CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
A key element of Growing Together is our co-op’s ability to develop and leverage strong partnerships. Over the years, we’ve built relationships with local, state and federal leaders that have helped shape, advance and in some cases protect our industry. One example of the impact made through those relationships is the recent bipartisan effort to secure critical funding for Nickels Soil Lab, the largest almond research facility in the U.S., and a member of our co-op. I want to acknowledge and thank Senator Brian Dahle and Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry for successfully earmarking $503,000 for the support of lab operations. One individual in particular, Blue Diamond ’s federal advocate Julian Heron, has forged those crucial relationships and advocated on behalf of Blue Diamond Growers and our industry for more than five decades. I have considered this gentleman a close personal friend for the past 30 years and it was my extreme honor to recognize the extraordinary contributions of Julian Heron during the Annual Meeting. During our special tribute to Julian’s legacy, I was able
to share personal notes from a number of Blue Diamond leaders, including Roger Baccigaluppi, Steve Easter, Susan Brauner, and Clinton Schick. There are few words to describe the immense impact Julian has had on the almond industry, on Blue Diamond and on our growers. We will be forever grateful for his continued dedication and fortitude over the last 50 years. Another essential way we are Growing Together as a co-op is through our commitment to nurturing the next generation of farmers and industry leaders. Blue Diamond fosters leadership in current and future Blue Diamond members and through the industry through several different programs. Since its inception with my inaugural class of 1994, our Blue Diamond Leadership Program has graduated more than 550 members. The night before the Annual Meeting, we honored our 2023 Leadership Program class with a special graduation dinner. Congratulations to all graduates. I’d also like to acknowledge and thank Nick Blom for serving as program Chair this year.
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ALMOND FACTS
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