producers, and ag leaders. Our partnership for the Give the Gift of Blue initiative during Giving Tuesday provides deserving students with FFA jackets and uniforms. Through Blue Diamond ’s and your support, FFA has provided 5,717 jackets to students across the state – this is an incredible achievement and one we are very proud of. We are excited to announce that for the ninth consecutive year, Blue Diamond will match your donations to FFA on Giving Tuesday, December 2, up to $25,000 to help raise funds for students to receive their iconic blue jackets. Thank you all, for being such strong supporters of our FFA students, and thank you to FFA for all the work you do for farming. The 2025 Grower Ambassador of the Year award is a third-generation almond farmer whose family has been Blue Diamond members for nearly fifty years. Currently in his final year of his MBA program at Fresno Pacific University School of Business, this individual has great pride in being a Blue Diamond member.
Strategic Ag Innovation
Committee, Board of Directors for 8 years, and two- time vice chair. He savors being part of a team that creates solutions to challenges issues in the industry and acting as a voice of change for farmers.
Left: Steve Van Duyn with John Monroe. Right: Steve Van Duyn and George Goshgarian Jr
helped move the Co-op forward. Our leaders have built upon the foundation of those before them. Now, as we are moving through this next chapter, I have complete confidence in our current CEO, Kai Bockmann. In his two and a half years at the helm, Kai has brought clarity, discipline, and a strategic vision that is strengthening our foundation and positioning Blue Diamond for a strong, successful, sustainable future. Thank you to the Blue Diamond Board of Directors and our Leadership Team for walking us through the strategic plan. Kai and the team are working hard to market and sell your almonds to new and existing audiences to ensure a bright, lasting future for Blue Diamond . We’re not going anywhere, and with this team in place, I am confident that will remain true.
To quote George, he says that “Serving at the Almond Board gives even the smallest farming operation a seat at the table. I’ve been very proud to represent Blue Diamond at the Almond Board of California for the last decade and a half.” I’m so grateful for families like the Goshgarians who keep our industry so strong. My own family remains deeply committed to Blue Diamond because of the dedication and hard work of our entire team—people who strive every day to deliver the best possible returns for our growers in a constantly evolving market. Today, Blue Diamond is in a period of transition. While transitions can bring challenges, they are also moments of renewal and opportunity. What gives us confidence is the strength of our leadership and the unity of our cooperative. Throughout our long history, Blue Diamond has navigated both prosperous and difficult seasons. Each chapter, and each CEO, has contributed unique strengths that
This year’s Chairman’s Ambassador of the Year award recipient is George Goshgarian Jr.
For over 13 years, George has faithfully
served in various capacities at the Almond Board
including the Environmental Committee, Almond Quality and Food Safety Services Committee,
Stephen Van Duyn Chairman of the Board
9
NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2025
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