Dan Cummings and Dr. Brent Holtz Honored with Almond Industry Awards

The Almond Board of California announced the winners of its annual industry awards during the luncheon on Wednesday, Dec. 11, at The Almond Conference, held at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento. The 2024 Almond Achievement Award was presented to Dan Cummings, while Dr. Brent Holtz received the Almond Technical Achievement Award.

Almond Achievement Award: Dan Cummings
Described by newly elected Almond Board Chair Alicia Rockwell as a "leader and visionary," Dan Cummings has dedicated 40 years to the almond industry. He has managed up to 11,000 acres of almonds and walnuts, provided mentorship to future leaders, and supported agricultural research through in-kind contributions. 

His extensive global representation of the California almond industry includes participation in a dozen International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC) meetings and advocacy efforts in China, Russia, Europe, and beyond. Cummings also served on the Almond Board of California for over a decade and chaired Blue Diamond Growers’ board for nine years. Notably, he founded Project Apis M., promoting pollinator health and sustainability.

Almond Technical Achievement Award: Dr. Brent Holtz
Recognized as the "Grandfather of Whole Orchard Recycling (WOR)," Dr. Brent Holtz has revolutionized how almond growers approach orchard sustainability. As the Orchard Systems Farm Advisor and County Director for the UC Cooperative Extension in San Joaquin County, Dr. Holtz has championed WOR as a method to improve soil health by recycling entire orchards back into the soil before replanting. 

His research and advocacy have guided growers statewide, offering practical solutions for sustainable farming. Holtz’s work stems from his family’s own farming challenges near Modesto, where he and his father pioneered early recycling efforts. His dedication has earned him a reputation as one of the industry’s most passionate and influential advisors.

These awards celebrate the enduring contributions of Cummings and Holtz, whose vision and innovation continue to shape California’s almond industry.

View past recipients of both awards at Almonds.com/Awards. 

More about the awards 
Almond Achievement Award: Beginning in 2011, the goal of the Almond Achievement Award is to recognize an industry member who has added value through long-term service for the betterment of the California almond industry. ​Award recipients are individuals with long-standing and direct involvement, who demonstrate lasting impact on, and commitment to, the California almond industry.​

Almond Technical Achievement Award: Beginning in 2021, the goal of the Almond Technical Achievement Award is to recognize an industry or allied industry member who has contributed a significant technical advancement for the betterment of the California almond industry through research, innovation or facilitated adoption of practices. Award recipients have contributed significant research, facilitated an innovative practice, or assisted in the adoption of a practice for the betterment of the industry.