Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1187394
21 ALMOND COMMUNITY When did you first become involved in the industry? Todd Meyer (TM): I joined the almond industry in September 2001. I didn't grow up in the industry; I started my career as a school teacher and swim coach. Then my next-door neighbors' father, Tom Motto, was looking for a field man for his company, Western Nut Company. I told him that I was teaching and wasn't interested in the position. Fast forward to the end of the school year and he asked the same question again. This time I replied, "Yes, I would like to hear more about the position." That was 18 years ago. What does it mean to sit on ABC's Board of Directors? TM: Sitting on the Board of Directors is and has been a great honor. I feel fortunate to be a part of such a great group of people who are leading this industry in such a forward-thinking manner. The mindful approach that each Board member and ABC employee takes is evident in every decision that is made. The Board is representing the whole almond community, from growers to handlers to end users. The decisions we make affect everyone. My hope is when I look back and see what decisions were made at the Board level, I can say I would vote that way again. What about the industry do you most appreciate and take pride in? TM: The California almond industry is the leader of all ag groups. We are creating the road map of how an ag industry should operate. Others are now trying to replicate what the almond industry has already done. We have been out front making changes and getting better with each change we make, always pushing to work outside the box to make things better for the whole almond community. This is what sets us apart from the others, pushing to get better. This is what I take pride in and appreciate most about the industry. What industry accomplishment are you most proud of? TM: I would have to say the pasteurization program. I can still remember when this was announced and wondering how we were going to get this done. Look at where we are now! The ruling that came down from FDA on FSMA a few months ago is proof of how great the program is. Our pasteurization program made us largely exempt from the rules. A big, big win for ABC and the Almond Alliance, and another example of making hard, progressive decisions for the right reason. Always leading, never following. What advice would you give someone starting off in the almond industry? TM: Keep your eyes and ears open and ask a lot of questions. There is a wealth of information all around the almond community. Don't be afraid to ask. I can remember when I first started working at Western Nut Company — I didn't have a clue about almonds or the industry in general. I would go to meetings at ABC and I would sit and listen and not ask any questions because I didn't want anyone to know that I didn't really know anything about almonds. After showing up to meetings for about a year or so (before the Almond Leadership Program was conceived), Christine Long from Hilltop asked if I would like to be on a committee. I told her that I would think about it. I got back to her later and said "Yes." The rest is history. What's your favorite way to eat almonds? TM: I would have to say my favorite flavors are wasabi as well as salt and vinegar. Todd Meyer Sales and Marketing Specialist, Western Nut Company Member, ABC Board of Directors Almond Board Receives Prestigious Award for Outstanding Contributions to Food Safety This July, the International Association for Food Protection 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. ABC's Almond Quality and Food Safety Committee, led by Tim Birmingham, works to ensure the California almond industry produces the highest-quality, safest crop possible. Continued from page 20