Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1463529
The leadership program will also offer a thorough look at the ways social, economic and environmental issues, and the regulatory climate, impact the industry. In addition, participants will take on a yearlong, self-directed project – possibly diving into a topic that interests them, or introducing an innovative technology or practice to their operation, or exploring a new idea to advance the industry. All will focus on improving the California almond community, and some past projects have led to important breakthroughs for the industry. "The program offers clear insight into the almond industry as a whole and gives first-hand examples of what it means to lead an industry and to give back," said Chris Gallo, who has been both a participant and mentor. He is now the U.S. Western Region Sales and Marketing Vice President for Yara North America and is mentoring again in 2022. "It's clear that this program continues to evolve to build leaders who will take the almond industry into the future. It's truly a family that grows with every class." Once again, class members will raise money for California Future Farmers of America (FFA), pledging to raise more than $25,000 in scholarships for high school students interested in pursuing agriculture in college. Through the years, the leadership program has raised more than $200,000 for FFA. The 2022 Almond Leadership class members are Jaspaul Bains, Bains Ag LLC; John Bodden III, Bayer Crop Science; Kate Capurso, Blue Diamond Growers; Bethany Couchman, Eagle's Rest Ranches; Michael Coe, Blue Diamond Growers; Brady Colburn, Agri Technovation, Inc.; Ian Darling, Monte Vista Farming Co.; Jarred Greene, Nickel Family Farms dba San Juan Ranching Co.; Thomas Fantozzi, Synagro Technologies; Matt Morelli, Scientific Methods Inc.; Joe Palomino, Axiom Ag; Ken Peelman, Monte Vista Farming Co.; Carson Pettit, RPAC, LLC; Rodney Ratzlaff, Loveland Products Inc./Nutrien Ag Solutions; Arjun Samran, Bapu Farming Co.; Kaisa Spycher, Spycher Farms, Inc.; Blake Wilbur and Koppert Biological Systems. Almond Board of California Announces 2022 Elections Elections for the Almond Board of California (ABC) Board of Directors have kicked off for the 2022-23 crop year with the call to all candidates for the open independent grower and handler seats and alternate slots to file their petitions or declarations of candidacy by April 1, 2022. There are two independent grower positions and one independent handler position on the ABC Board of Directors to be decided in voting that starts April 21 and ends May 26. In addition, alternate seats for those spots are also open. To be considered for an independent grower or independent alternate seat, candidates must be a grower and must submit a petition signed by at least 15 independent almond growers (as verified by ABC). Independent handler candidates and alternates must declare their candidacy in writing to ABC. "The ABC Board of Directors is such an important and vital part of our industry," said ABC president and CEO Richard Waycott. "It guides the work of the Almond Board and is key to overseeing the welfare of the industry and of more than 7,600 growers and 100 handlers." The ABC board sets policy and recommends budgets in major areas, including marketing, production research, public relations and advertising, nutrition research, statistical reporting, quality control and food safety. Getting involved provides an opportunity to help shape the future of the almond industry and to help guide ABC in its mission to expand global consumption of California almonds through leadership in strategic market development, innovative research and accelerated adoption of industry best practices. ABC encourages industry members to keep an eye out for official ballots in the mail. The deadline to return a completed ballot is Friday, May 27. If you or your colleague are interested in running for a Board of Directors seat, contact ABC's Senior Coordinator Marketing Order Services Toni Arellano at tarellano@almondboard.com. Bayer Crop Science is the sponsor of the 2022 class. Almond Board of California 18