Almond Conference Draws Record Attendance

Posted by David Eddy|December 17, 2014

Three years after The Almond Conference was moved to the Sacramento Convention Center, the 42nd annual event proved once again that this bigger venue was needed to ensure a record turnout. A record 2,900 industry professionals attended symposia covering hot topics such as water, pollination, food safety and more.

Tuesday was kicked off with a state of the industry address given by Almond Board of California’s President and CEO, Richard Waycott, along with ABC Chairman Bill Harp.

In addition to Harp and Waycott’s recap of 2014 and outlook for 2015, the session offered attendees a unique component with a presentation by Daniel Sumner, director of the University of California-Davis Agricultural Issues Center. Sumner shared findings from his economic analysis of the California Almond industry, funded by the Almond Board of California, which featured the industry’s positioning in the California economy and U.S. agriculture.

Wednesday and Thursday’s agenda consisted of a heavy concentration on the issues of water and bees. These two issues represent the biggest challenges that the industry is currently facing in growing a high quality and plentiful crop as well as the two areas of greatest opportunity.

The Almond Board booth served as the hub for the latest and greatest resources, including the new “Honey Bee Best Management Practices,” the “2014 Almond Almanac” and the 2014 Research Update.