Mark Jansen
President & CEO
The Value of Partnerships
PRESIDENT’S CORNER
The partnerships
Blue Diamond
has built are
invaluable to achieving shared goals, including
the preservation of family farms — not only
in California but throughout the United States.
I want to take this opportunity to thank
everyone who helped bring positive change to
the recent Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1 ).
As you may likely have heard, this piece of
legislation was signed into law by President
Trump on December 22, 2017. Prior to the
signing, American farmers were faced
with the real possibility of increased taxes
and eliminated deductions — both would
have significant financial impact. At
Blue
Diamond
’s November 2017 Annual Meeting,
I encouraged each person who attended to
contact congressional leaders and make their
voices heard.
The response was extraordinary! The phone
calls, letters and record number of emails
ensured the perspective of California almond
farmers was considered. I am pleased to
report that together, in concert with other
cooperatives across the nation, we positively
changed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The final
legislation will be beneficial to
Blue Diamond
grower-owners.
Key provisions include:
• Preservation of the Interest-Charge
Domestic International Sales Corporations
(IC-DISC); and
• A new Section 199A allows farmers
to receive a 20% deduction on all
pass-through payments from a farmer
cooperative.
This tax bill supports the economic prosperity
of our cooperative members, especially our
family farms. As growers continue to face
increasing costs and regulations, we must
be diligent in mitigating burdensome taxes.
The preservation of IC-DISC and creation of
Section 199A shows Congress’ willingness to
listen to American farmers.
One of the most admirable qualities of a
cooperative is the ability of its members to
come together and engage with partners
to achieve a shared goal. I consider all
our grower-owners, customers, businesses,
communities and the industry, as part of
the extended
Blue Diamond
family. The
cooperative is stronger because of you!
Blue Diamond
and the almond industry are
well positioned for growth in 2018.
The Best is
Yet to Come!
With 2018 now underway, I want to first wish everyone a happy and prosperous new year! Last year
was an exciting one for Blue Diamond and I am energized for what this year will offer the cooperative,
our grower-owners and the almond industry.
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A L M O N D F A C T S
