Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1349956
FROM LEADERSHIP Almonds are a clear leader in California agriculture: In the highest-producing agricultural counties in California, almonds are the top crop. While being a leading crop comes with its fair share of challenges, time in the limelight has made almond growers better leaders as well as more innovative, technologically savvy and environmentally conscious. But what makes a strong leader? A recognizable name, money, position of power or level of education? Those things can help, but a leader is molded by experiences, contributes to society, is willing to help others and has a goal to make a difference. By the standard of these characteristics, the almond industry and its members are definitely leaders. In this issue of How We Grow, for example, you will read about the life and career of Jim Paiva, a true leader within the almond community. Paiva didn't set out to be a leader, but his role in aiding Central Valley farmers in almond production, his partnership in a state-of-the-art processing facility in the North State and the legacy of farming he left behind all made him a leader in the almond industry and led to his receipt of the 2020 Almond Achievement Award, presented by the Almond Board of California (ABC) at The Almond Conference 2020. In addition to honoring past and present leaders through this award, the Almond Board aids in developing new leaders through the Almond Leadership Program. The mission of the Leadership program is to engage members of the almond community in creating a culture of lifelong leadership development, networking, education and service. This program allows participants to experience every aspect of the industry and at times places them in challenging and awkward situations to test their leadership abilities. The hard and awkward situations were in fact my favorite part of leadership development, as they tested my abilities on all gauges and were the most rewarding of experiences. Prospective program participants should not seek to take part in this leadership opportunity only because they want to grow their leadership within our industry, but also because they want to make a difference. Since participating in the program over a decade ago, I have continued to participate in several leadership programs and trainings. I am currently a participant in the American Farm Bureau Partners in Advocacy Leadership, a two-year executive-type leadership development program, with nine other farmers from across the country. Already during this program, I have been pushed into simulated media training with piranhas of instructors, placed into meetings with top political officials and given the opportunity of a lifetime: addressing former President Trump on a national platform. Leaders don't create their own paths: leaders set out to make a difference and their path directs itself. One example of this thinking is the Almond Orchard 2025 Goals, in which almond farmers have pledged to make a difference in the way they farm to better our environment, our resources and our future. As a fourth- generation California farmer, my goal is to leave behind a legacy of stewardship for the next generation. We can no longer do things the way we used to – we must improve our practices, look for ways to change and push the envelope. Every almond grower has a unique set of skills and experiences that, together, will guide our industry forward. With a heart to tell our almond-growing story to the world, I recently started marketing our family almonds direct-to-consumers through my brand, Almond Girl, to diversify and try something new, put my passion for the industry into action and create an alternative sustaining business for our children. What started as a blog and social media advocacy seven years ago is now a blossoming business aimed at connecting consumers to farmers and providing one more outlet through which I can tell our California almond story. If you want something you've never had, then you must do something you've never done. Leaders do not do the same thing every day and expect a different result. Leaders must be willing to feel uncomfortable and be challenged in order to make a difference. How will you lead to make a difference? Jenny Holtermann Member, Global Communications Committee Almond Board of California The Almond Leadership Program class of 2020-2021. 1