond Board Directors and New CEO Listen and Talk with Industry

    The Almond Board of California Board of Directors and President and CEO Clarice Turner engaged almond industry members up and down the Central Valley in an eight-stop listening tour to answer questions and hear concerns and ideas.

    Board members and Turner hosted gatherings starting in Shafter in the south valley and ending in Orland in the north to hear what growers and handlers have on their minds and to give people a chance to ask questions in informal settings. Turner also participated with  outgoing Almond Board President Richard Waycott in delivering the State of the Almond Industry address at Malcolm Media’s recent Tree & Vine Expo in Turlock and Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo in Fresno.

    Incoming Almond Board of California President and CEO Clarice Turner addressing growers at Malcolm Media’s Tree & Vine Expo in Turlock (Photo by Matthew Malcolm)

    “While the long-term outlook for the industry seems promising, the short-term economics have left many growers contemplating their next steps,” said Alexi Rodriguez, chair of ABC’s Board of Directors. “The listening sessions were a great opportunity to engage with industry members to share information, experiences and ideas. It was also great for Clarice to hear from stakeholders in each region, as their challenges and priorities vary. Unfortunately, the Almond Board can’t solve every problem and many will be left to make some tough decisions going forward. That said, the Board and the organization are working hard to tackle the areas where we can make a positive difference for the future of the industry.”

    The listening sessions were casual and designed to be small so the questions and conversations could go deep. They are one of the ways Turner, who started as ABC president and CEO in September, is introducing herself to the industry and learning more about the people in the industry she serves.

    “I enjoyed meeting so many interesting, caring and knowledgeable people across the valley,” Turner said. “I heard many stories and learned so much about the history of this great industry, people’s hopes and concerns, and about their commitment to their land, roots, communities and to almonds. Despite the current difficult macro environment, we had very constructive conversations about the future of the industry. It was an inspiring week.”

    Subjects ranged from broad policy to technical questions, and the conversations will help guide sessions at The Almond Conference 2023 in Sacramento Dec. 5-7 where topics and issues will be addressed by experts during in-depth panel discussions. Rodriguez, Turner and Board of Directors members will also be available at The Almond Conference for industry members who have questions of their own.

    About the Almond Board of California

    California almonds make life better by what we grow and how we grow. The Almond Board of California promotes natural, wholesome and quality almonds through leadership in strategic market development, innovative research and accelerated adoption of industry best practices on behalf of the more than 7,600 almond farmers and processors in California, most of whom are multi-generational family operations. For more on California almonds visit Almonds.com.

  • Almond Board of California Directors Announce Clarice Turner as Next CEO

    The Almond Board of California Board of Directors selected Clarice Turner, an experienced global leader in consumer goods, food service and wine and spirits, as the next president and CEO.

    Turner is joining the Almond Board of California (ABC) after most recently serving as president of iconic Napa Valley winery Joseph Phelps Vineyards. She has also held CEO and senior executive positions at Boudin Bakery, Starbucks Coffee Company, YUM! Brands, Papa Murphy’s International and PepsiCo.

    The ABC Board is excited to welcome Clarice to the California almond industry,” said board chair Alexi Rodriguez. “A tremendous amount of thought and effort went into the search process and we couldn’t be more pleased with the result. Clarice brings extensive knowledge and experience that we believe will be a great benefit to the organization and the industry.

    Turner is a ninth generation Californian and has a long history of serving on corporate and non-profit boards including the Culinary Institute of America, Delicato Family Wines, the National Restaurant Association, Washington State University School of Business and San Francisco State University Lam School of Business.

    Along with her former global executive positions, Turner was also an international business major at Fudan University in China and understands the role different nationalities play in trade, business and culture.

    “I am honored to lead the Almond Board of California,” Turner said. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to combine my California heritage, roots in generational farming and executive experience to build on the strong foundation established in 1950. I look forward to working collaboratively with the staff, board, growers, handlers and industry stakeholders in the coming years.

    Rodriguez said that in September, Turner will begin working closely with the board, current President and CEO Richard Waycott and the ABC executive team to ensure a smooth transition over the coming months.

    “We are thankful for Richard, not just for his commitment to the industry over the last 21 years, but also for his support during this transition period to make certain Clarice and the organization are set up for success moving forward,” Rodriguez said.

    Waycott informed the board of directors in November 2022 that he planned to step away from his ABC responsibilities at the end of 2023 to pursue other interests.

    About the Almond Board of California

    California almonds make life better by what we grow and how we grow. The Almond Board of California promotes natural, wholesome and quality almonds through leadership in strategic market development, innovative research and accelerated adoption of industry best practices on behalf of the more than 7,600 almond farmers and processors in California, most of whom are multi-generational family operations. The Almond Board of California is a non-profit organization that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It was established in 1950 and is based in Modesto, CA. For more about the Almond Board or California almonds, visit Almonds.com.