MODESTO, CA (MPG) – The Almond Board of California announced the launch of its 2026 Board of Directors election cycle, which began Feb. 6.
The annual process operates under the federal marketing order for almonds and invites eligible growers and handlers statewide to declare candidacy and vote.
The candidate declaration period remains open through April 1. Interested individuals must submit written intent to run by that date. The board will verify eligibility for independent grower and handler seats against handler grower lists for the 2025-26 crop year.
Seats open for the 2026 term include Independent Grower No. 1 for a one-year swing term, Independent Handler No. 1 for a three-year term and Independent Handler No. 3 for a one-year swing term. Each seat includes a corresponding alternate position.
After April 1, the board will mail ballots to eligible independent growers and handlers April 21. Voters must return ballots by May 21. The board will announce results June 2. Newly elected members will begin their terms Aug. 1.
Eligible voters should confirm their contact information with their handler to ensure proper placement on the grower list. Voters may request replacement ballots from the board.
The board includes five grower representatives and five handler representatives, each with an alternate. Members guide research funding, marketing programs, environmental initiatives and compliance with the federal marketing order.
Election details, requirements and forms are available at Almonds.org/Elections.