Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1159340
15 Pasteurization has allowed us to deliver a safe product that the public can rely on, and the adoption and work toward the Almond Orchard 2025 Goals will prove valuable. Q: What advice would you give someone starting off in the almond industry? KS: Get out in front of the next big thing. The industry was taken aback by the one gallon per nut evaluation, though we recovered nicely due to the prior research and CASP 1 data that improved our reputation. Water, pesticides, dust … the 2025 Goals are well thought out, and now we have the opportunity to "show how we grow." Q: What's your favorite way to eat almonds? KS: I enjoy drinking almonds and chewing almonds at all occasions. If you add chocolate, you have my attention. The versatility of our nut is the envy of many other industries. BRIAN WAHLBRINK Grower Member, ABC Board of Directors Q: When did you first become involved in the almond industry? Brian Wahlbrink: I am a transplant. Originally born in Orange County, California, as a stereotypical surfer and beach guy, I married into the almond industry in 2004. I took a summer job on my father-in-law's ranch and found a new passion. The past 14 years have been an amazing journey as my brother-in-law and I now own the ranches that we farm. Q: What does it mean to sit on ABC's Board of Directors? BW: It is a great honor to represent great California almond growers. I was involved with the Board as an alternate in 2010 and have been involved in the Global Market Development Committee dating back to 2007. It is amazing to work with such a great group of individuals in dealing with industrywide — and ultimately global — issues. Q: What about the industry do you most appreciate and take pride in? BW: The growers, hands down. The more than 7,000 almond growers that make up this industry are incredible to work with. We have problem solvers, entrepreneurs and hard workers, and throughout the industry runs a deep- rooted passion and pride in supplying 80% of the world's almonds. I take pride in California almond growers' commitment to excellence. We all go through the same highs and lows, in both good times and bad, but at the end of the day California almond growers know how to pull together and help one another out. Q: What industry accomplishment are you most proud of? BW: Doing more with less. When you look at the tonnage increase in almonds over the years, keeping in mind our major water use reduction (reducing the amount of water it takes to grow a pound of almonds by 33% 2 ) it's incredible to see what we've done. Q: What advice would you give someone starting off in the almond industry? BW: Pace yourself. It's a marathon and not a sprint, and if you are planting for the first time you have a long road ahead of you. And always double check your planned budgets and expect the unexpected. It is probably better to buy an old, broken- down orchard that you can farm and redevelop in a few years than it is to plant in fresh, open ground. Q: What's your favorite way to eat almonds? BW: Dry roasted with a light dusting of salt. But on the weekends bring on the flavors: butter toffee, wasabi, and sea salt and vinegar! Brian Wahlbrink Sperry Farms 1 Learn more about the California Almond Sustainability Program (CASP) at SustainableAlmondGrowing.org. 2 University of California, 2010. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2012. Almond Board of California, 1990–94, 2000–14.