Beth Van Meter, senior specialist, Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs, distributes almond snack packs and educational materials to visitors at the Almond Board booth during Ag Day at the Capitol on March 20. (Photo courtesy of California Department of Food and Agriculture)
On March 20, Almond Board of California (ABC) celebrated National Ag Day by sponsoring and hosting a booth at Ag Day at the Capitol. Led by California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and hosted in partnership with California Women for Agriculture and the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom, this event gathers growers, processors, crop groups and others in Sacramento to meet government leaders and share the significant role of California agriculture. This year, the theme of the event — “Climate-Smart, California Grown” — recognized the innovative spirit and environmental stewardship of the ag industry.
Visitors to the Almond Board’s booth learned about the California almond industry’s commitment to growing almonds that are not only good for the consumer, but also good for local communities and the environment. ABC staff distributed copies of “Growing Good,” an annual sustainability[1] publication highlighting the almond community’s commitment to responsible farming practices, among other informational items. Almond recipes, ABC hats and colorful California almond hand fans were also passed out to booth visitors, and, of course, almond snack packs were a popular item!
Elected officials and their staff attended the event, and several stopped to visit the Almond Board booth, including Assemblyman Rocky Chavez (R-Oceanside), State Senator Richard Ran (D-Sacramento) and CDFA Secretary Karen Ross.
“Ag Day at the Capitol is a great event,” said Bunnie Ibrahim, analyst, government affairs, ABC. “So many people come out to learn about California agriculture, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to share the almond industry’s story."
[1] Sustainable almond farming utilizes production practices that are economically viable and are based upon scientific research, common sense and a respect for the environment, neighbors and employees. The result is a plentiful, nutritious, safe food product.
