TURLOCK, CA – The Almond Alliance is pleased to announce Senator Anna Caballero as the recipient of the 2026 Almond Champion of the Year.
Senator Caballero is being recognized for her continued leadership and support of California agriculture. Throughout her time in the Legislature, she has remained engaged on issues affecting farmers, rural communities, and the long-term future of agriculture in California.
As Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, she has worked to ensure that the needs and perspectives of farmers and agricultural communities are represented in some of the state’s most consequential policy discussions. She has been particularly engaged on water, championing efforts to strengthen California’s long-term water supply and planning, improve drought and flood preparedness, and ensure agriculture remains part of the state’s broader water strategy.
“Senator Caballero has been a strong and consistent voice for California agriculture throughout her years of public service,” said Alexi Rodriguez, President and CEO of the Almond Alliance. “Her ability to bring people together, listen to different perspectives, and work toward meaningful solutions has made her a valued partner to agriculture. We are proud to recognize her as our 2026 Almond Champion of the Year.”As she prepares to leave the Legislature at the end of this year, Senator Caballero leaves a long record of work on issues critical to California agriculture, including water reliability, groundwater management, climate policy, infrastructure, and the economic viability of rural communities.
The Almond Champion of the Year is presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated leadership through education, coalition building, partnerships, and support of legislation and policies that advance and protect California agriculture, including the almond industry.
Past recipients include Assemblywoman Alexandra Macedo, Assemblymember Juan Alanis, the California Department of Water Resources, Assemblymember Adam Gray, and the former USDA Farm Service Agency State Executive Director Connie Conway.
The award will be formally presented to Senator Caballero at the Almond Alliance PAC Committee’s Annual Fundraiser on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at Del Rio Country Club in Modesto, California.
For RSVPs or more information, please contact Annie Romero at aromero@almondalliance.org or 209-300-7140.
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About the Almond Alliance
Almond Alliance is the leading authority in state and national policy, championing American almond farmers, industry, and community for the continued global growth, innovation, and success of American almonds and agriculture.
Established in 1980, the Almond Alliance is a non-profit trade association with a local and international network of almond processors, hullers/shellers, growers, and allied businesses. The Alliance is dedicated to providing resources and solutions for our members, ensuring industry success and growth opportunities. Learn more at almondalliance.org.
