In this issue

FEBRUARY

  • 10 International Committee Meeting 9:30AM
  • 11 PR and Advertising Committee 10:00AM
  • 24 Production Research Committee 9:30AM
  • 26 Almond Board of California Meeting 9:30AM

MARCH

  • 3Environmental Committee 9:30AM
  • 4 International Committee 9:30AM
  • 10 Food Quality & Safety Committee 1:00PM

ALMOND BOARD ELECTION UNDER WAY

Voting began January 30 to select two independent grower members and alternates and two independent handler members and alternates to serve as directors for the Almond Board of California (ABC) during the 2009-2010 crop year. The ABC Board of Directors’ term of office begins March 1, 2009.

Candidates for the independent grower positions are:

Position One, Member
(One year term):		 Position One, Alternate:
  • David Arakelian, Livingston (incumbent)
  • Charlie Pitigliano, Jr., Tipton (petitioner)
  • Brad Klump, Escalon (incumbent)
Position Three, Member
(Three year term):		 Position Three, Alternate:
  • Scott Hunter, Livingston (petitioner)
  • Wil Hunter, Livingston (petitioner)

Candidates for the independent handler positions are:

Position Two, Member (Three year term): Position Two, Alternate:
  • Christine Long, Ballico (incumbent)
  • Gerald Armour, Chico (incumbent)
Position Three, Member
(One year term):		 Position Three, Alternate:
  • Keith Rigg, Le Grand (incumbent)
  • Dean Nelson, Kerman (incumbent)

Ballots and instructions will be mailed to those independent growers and handlers whose names are on file with ABC. If you are an independent grower or handler and did not receive a ballot, one may be obtained from the ABC office at 1150 Ninth Street, Suite 1500, Modesto, CA 95354. Ballots must be received no later than February 17, 2009 in order to be counted. Additional election information may be obtained by contacting Sue Olson at (209) 343-3224.

As a governing body for the industry, the ABC Board of Directors is comprised of five handler and five grower representatives who set policy and recommend budgets in several major areas including: production research, public relations and advertising, nutrition research, statistical reporting, quality control and food safety.

closing the gap

While no federal or state regulatory standards for irrigation water exist, recommendations based on California surveys indicate a guidance level of 1000 fecal coliform or 126 generic E. coli per 100 ml of water as an action threshold. If levels exceed this threshold, (1) temporarily increase testing (2) attempt to determine the cause (3) seek professional advice to determine if corrective actions are needed.