The 2010 program year is underway. To apply for 2011, click here. You may apply anytime between now and December 13, 2010. For more information about this leadership program, please contact Lori Gerhardt at 209-343-3245 or lgerhardt@almondboard.com .
Mission: To encourage young and diverse individuals into future leadership roles in the almond industry.
Program Overview: The Almond Board of California (ABC) is looking for motivated individuals with a vested interest in the almond industry to guide the industry into the future. These future leaders will learn about all aspects of the almond industry and the important role that ABC and its committees play in overseeing the well-being of this major agricultural industry and its constituents. The future of the California Almond industry rests in the hands of the younger generation. The Almond Industry Leadership Program will help make those hands more capable.
* Individuals already involved with the almond industry, including females, minorities and individuals in the 20 to 39 year age range, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Description: The Almond Industry Leadership Program is a year-long program designed to provide a mentored experience, consisting of leadership training and industry education seminars led by ABC and almond industry leaders, hands-on, educational opportunities that build upon knowledge base provided by seminar presenters, field experience and a firsthand view of how the Board/Committees work, in order to prepare participants for possible Committee/Board selection.
Program Details:
- Each participant is paired with a Committee or Board member mentor.
- Leadership training and industry education seminars:
- This is Your Industry: Almond Industry Overview – ABC make-up and role in the almond industry, industry information (acreage, issues, future) , goals & requirements of the program
- Growing Concerns: Orchard Management, Environmental Stewardship, Food Quality & Safety – Farming practices, GAPs & FQ&S, environmental issues related to production, pest management, sustainability, water availability, community relations, equipment, record keeping, etc.
- Manufacturing: Making the Grade – GMPs, FQ&S, processing (hulling/shelling, grades, forms), equipment, record keeping, sampling (VASP), pasteurization, inspections, transportation
- Creating and Growing Global Demand: Marketing – ABC strategies by country and category, position/market analysis, reputation management, sales (wholesale, retail), advertising, image, etc.
- Government/Trade in a Nutshell:Global Trade & Technical Issues - Regulations & tariffs, shipping and receiving protocol, inspections and certifications, negotiations, special interest groups, USDA, FDA, CDFA, etc.
- Movin' On Up: Leadership skills seminar
- Science under One Umbrella: Nutrition Research/Technical issues
- Participants engage in hands-on educational activities that build upon knowledge base gleaned from seminar topics.
- Participants sit in on selected ABC Board and Committee meetings.
- Participate in industry/regulator tour, handler and grower facility tours, job shadow.
- Successfully completes a self-evaluation process reviewed by Board/Committee mentor.
Introduction and receipt of certificate of completion (graduation) at awards ceremony held during Gala celebration at 2011 industry conference.
Approximate Time Investment:
|
Activity |
Attend/Year |
Duration/Hours |
Total Hours |
|
Board/Committee Meetings |
2 |
4 |
8 |
|
Training Seminars |
7 |
5 |
35 |
|
Industry Tours |
1 |
6 |
6 |
|
Job Shadow (grower/handler) |
1 |
4 |
4 |
|
Food Quality & Safety Symposium |
1 |
8 |
8 |
|
Additional Educational Activities |
1 |
4 |
4 |
|
Almond Industry Conference |
1 |
8 -16 |
8-16 |
|
Totals |
|
|
73 - 81 |
Program Outcome: The goal is for participants to graduate from the program with:
-
The knowledge, skills and confidence to provide capable Almond Board of California leadership* and Committee leadership to the almond industry in the future, following closely in the footsteps of today's quality Committee and Almond Board members;
* ABC Board of Directors must meet eligibility requirements as established under Federal Marketing Order 981-31. Board members are chosen by grower election; committee members by Board appointment.
- A well-rounded education in the almond industry from "farm to fork";
- Enhance understanding of issues facing the almond industry today and in the future;
- A wide range of professional contacts within the industry;
- Increased visibility in one of the California's most successful agriculture industries;
- A valuable addition to a professional resume.
Cost to Participant: There is no cost to participant. Mileage to and from meetings, tours and educational activities is paid, educational materials and meals are provided, courtesy of the Almond Board of California.
Elegibility Requirements:
- Involvement in the almond industry.
- Full support of employer to participate in the required activities.
For more information contact Lori Gerhardt at 209-343-3245 or lgerhardt@almondboard.com. |
