almond farming background and serve as an industry member, working here at Blue Diamond . Participation in leadership development is essential for the industry because, as part of the next generation, I want to help lead our progress. By sowing into the next generation, we bolster the next group of almond industry advocates. AF: Tell us about the committee you joined during your time in the program. EVW: ABC’s crop year starts in August, so it’s aligned with our fiscal year. So, we all joined specific committees that we wanted to sit on for the crop year. I'm currently sitting on the Strategic Ag Innovation Committee (SAIC) and I’m committed to that for a year. We work mainly with Almond Board funded researchers to ensure their projects are beneficial to the industry and to growers. AF: How do you feel the program aligns with Blue Diamond ’s commitment to leadership and innovation? EVW: Blue Diamond graciously allowed me to participate in this program, which speaks volumes to our alignment.
It has allowed me to learn from other industry members and become more involved in ABC as well. I'm grateful for that and happy to represent Blue Diamond within ABC. Blue Diamond has allowed me to grow in my current role this year. Through Blue Diamond ’s support and the learnings I gained, I hope to have an influence down the road. AF: Finally, what would you say to any other Blue Diamond team member who is considering applying for the program? EVW: It’s very beneficial, and you get out of it what you put into it. The industry is evolving, and we’re at a turning point with changes to acreage, receipts and demand. Being involved in pushing us to the next level is crucial. The more activities we can be involved in as industry members, the better. As part of California almonds and ag, Blue Diamond needs to be represented well in that space. Finally, if anyone wants to learn more about ABC’s Almond Leadership Program, please reach out to me at evanderweide@bdgrowers.com
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JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2026
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