The more one becomes involved in the California Almond industry, the more one needs to become knowledgeable about issues facing the industry, from sustainability to air quality. And with knowledge of industry issues comes the need to learn how to represent the industry when faced with these issues. The Almond Leadership Program not only prepares participants to get more involved in the industry, but it also prepares them for dealing with challenges. Throughout the years, the program has evolved into helping participants grow as leaders and advocates.
Wide Range of Issues
“In farming, there are issues that surface from air pollution to water usage,” says Sim Batth, 2015 Almond Leadership Program participant. “Through efforts like the Almond Leadership Program, Almond Board of California does a great job of mitigating these issues, and helping to prepare the leaders in the industry to know how to answer difficult questions.”
For the past seven years, Almond Board of California (ABC) has sponsored the Almond Leadership Program, a year-long curriculum aimed to grow leadership within the almond industry. Many participants who join the leadership program have prior experience working in the almond industry, but have the motivation to advance their involvement within the industry.
“I started working in the almond industry with zero agricultural experience, and the leadership program helped me learn a lot,” says Bobby McCuan, 2013 Almond Leadership Program participant. “After participating in the program, I’ve been able to evolve my career for the better and continue my involvement in the almond industry.”
Committee Participation
At completion each year of the program, participants are encouraged to join an ABC committee to continue to grow their leadership skills and their participation within the almond industry beyond their day-to-day activities. “It’s my job to work with several commodities, and after participating in the program, I’ve gone from minimal involvement in the almond industry to being heavily involved,” says Batth. “I currently sit as a leadership member on the Global Market Development Committee, so I’m able to have a voice and contribute within ABC.”
No matter what your reason is for applying to join the Almond Leadership Program, you’re bound to learn skills to help you be more effective in supporting the industry — whether directly or through your career. Not only will you be able to gain new information from speakers and in-field experiences, but you’ll also learn new abilities from your fellow participants.
Broaden Knowledge
“Everyone goes into the program with knowledge of their own niches in the industry, but the program opens up your eyes to the world around you,” says McCuan. “Joining with a class of people from all different perspectives allows participants to get a holistic look at everything it takes for the almond
industry to be successful.”
Applications for the 2017 Almond Leadership Program are available now and will be accepted until 5:00 p.m., Friday, Dec. 9, 2016. To apply, go to Almonds.com/Growers or, you can contact Jenny Nicolau at jnicolau@almondboard.com or (209) 343-3248.
