ADVOCACY REPORT
Although the law is well-intended, we continue to work with lawmakers and regulatory officials to protect our members and consumers from unintended consequences that could compromise food safety, escalate food waste, and increase producer costs.
Blue Diamond Growers Hosts Legislators Ag Council reached out to the Problem Solvers Caucus in the State Legislature to connect with our members recently, and – with help from Blue Diamond ’s team – they visited the Almond Innovation Center ® prior to the State Legislature’s adjournment. The Problem Solvers Caucus is a bipartisan group of legislators
(from left to right) Alicia Rockwell (BDG), Israel Landa, Eileen Ricker, Asm. David Alvarez (District 80), Asm. Tom Lackey (District 34), Asm. Josh Hoover (District 7), Asm. Juan Alanis (District 22), Asm. Marie Waldron (District 75), Mallorie Hayes (BDG)
Center operates as an incubator for new almond ingredients. Legislators had the opportunity to taste one of the products that resulted from that research — the new Ranch flavored almonds — which were a big hit with the group. Special thanks to Alicia and Mallorie for their work to help make the visit a success .
focused on driving policy outcomes that place the public good above partisanship. There is significant value in having legislators visit our members’ farms and food processing facilities; the experience often leaves an indelible mark that many elected officials remember for years to come, and Blue Diamond Growers is no exception. The Cooperative’s Sacramento location is especially ideal for tours with legislators. Alicia Rockwell, Blue Diamond ’s Chief Government Affairs Officer, and Mallorie Hayes, Government and Public Affairs Manager, led an educational conversation at the Almond Innovation Center ® . Six bipartisan legislators and a few legislative staffers learned about Blue Diamond ’s sustainability and innovation efforts, and the Blue Diamond team discussed research and development and how the
Emily Rooney, President, Ag Council of California
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ALMOND FACTS
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