How We Grow

2020 Jan/Feb How We Grow

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17 ALMOND COMMUNITY Get to Know Your Board – Part Four In former issues of How We Grow, we published Part One, Two and Three of our series, "Get to Know Your Board." In this series, we're profiling members and alternates of the 2019-2020 Almond Board of California (ABC) Board of Directors, which is composed of ten members — five growers and five handlers — with each member having one alternate. This group of individuals embraces the California almond story and is living it every day, just like you. Read Part Four of this series below and be sure to check out future issues of How We Grow for features on other key industry leaders. When did you first become involved in the industry? Bill Morecraft (BM): I joined Blue Diamond Growers in December 1986, early in my career. What does it mean to sit on ABC's Board of Directors? BM: I enjoy working on the Board at ABC because it allows me to share the insights I have gained in more than 30 years of varied experience and to hear and understand other's point of view. What about the industry do you most appreciate and take pride in? BM: There is a measurable level of camaraderie within the almond industry… a serious but friendly competition. Everyone involved shares an interest in promoting almond consumption, protecting the almond industry's reputation, and delivering economic success to the almond growers of California. What industry accomplishment are you most proud of? BM: Blue Diamond was a leader, with ABC, in promoting mandatory pasteurization as the science emerged in the 2000s. Following that path has protected the California almond industry and been a great source of competitive advantage for all the handlers who followed that trend. What advice would you give someone starting off in the almond industry? BM: Learn as much as you can about all aspects of the business including farming, processing, sales, and marketing. The broader your experience the deeper your understanding. What's your favorite way to eat almonds? BM: My favorite almond product might be Nonpareil Inshell because it has been so meaningful to California almond growers. But of course, I like our Blue Diamond flavored snack almonds, as well. When did you first become involved in the industry? George Goshgarian Jr. (GG): My family has been growing almonds in Fresno County since the late 1970s. Some of my earliest memories include helping with harvest. At four years old, I'm not sure how much help I actually provided, but I found a passion for working outside with my hands and eventually a profession that does not require me to wear a tie. After I graduated from college, I was recruited into the wine business, where I spent many years as a winemaker. About 12 years ago, my family asked me if I wanted to come back and help with the farming operation. I jumped at the opportunity and have never looked back. What does it mean to sit on ABC's Board of Directors? GG: It is a great honor to serve as a member of the Almond Board of California's Board of Directors. I have been involved with ABC for about 10 Bill Morecraft Jr. Senior VP, Blue Diamond Growers Member, ABC Board of Directors George Goshgarian Jr. Owner, Goshgarian Farming Company Member, ABC Board of Directors

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