jan-feb-2021

GROWING THE GOODNESS Synergy in the Almond Industry Arvin-area almond grower Kent Stenderup of Stenderup Ag Partners has been a Blue Diamond member since 2007 after transitioning from cotton, as did many South Valley farmers. They have enjoyed life in the almond world. Stenderup serves on the cooperative's Board of Directors representing District 9 and represents the cooperative on the Almond Board of California's Board of Directors. “Our family has always participated in the commodity organizations of the crops we grow,” he says. On August 1, 2020, Stenderup assumed the position of Chair of the Almond Board of California. He first became active on the Almond Board as an alternate in 201 3 when Dave Baker, former membership director for Blue Diamond , asked Stenderup to take the seat of recently retired Tony Ramos. “Immediately, I began to represent my fellow Blue Diamond growers on an industry-wide scope,” he says. This required interaction with the Blue Diamond staff also serving on the Almond Board. Stenderup’s position on the Almond Board is significant for the cooperative. The most recent Blue Diamond member to serve as Chair was Peter Yamamoto during his 1989–1990 term – more than 30 years ago. Now, Blue Diamond can work more closely with the industry Independents. Blue Diamond's approach to the Almond Board is to ensure the industry is promoted and protected. ”Our position is to listen, take note, discuss and then properly represent our co-op,“ says Stenderup. ”Progress at the Almond Board is only possible when the Co-op and Independents work together.“ Stenderup also points out a little known fact about Blue Diamond and Almond Board representation. ” Blue Diamond has about 40 participants at the Almond Board.“ He is just one of 40. ”As a Blue Diamond member, I have immediate resources within the co-op to help me, and representing District 9 keeps me involved and current with all things almond.“ He continues to be impressed by the skill sets that Blue Diamond staff and fellow growers bring to the Almond Board. Now five months into his term, Stenderup looks forward to making progress in the industry. The $.03 assessment for every pound of California almonds allows the Almond Board to create demand globally through marketing and research. ”Since we have a 3.0-billion-pound crop in the barn, it is important that every bit of that $.03 is used 2 6 A L M O N D F A C T S