What We Do

Our Vision

California almonds make life better by what we grow and how we grow.

Our Mission

Expand global consumption of California almonds through leadership in strategic market development, innovative research, and the accelerated adoption of industry best practices.

Research & Innovation 

The Almond Board of California partners with universities and labs to produce invaluable data about California almonds. Explore our latest studies on the Research & Innovation section of the site.

Origins of the Board

The Almond Board of California was established in 1950. Then called the Almond Control Board, it began as a Federal Marketing Order primarily dealing with compliance issues. In the 1970s, recognizing a need to address market development, the name was changed to the Almond Board of California. While compliance is still a crucial part of its activities, the Board now engages in production, nutrition, and market research; advertising and promotion in domestic and international markets; and quality control and statistical analysis. As a Federal Marketing Order, it is important to note that the Board is not involved with, and is expressly prohibited from, setting field and market prices.

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 recognizes 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, color, 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. The Almond Board of California is a diverse group of almond professionals.

Meet the Board of Directors who guide the work of the Almond Board of California.

Almond Board Committees

More than 150 active almond industry members volunteer on board-appointed committees, subcommittees and working groups to further the work of Almond Board of California (ABC). Getting involved in the California Almond industry is a great way to ensure almonds remain an essential crop in California and are demanded by consumers around the world. The Board is always on the lookout for new volunteers and accepts applications throughout the year; the committees are seated in August. 

Click here to learn more about the Almond Board Committees.

Almond Board Staff

Consumers all over the world enjoy California’s wholesome, high-quality almonds. The Almond Board of California is both a leader in this industry and a great place to work. We’re here to help the almond community market their crop, conduct research to identify operational efficiencies and precision growing practices and to be a sustainable crop for California. We do this on behalf of California’s almond growers and processors, many of whom are third- and fourth- generation.

Meet the staff that work at the Almond Board of California.