Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1286027
ALMOND COMMUNITY Almond Board of California 18 "As chairman, he was always happy to devote time and his support to help the industry move forward," Adams said. "In a committee that deals with everything from regulations on growing almonds to market access, it's really important to have expertise and input that spans the entire production chain. Martin brought incredible value to the committee as we talked about grower practices and environmental issues, or how a regulation in a foreign market would impact the industry here in California." Adams also noted that Pohl regularly participated in trips to Washington, D.C., to meet with lawmakers and federal agency staff to discuss issues important to almond growers and handlers. "He was a great spokesperson for the almond industry," Adams recalled. "He was able to discuss issues with all types of audiences, clearly and intelligently relaying the priorities for the industry. Martin was unique in his ability to connect, to help people understand how policies or regulations could impact a grower in California and their community. He was always speaking in the context of growers as a whole and what the industry was facing. You never really knew what company he was representing when he was on these trips in Washington, D.C. He was really just representing almonds." On June 18, 2020, just weeks after his passing, Pohl's contributions in Washington, D.C., were recognized one last time when Congressman Josh Harder recognized him on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives: Excerpted from the Congressional Record: "Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and exceptional service of Mr. Martin Pohl. Martin dedicated his career to our Central Valley almond industry and his efforts have positively benefitted communities and farmers throughout California. His good nature and sincerity were infectious and many in the industry will tell you that Martin was the person they felt comfortable going to for guidance. It is both fitting and appropriate that we honor Martin for his countless contributions to the almond industry and the State of California throughout his career." Inspiring future almond leaders – a Pohl hallmark At the time of his passing, Pohl was in his eighth year serving as a mentor for ABC's Almond Leadership Program, a one-year training program that inspires and prepares almond community members to meet future challenges. "Each year, I am overwhelmingly impressed with the insight and talent that the individuals in this program bring to our industry," Pohl wrote in his How We Grow column. "These leaders have and will continue to be instrumental in the future of our industry as they truly embrace the same mantra I had as a young boy: 'There must be a better way.'" Director of Sales at Vann Family Orchards in Williams, Bob Silveira, said Pohl provided inspiration to so many people just by being himself. "My wife and I met Martin in 1996 through his daughter," Silveira remembered. "I was in the dairy industry at the time and we went to his house, which was right by his processing plant. I remember walking through the plant and saying in my heart that 'this is so cool.' I didn't know anything about almonds at the time – I didn't even know what a Nonpareil almond was. Martin Pohl, on that day, planted a seed and he didn't know it. He was just being nice to me – that was Martin. "It took some time for that seed to germinate, but eventually we bought our first almond acreage a couple of years later. Every time I saw him at a convention or meeting, he would always ask about the family. Family was important to him, both his own and those he worked with." Pohl is survived by his wife Ingrid of nearly 55 years, children Janet Pohl-Schollenberg and David Pohl, and three grandchildren. Donations in memory of Pohl can be made to the Martin C. Pohl Memorial Scholarship Fund at Hughson High School, 7419 E. Whitmore Avenue, Hughson, CA 95326. "I greatly admire Martin for the outstanding human being that he was and feel so appreciative of his constant willingness to share his knowledge." — Richard Waycott The original ownership and management team of Hughson Nut, Inc. From left to right, Martin Pohl, Ham Cunningham, Don Johnson (Chief Financial Officer) and Cleo Barth. Photo courtesy of Cindy Broughton