Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1170186
18 Lucas Schmidt and Dominique Camou Each year, Almond Leadership Program participants are required to complete a special project on a topic they're interested in, which can include building on past ideas and research, or tackling a new and novel idea. This year, participants Lucas Schmidt and Dominique Camou thought outside the box – and into the keg. Teaming up with Temblor Brewing Company in Bakersfield, Schmidt and Camou brewed "On the Fritz" almond beer and hosted a fundraiser tasting event in June, with more than $16,000 going to California FFA scholarships. "On the Fritz," which is being sold as Almond Brown Ale, has since been throughout the state, even making its way up to the State Capitol for policy makers and ABC Board members to try. It is available for purchase today at Temblor Brewing Company and Harris Ranch, canning and distribution are in the works, and the beer will be available to sample on the trade show floor at The Almond Conference 2019. ABC's Almond Quality and Food Safety Committee The International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) awarded the GMA Food Safety Award to the Almond Board of California in recognition of the Board's "preeminence in and contributions to the field of food safety." The award comes after nearly 50 years of Almond Board-funded research and innovation leading to numerous improvements in the way almonds are harvested and handled to ensure safety. Led by ABC's Tim Birmingham, ABC's Almond Quality and Food Safety Committee works to ensure the California almond industry produces the highest-quality, safest crop possible. Committee members attended the IAFP conference to receive this prestigious award in July. MOVERS AND SHAKERS The International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) awarded the GMA Food Safety Award to members of ABC's Almond Quality and Food Safety (AQFS) Committee during its annual conference. Those in attendance to receive the award were, from left to right, Guangwei Huang, ABC; Dr. Linda Harris, UC Davis; Tim Birmingham, ABC; Steve Lindsay, AQFS; Brian Dunning, AQFS; Raquel Andrade, AQFS; Chris Parriera, AQFS. Cal Expo, Sacramento AlmondConference.com DECEMBER 10–12 Register at AlmondConference.com Aug. 1 Registration opened Sept. 10 Hotel blocks available for booking The Almond Conference is the perfect place to grow your knowledge of production research, marketing program updates, global and technical regulations, food quality and safety, and more. With more than 30 sessions, 100 speakers and 250 exhibitors, there is something for everyone! IT'S FREE TO ATTEND This year's conference will be held at Cal Expo, home of the California State Fair, in Sacramento.