How the Board Works
The Board of Directors is composed of 10 members. The more than 7,600 almond growers and 99 almond handlers elect five growers and five handlers in an annual election process held throughout the state. Once elected, the Board elects its chair and vice-chair. The Board members give the chair the authority to appoint individuals to standing committees. Board and committee members serve without compensation. The Board is responsible for establishing policy, recommending budgets and programs to the Secretary of Agriculture for approval, and reviewing program results and effectiveness. The Almond Board is funded by an annual assessment of the marketable kernel weight of almonds grown in California.
The Almond Board of California recognises the diverse makeup of the California almond industry and values contributions offered by its growers and handlers. The Board seeks to ensure that its programs and policies are inclusive rather than exclusive and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. Furthermore, the Board accepts and has adopted the concept of diversity which views society as a mixture of people, all with different cultural backgrounds, and each with a unique perspective and ability to contribute to the process.
