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ALMOND COMMUNITY Heart for Farming, Soul for Service Industry Icon Jim Paiva Receives 2020 Almond Achievement Award It is incredibly rare for one individual to touch all facets of the California almond industry in their lifetime. Even more rare is for that person to actively engage in their local community, sincerely know their employees and take time to offer guidance with no regard for personal gain. Jim Paiva was that person, and more. "Few people benefit the almond industry more than the industry has benefited them. Jim was one of these special personalities," said Chico grower Richard McGowen. Paiva wholeheartedly immersed himself into every aspect of growing and processing almonds, from planting thousands of trees across California to launching and operating hulling, shelling and processing businesses. During the State of the Industry address at The Almond Conference 2020, Almond Board of California (ABC) President and CEO Richard Waycott, Board Chair Kent Stenderup and Vice Chair Brian Wahlbrink presented the 2020 Almond Achievement Award to Paiva, who watched from above: On November 20, 2020, one day after ABC's Board of Directors chose Paiva to receive the award, he passed away with his family by his side. And while ABC and the industry sincerely longed to recognize and thank Paiva in person, during his lifetime, he was never one to vie for the spotlight. "In our little North Valley production area, there are those who do and those that talk a good game. Jim Paiva was not only a doer but a quiet doer," said Mark Pierce, president of North Valley Ag Services. "His numerous good acts, whether related to the industry or the community in general, went unrecognized. Jim insisted on this." "What was evident to all was his quiet philanthropy," affirmed Tom Motta, former owner of Western Nut Company in Chico. "Many in our community at large have benefited from his help one way or another." A farming force of nature Each morning, Paiva rose long before the sun and, without fail, was in the office by 5:00 a.m., though he didn't stay long: Those who wanted to talk with Paiva or garner his advice knew they had to set their alarm to ring long before the rooster crowed in order to find him sitting down. As many colleagues and friends can attest, the man's passion was work – in fact, it was not uncommon for Paiva to fly home early from a vacation overseas or take off at 4 a.m. after a short getaway to Lake Almanor just to ensure he didn't miss another day's work. "He hated Sundays. He would spend the day jotting down notes of what employees needed to do the next week," said Riverwest Processing Grower Representative Darwin Smith. "There was never any dust on his shoes; he was always moving." "He loved harvest – with operations running 24/7, that was his favorite time of year – and he really disliked the days we weren't working," said Mike Koehnen of Koehnen Farms and Riverwest Processing. Paiva and partner Mike Koehnen at Riverwest Processing. Paiva and friends observing romaine harvest at the Tanimura & Antle farm in Yuma. "Almonds were Jim's passion, his life and the reason he got out of bed each day. His influence on the industry is lasting and impactful!" — Rob Ramay Continue on page 3 Almond Board of California 2