2023 Almond Conference wraps with strong attendance
The Almond Board offered three days of operational options, exchanging ideas and research.
The Almond Conference 2023 drew the largest turnout since 2019 and enabled attendees to met Clarice Turner, the new president and CEO for the Almond Board of California (ABC).
Attendees learned about the array of programs — ranging from building global demand to increased trade efforts to research to maximize grower efficiency — aimed at helping the industry face difficult times.
OVERVIEW
The gathering was held at Sacramento’s SAFE Credit Union Convention Center, drew 3,819 attendees and provided an opportunity to further relationships, build new ones and exchange ideas and information.
ABC Board Chair Alexi Rodriguez (left) and ABC CEO Clarice Turner thank outgoing CEO Richard Waycott for 20-plus years of service during the annual State of the Industry presentation. Photos courtesy of ABC.
STATE OF THE INDUSTRY PRESENTATION
During the State of the Industry presentation, Turner talked about what she called a great strength of the almond industry — the supportive nature of everyone in it.“I’m so impressed with how you all work together, help each other, and care so deeply,” Turner said. “As the industry struggles to deal with challenges, many we don’t control, it’s critical to pull together and focus on what we can control or influence to find our way forward … We have some difficult times to endure, but I’m certain that strong leadership, focus and the industry DNA of ‘grit and innovation’ will get us to a better place.”
Attendees at The Almond Conference 2023 visit the Incentive and Grower Support Zone to get information and questions answered by more than a dozen agencies and organizations that offer incentives or help getting them.
The theme of The Almond Conference 2023 was “Connecting the Dots,” and the sessions offered practical information for growers in many forms as well as a forum to exchange knowledge. One focus was providing information about the range of assistance available to the industry, and the conference again included an Incentive and Grower Support Zone, a popular offering that helped attendees get their questions answered by more than a dozen agencies and organizations that offer incentives or help getting them.
Attendees also heard from Doug McKalip, chief agricultural negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, who was part of the State of the Industry presentation, and from CDFA Secretary Karen Ross, who spent time with McKalip visiting the trade show floor.
AWARDS
The annual awards given to long-time industry leaders during the Gala dinner were also highlights, as they are every year.2023 ALMOND ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Dick Cunningham was given the 2023 Almond Achievement Award for his remarkable commitment to the advancement of the almond industry over a 50-year career, and Wes Asai was awarded the 2023 Almond Technical Achievement Award, which recognizes an industry member who has contributed to significant technical advancement for the betterment of the California almond industry through research, innovation or facilitating the adoption of practices.LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
And Richard Waycott, outgoing president and CEO at ABC, was recognized for his 20-plus years of service to the industry with a Lifetime Achievement Award.WHAT’S NEXT
- PDF versions of the slide presentations covering a wide range of topics and featuring expert speakers are available at Conferences Presentations (almonds.com). Video recordings will be posted and available in the new year.
- Save the date for 2024: Dec. 10-12 again at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in downtown Sacramento.