Almond Board of California 2022 Elections Underway

MODESTO, Calif. — Voting begins today to select two independent grower positions and one independent handler position on the Almond Board of California (ABC) Board of Directors. Alternate seats for those spots are also open. Voting ends May 26.

Candidates for the independent grower positions:

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

• Paul Ewing, Los Banos (incumbent)

Grower Position One, Alternate:

• Brian Wahlbrink, Sonora (petitioner)

• Katie Staack-Dorsett, Waterford (petitioner)                                         

Grower Position Two, Member (3-year term):    

• Brandon Rebiero, Modesto (petitioner)    
• Lee Erickson, Madera (petitioner)    

Grower Position Two, Alternate:  

• Michael O’Banion, Firebaugh (petitioner

Candidates for the independent handler positions:           

Handler Position Three, Member (1-year term):

• Darren Rigg, Le Grand (incumbent)   

Handler Position Three, Alternate:      

• Chad DeRose, McFarland (incumbent)       
• Jonathan Hoff, Denair (petitioner)        
• Spencer Birch, Wasco (petitioner)

Ballots and instructions have been mailed to all independent growers and handlers whose names are on file with ABC. Ballots must be received by ABC by May 26. Any independent grower or handler who does not receive a ballot can contact Toni Arellano at tarellano@almondboard.com.

The ABC board, made up of five handler and five grower representatives, sets policy and recommends budgets in major areas, including marketing, production research, public relations and advertising, nutrition research, statistical reporting, quality control and food safety.

Results will be announced June 1 and the new board will start its term Aug. 1.