Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1310869
ALMOND COMMUNITY Almond Board of California 16 meant to grow food. It just felt right to go home and farm, so I did. My younger brother Erich became my business partner and our dad (Walter Gemperle) guided us into the industry in 1998 as we purchased our first orchard. What does it mean to you to sit on ABC's Board of Directors? Alicia: I quickly gained appreciation for the role of the industry's Federal Marketing Order (the Almond Board of California) when I witnessed the power of its research and communication tools during the drought. Almonds represent a prominent place in California agriculture, and in our politically progressive state we as an industry have been and will continue to be a target. The resources afforded by the Board are critical to sustaining success. Protecting the marketing order is a clear priority. The Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring staff and resources are utilized in accordance with federal guidelines and with accountability to the growers' investment. I am humbled and honored to serve on the Board. Christine: When I was asked to participate on the Board representing the growers of Blue Diamond, I was dumbfounded that they felt I had enough experience to take on that role. I really felt and still do feel honored to represent that sector of the industry. In a constantly evolving world, it is paramount that we keep progressing with the goal of being prepared for changes, or better yet staying one step ahead. That is the goal of ABC, and it is why I find it very exciting to be at the epicenter of an agricultural industry that really is forging the path of farming for the future. For instance, I cannot tell you how many times I heard in Washington, D.C., that the Almond Board of California was the gold standard of Federal Marketing Orders. What about the industry do you most appreciate and take pride in? Alicia: For me, it is all about the growers and their families. Every one of them exhibit resourcefulness, legacy, humbleness, stewardship, community and a pride in producing a nutritious, healthy food. The foundations of farming are the foundations of this great country, dating back to native Americans and early settlers. Christine: I always like to tell people that almond growers are in it for the long haul, not only because an orchard is such a huge financial undertaking but also because it is a 25-year time commitment. In the lifespan of an orchard you could conceivably have a child, watch him or her grow to adulthood, get married and maybe even have a grandchild. Perhaps that is why farming is so deeply personal for so many and tends to be multi-generational. Make no mistake that all the decisions made by the Almond Board – whether about food safety, marketing or research – are made with that in mind and are not taken lightly. It really is an industry that looks to the future and the role it will play in what lies ahead. These days the word "progressive" has been given negative connotations by some, but to choose not to engage in progress is to be left behind, to be left out. It cannot be denied that the almond industry is probably one of the most progressive in agriculture. What advice would you give someone starting off in the almond industry? Alicia: Connect with growers and appreciate their farming legacy, and learn and understand the foundations of how the crop is produced and brought to market. These efforts will shape your passion for the industry and enhance your leadership. Christine: Listen, ask questions, learn from your mistakes, learn from other's mistakes. Be a sponge, take everything in, assess and then jettison the dead weight. Don't ever think you know it all because that is when the learning stops, and you will likely miss out on something very important. Know that all practices don't work for all operations – flexibility and the willingness to be flexible is an advantage. To some it may look easy and straightforward, but almond farming is an art with a complexity that can only really be understood by those doing it. And do not underestimate the importance of building good relationships within the industry, whether it is with your employees, your irrigation district, tractor dealer, handler, etc. On some level we are all in this together – we depend on each other. What industry accomplishment are you most proud of? Alicia: I came to my role at Blue Diamond at the height of the drought. My first year was consumed with supporting the Almond Board's efforts in turning the conversation around for almonds and the industry. There were so many learnings, and those in the industry owe a debt of gratitude to the growers who stepped up early to complete modules within the California Almond Sustainability Program (CASP). It was the exceptional data around our water technology and its efficiency, gathered by CASP, that provided the Continue on page 17