From left: Kent Stenderup (vice chair, ABC),
Tony Campos (award recipient), Mike Mason (chairman, ABC)
and Richard Waycott (president and CEO, ABC)
Tony Campos, Campos Brothers Farms, accepted the 2017 Almond Achievement Award winner at the Almond Conference in Sacramento. Tony has been involved with Almond Board of California (ABC) for almost three decades, serving on multiple committees, including eight years as an ABC Board Member.
“Tony is someone in our industry that has dedicated his life to promoting, processing and developing markets for almonds,” said Lori Coburn, Hughson Nut, Inc., who nominated Campos. “He has been involved in the industry in different capacities for decades as a grower and processor.”
Campos began growing almonds in 1971 with his brothers, Esteban and Fermin. In 1981, the brothers built the first Campos Brothers Farms almond huller, promising premium-quality processing.
Campos has served volunteer positions with organizations such as ABC, Raisin Bargaining Association, Raisin Administrative Committee, National Farmers Organization, California Bean Advisory Board and Fresno County Farm Bureau.
Tony and his family also support philanthropic organizations such as Valley Children’s Hospital, Catholic Charities Diocese of Fresno, Basque Cultural Center and Caruthers High School.
Throughout Campos’ nearly 30 years serving the almond industry, he has participated in the following committees:
- International Committee, ten years
- ABC Board of Directors, eight years
- Administration and Finance Committee, seven years
- Public Relations and Advertising Committee, two years
- Strategic Planning Committee, two years
In addition to his service to the almond community, Campos has been involved in advancing the industry’s technologies and innovations. He has worked on plant engineering research and processing design research that utilizes the newest technology to improve capacities and qualities in processing.
“The Campos Brothers have shared industry processing information back and forth openly over the years,” said Coburn. “He is a leader in the industry and it is great to see him being recognized for his contributions.”
Since 2011, the Almond Achievement Award has been awarded to an industry or allied-industry member who has been an integral part of the California Almond industry through long-term service, contributions or innovations.
Past Almond Achievement Award recipients include Dave Phippen, Ned Ryan, Martin Pohl, Joe McIlvaine, Dave Baker and Jim Jasper. Nominations are accepted between August and October each year.
