Page 25 - Patrick Cavanaugh News Today

Mel Machado is VP of Member Relations with Blue Diamond Growers. He comments on Blue Diamond Growers member benefits.

Danielle Veenstra is Senior Management Reputation Manager and Sustainable Communications for the Almond Board of California. She comments on the work the Almond Board does to tell their sustainability story

Pam Graviet is a Senior Marketing Director, International, with the California Walnut Commission. Walnuts contain Omega 3 ALA---proven to be food for heart and brain health

Zach Fowler is CEO and Director of Asset Management for Folwer Brothers Farming, based in Waterford CA. They oversee 1200 acres almonds and walnuts as well as other crops.

“We recognize the next drought is not if, but when, and it is critical we use extra water to prepare for future years when water may be sparse,” said Allison Febbo, General Manager, Westlands Water District. She noted that growers in the Federal Water District will recharge 200,000 Acre-feet this year.

Richard Waycott is President and CEO of the Almond Board of California. He noted that the Board is aways trying to promote to that next generation of almond consumers.

Brian Ezell is Vice President of the almond division of the Wonderful Co. He said almonds may have been planted faster than demand from consumers worldwide.

Jim Sitton is Grower Relations Manager for Sierra Valley Almonds, an almond handler in Madera Ca. He said growers could not sanitize their orchards this winter due to wet ground from all the rain. He notes that NOW pressure could be big.

Brian Ezell is Vice President of the almond division of the Wonderful Co. He said almonds may have been planted faster than demand from consumers worldwide.

Wyatt Season is a pistachio grower and runs Seaman Nursery near Chowchilla Ca. He said since pistachios and walnuts produce a good crop for 40 or 50 years, replants are not nearly as frequent as they are with almonds.