The ABC Board of Directors, alternates and committee chairs held a retreat Feb. 1-3 to discuss Almond Board strategic priorities in three key areas:
- Driving global demand
- Supporting a favorable trade and regulatory environment
- Maximizing industry efficiency and profitability
The group of more than 30 industry leaders reviewed historical Almond Board investments for the three strategic priorities and discussed the future scope and scale for Board programs supporting each of them.
- Driving global demand to ensure future markets for California almonds was the clear priority for industry leaders. Programs focused on driving global demand – primarily Global Market Development – currently make up 82% of the total Almond Board budget.
- Supporting a favorable trade and regulatory environment – work overseen by the Technical and Regulatory Affairs Committee – was also deemed critical to the success of the industry.
- Maximizing industry efficiency and profitability was also seen as critical in the current environment of low prices and rising input costs.
“ABC staff and leadership are well-aware of the current landscape related to supplies and logistical challenges impacting demand, on top of the ongoing drought, regulatory pressures, and other outside forces impacting current profitability.” President and CEO Richard Waycott said. “Our focus this week has been on creating value for growers, both in the short- and long-term.”
The retreat focused on developing clarity on the strategic direction and focus of Almond Board programs, initiatives, and budget. Industry leaders discussed the current scope and scale of key ABC program areas and provided input to staff on priorities for future programs. Almond Board staff was charged with developing recommendations for the scope and scale of programs to be presented to the Board at their March meeting.
“It was a fantastic opportunity to come together, get clarity and alignment on the issues, and position the industry for the future.” Board Chair Brian Wahlbrink said. “We are facing unprecedented change in the industry but remain confident we can address the challenges. We will continue to work together for the benefit of all California almond growers.”
