leave it out for a year or two, and get paid for it.” Because she understands the complexity of California farms, Evans has a vital understanding when explaining to lawmakers how farms and farmer needs differ from one another. Kelli Evans was recently selected to serve on the Almond Board of California, where she hopes to give growers a more equal voice alongside huller-sheller advocates. Evans encourages other farmers to share their needs and opinions with the Almond Board as well. “Get on a committee. If anyone is interested, they need to reach out to Mel [Machado] and get on the list. We’re always looking for committee members from Blue Diamond .” Almond Board sessions are open meetings, and Evans encourages growers to attend. “You can’t vote, but you can sit in [on the meeting] and give your opinion.” Evans is proud to have started “at the bottom” as a farmer, working her way through different committees until finally coming to sit on the Almond Board. “I could have skipped some of those steps, but I feel much more powerful when I talk because I understand so many levels of [the Almond Board].” Between her work in grant writing, farmer advocacy through Blue Diamond and the Almond Alliance and her work on the Almond Board, Kelli Evans dedicates serious time to family as well. Evans’ husband, Tim, is their orchard foreman, often allowing him to be home taking care of their two children. Evans also complimented her own team, saying, “We have a pretty big team that helps me, which frees up a lot of time for me to be able to get away from the farm and into different roles.” Evans has been very clear with her children that they can choose whatever career they want. No matter what field Evans’ children enter, she says that “they [shouldn’t] be afraid to speak up when they need to and should always strive to be leaders.” Evans is committed to being a solid role model for her children, showing them that certain commitments or sacrifices are worth making for the betterment of everyone. As she advocates for California growers’ needs, Kelli Evans encourages almond growers to get involved in the Almond Alliance, in Blue Diamond and in the Almond Board. “More people helping would be wonderful. Our voices are very powerful when we join together. If you’re not happy with something, get involved. If you’re not happy with the direction of Blue Diamond , the Almond Alliance, or the Almond Board, you have to speak up. We must join together for the better good.”
Jake Sonke, Corporate Communications Intern, Blue Diamond Growers
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