Almond Board Elections Open

MODESTO - Dec 20/04 - SNS -- January 20 is the deadline for nominations for the board of directors of the Almond Board of California (ABC).

As a governing body for the industry, the ABC Board of Directors is comprised of five handler and five grower representatives who set policy and recommend budgets in several major areas including: production research, public relations and advertising, nutrition research, statistical reporting, quality control, food quality and food safety.

Independent almond growers interested in seeking nomination to the 10-member Board must submit a petition signed by at least 15 independent almond growers by January 20. There is one independent grower member and one alternate grower member position available for election. The petition should state the specific position the candidate is seeking (member or alternate). Petitions must be filed at the ABC office located at 1150 9th Street, Suite 1500, Modesto, California 95354-0845, by close of business on January 20.

Also open for nomination is one independent almond handler member and one alternate handler member position. A handler must declare in writing his or her candidacy to the Board no later than January 20 to have his or her name appear on the ballot.

Cooperative almond handler member and alternate positions and cooperative grower member and alternate positions are also up for nomination. These positions will be selected through their cooperative association.