December

1 Leadership Development Committee 8:30AM
1 Administrative & Finance Committee 9:30AM
1 Board of Directors Meeting 1:00PM
9-10 37th Annual Almond Industry Conference
17 Food Quality & Safety Committee 12:00PM

January

12 Food Quality & Safety Committee 9:30AM
20 Environmental Committee 9:30AM

Are You on the Ballot?

Don’t miss this opportunity to throw your hat into the ring for the 2010 Almond Board election! The last day to receive incumbent and handler letters of intent as well as independent grower petitions is Jan. 20.

Growers and handlers are encouraged to run for a Board or alternate position in the upcoming Feb. 18 election. Board members and alternates are instrumental in determining and setting protocol for the issues and policies that affect the whole California Almond industry.

Ballots are being mailed on Jan. 29, and need to be received in the ABC office by Feb. 18. For more information about submitting an intention to run for a Board position or for questions about the election, please contact Sue Olson, (209) 343-3224.

Q: Do pasteurization processes kill or remove aflatoxin from almond kernels?

A: No, pasteurization processes kill microbiological organisms such as Salmonella, but do not reduce or eliminate aflatoxin contamination. It is imperative that you have a winter sanitation program in place to remove mummies that provide a harborage for NOW to overwinter.

See article on winter sanitation in this newsletter for more information.

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