nov-dec-2019

art technology will protect the quality of the almonds delivered to the facility and the increased storage capacity will provide for the future. Also at the Salida facility, we installed a second Log5 pasteurization line. This is significant when it comes to protecting and differentiating our brand. I am proud that Blue Diamond is committed to these advancements and that we are the only handler using the Log5 pasteurization technology. At the Turlock facility, we are expanding production with the construction of a 52,000-square- foot building that will house a new automated processing line. This innovative processing line is truly remarkable as it uses a continuous flow for converting our almonds into products that promote Blue Diamond ’s commitment to quality. This expansion will help secure our future in the almond business. Blue Diamond growers are also innovating on their farms. With the introduction of our new quality initiative, our growers received education vital to the production of quality almonds. The adoption of new practices and techniques in the orchards allow us to be proactive in preventing navel orangeworm damage, waste, and product rejection. This initiative is an important step for our growers in achieving maximum returns. We carry great pride in being good stewards of our land. This pride is inspiring. As we look towards the future of agriculture and the generations of farmers to come, we must continue supporting their efforts in being positive influences for our industry. Blue Diamond is proud of our growing partnership with Future Farmers of America and looks forward to another successful year of their Giving Tuesday jacket drive. Thank you to all our growers who have supported this day in the past. In 2018, our matching funds helped provide over 672 jackets to California FFA members. We remain committed to our Blue Diamond Growers Scholarship Foundation. The twenty aspiring young men and women awarded scholarships this year are building a bright future for agriculture and Blue Diamond is proud to give back to our communities by providing opportunities for the next generation of industry leaders. Those of you who participate in the annual fundraisers, like the golf and BBs and Bocce tournaments, make these scholarships possible. I want to thank Charles Crivelli for his leadership of the foundation committee. Blue Diamond is also inspiring the future leaders of the cooperative through our Young Leader program. This program provides our young growers the opportunity to advocate on behalf of their industry and become more involved with the cooperative. I would like to recognize both the outgoing 22nd class of the Young Leader program and welcome the incoming 23rd class. I would also like to recognize the regional field managers for their engagement and education to growers. The relationship between you and your regional manager is indispensable. They are a valuable resource inspiring a connection to the cooperative and the industry. I am proud of their commitment to Blue Diamond ’s success and encourage you to continue growing that relationship. Inspiring our future generations starts with our Board of Directors. The leadership provided by your board is an essential part of Blue Diamond . It is my privilege to introduce your Board of Directors: Dale Van Gronigan – Vice Chairman and District 3 Director; Dan Cummings honors George Goshgarian (left) for his years of Board service and Brum De Visser (right) for his ambassadorship. 1 3 N O V E M B E R – D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 9