The Almond Conference (TAC) 2022 drew more than 3,700 people over three days in Sacramento’s SAFE Credit Union Convention Center this week, providing valuable industry reports and assessments and a range of educational sessions that offered growers and handlers options for maximizing their resources and investments in almost every part of their operations.
“I think this conference has exemplified the message we heard yesterday from Jim Jasper at the end of the State of the Industry address. He called TAC the Super Bowl of the global almond business, a gathering where existing relationships are furthered and new relationships are made,” said Richard Waycott, ABC president and CEO. “In the past two days we have transparently dealt with our industry’s current difficulties but have equally learned about the many agricultural, logistical, and market development initiatives ABC has undertaken for the industry’s future benefit.”
The almond industry celebrated several distinguished members at the annual Gala Dinner on day two of the conference, Wednesday, December 7. The Almond Board of California recognized the contributions of Blue Diamond President and CEO Mark Jansen who announced his planned exit out of that leadership role earlier this year.
Also recognized was Paul Lum of American Farmland Trust who was the recipient of the 2022 Almond Technical Achievement Award. Waycott noted that Lum’s work over his distinguished career has helped countless farmers improve their operations, the environment and their bottom line.
And finally, ABC also celebrated the recipient of the annual Almond Achievement Award. Brian Ezell, Vice President of the Wonderful Company and ABC Global Market Development Committee Chair, was surprised by the award at the Gala with his wife and daughter joining him on stage. ABC Chair Alexi Rodriguez said in addition to his career accomplishments with Paramount/The Wonderful Company, Ezell has contributed countless hours to the development of the global almond business through his involvement at the Almond Board of California.
PDF versions of all the presentations will be posted later this month. A handful of general sessions will be made available in video and posted on the California Almonds YouTube channel in the new year.
Save the date for 2023: Dec. 5-7 again at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in downtown Sacramento.
