Almond Board of California opens voting for 2025 board elections

Voting is now open for the 2025 Almond Board of California board of directors election, with independent growers and handlers eligible to cast ballots through May 22.

This year’s election includes two independent grower positions and two independent handler positions, along with alternate seats for the grower roles and one handler seat. Ballots and voting instructions have been mailed to all independent growers and handlers on file with the Almond Board of California. Those who do not receive a ballot can request one by contacting Toni Arellano at tarellano@almondboard.com.

Independent grower position candidates

Grower Position #1, Member (1-year term):

• • Paul Ewing, Atwater (incumbent)

Grower Position #1, Alternate:

• • Tobin Barth, Esparto

Grower Position #2, Member (3-year term):

• • Brandon Rebiero, Earlimart (incumbent)

Grower Position #2, Alternate:

• • Brad Klump, Escalon (incumbent)

Independent handler position candidates

Handler Position #1, Member (3-year term):

• • Chad DeRose, McFarland (incumbent)
  • Jessica Davis, Madera

Handler Position #1, Alternate:

• • One year remains for the current alternate

Handler Position #3, Member (1-year term):

• • Darren Rigg, Le Grand (incumbent)

Handler Position #3, Alternate:

• • Dinesh Bajaj, Orland

The Independent Handler Position #1 is normally a 3-year seat but was vacated mid-term. The elected candidate for the member seat will only serve the remaining year of the term. This position will be up for election again in 2026. The alternate position was not up for election.

“Every vote matters to our industry, and it’s equally important to have as much of the industry represented in the voting as possible,” said Clarice Turner, president and CEO, Almond Board of California, in a release. “The board of directors represents 7,600 growers and 100 handlers. They guide the work of the Almond Board to continue helping the industry build a positive future.”

Election results will be announced June 2. The new board term begins August 1.