MODESTO, Calif. — Voting begins today, April 21, to select two independent grower positions and two independent handler positions on the Almond Board of California Board of Directors. Alternate seats for the grower seats and one of the handler seats are also on the ballot. Voting ends May 22.
Candidates for the independent grower positions:
Grower Position #1, Member (1-year term):
Paul Ewing, Atwater (incumbent)
Grower Position #1, Alternate:
Tobin Barth, Esparto
Grower Position #2, Member (3-year term):
Brandon Rebiero, Earlimart (incumbent)
Grower Position #2, Alternate
Brad Klump, Escalon (incumbent)
Candidates for the independent handler positions:
Handler Position #1, Member (3-year term):
Chad DeRose, McFarland (incumbent)
Jessica Davis, Madera
Handler Position #1, Alternate:
One year remains for the current alternate
Handler Position #3, Member (1-year term):
Darren Rigg, Le Grand (incumbent)
Handler Position #3, Alternate:
Dinesh Bajaj, Orland
The Independent Handler Position #1 is normally a 3-year seat, but was vacated mid-term. The elected candidate for the member seat will only serve the remaining one year of the term. This position will be up for election again in 2026. The alternate position was not up for election.
Ballots and instructions have been mailed to all independent growers and handlers whose names are on file with ABC. Ballots must be received by ABC by May 22. Any independent grower or handler who does not receive a ballot can contact Toni Arellano at tarellano@almondboard.com.
“Every vote matters to our industry, and it’s equally important to have as much of the industry represented in the voting as possible,” said ABC President and CEO Clarice Turner. “The Board of Directors represents 7,600 growers and 100 handlers. They guide the work of the Almond Board to continue helping the industry build a positive future.”
All details, documents, open positions, timelines and frequently asked questions can be found at Almonds.com/Elections.
Results will be announced June 2 and the new board will start its term Aug. 1.
For more information:
Taylor Hillman
Sr. Specialist, Industry Relations
Almond Board of California
thillman@almondboard.com
(559) 930-0344
