Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1286027
ALMOND COMMUNITY 17 and shipped to Canada, where they tested positive for the bacteria. Fortunately, no one became critically ill and the shipment was small, but that didn't deter Pohl from taking quick, determined action to help the industry improve its food safety protocols. "As an industry, we are all in this together," Pohl said in a 2007 interview with Western Farm Press. "If another problem occurred, it wouldn't necessarily equate with that handler – it would equate with the industry. I think we all have to protect our participation in this industry. If one or two don't and we have another problem, we will all suffer." Former ABC Chairman and Manteca- based grower Dave Phippen recalls Pohl's steady and level-headed guidance in the years leading up to the 2007 adoption of the pasteurization program. "None of the meetings were particularly pleasant; some were even confrontational," Phippen said. "But through it all, Martin continued to lead us in the right direction, no matter the pain or difficulty. To me, Martin reflected leadership of the highest level, in a time of greatest need for the benefit of the entire almond industry. And now look at where we stand today in regards to food safety. What an enviable position for our almond industry to occupy. My hat's off to our good friend Martin!" ABC's former Chief Scientific Officer Karen Lapsley, Ph.D., similarly recalls Pohl's involvement and dedication in getting the pasteurization program off the ground. "My first insight into Martin's deep commitment to the almond industry was in the early 2000s with the Salmonella outbreaks," Lapsley said. "His learnings from that experience by interacting directly with regulators, and his heartfelt desire to share those learnings with the almond industry, were very impactful and helped to lay the groundwork for ABC's role in examining pasteurization technologies and the validation of them for efficacy." Mike Mason, a Shafter-based handler and former ABC Chairman, also regards Pohl's work on the pasteurization program on behalf of the industry. "Martin was an almond industry icon," Mason said. "I had the pleasure to work with Martin and many others on the almond pasteurization program, for which he was instrumental in working on many of the program's nuances. He was one of those rare people that once you met him, you wanted to be his best friend. He was a kind, generous and passionate person who gave his time and expertise for the betterment of the entire almond community. He will be greatly missed." Thirteen years have now passed with zero outbreaks of foodborne illness attributable to California almonds, thanks in part to Pohl's indispensable leadership in helping launch the pasteurization program. Decades of renowned service Among ABC staff, Pohl developed a reputation for being someone that would take time to discuss ideas, develop strategies and champion initiatives aimed at improving the almond industry's trust and performance with customers, consumers and neighbors. His decades of invaluable industry service earned him the ABC Almond Achievement Award in 2013. "Over the years, Martin always made time for any of our technical requests, even if they 'came out of left field' and were focused on innovative options of 'what could be' for the California almond industry of the future," Lapsley recalled. "In early 2020, I had the opportunity to gain invaluable insights from in-depth discussions with him about the evolution of harvesting in our industry. His vast knowledge and mentorship will be sorely missed. From these interactions over the years, I found Martin to be a kind, caring individual who valued family and friends greatly." For more than 10 years, Pohl served on ABC's Technical & Regulatory Affairs Committee, which he chaired from 2012 until the time of his passing. ABC's Vice President of Global Technical & Regulatory Affairs Julie Adams recalls the vital knowledge Pohl brought to the committee and the voice he gave almond growers as issues were discussed here and across the country. The Almond Board recognized Pohl for his outstanding achievements and contributions to the industry by presenting him with the Almond Achievement Award at The Almond Conference 2013 in Sacramento. Pohl (center) is shown with former ABC Chairman Bill Harp (left) and ABC President and CEO Richard Waycott. Continued from page 16