TURLOCK, CA – The Almond Alliance is proud to announce Assemblymember Juan Alanis as the recipient of the 2024 Almond Champion of the Year Award. Assemblymember Alanis is recognized for his exceptional leadership and advocacy for California’s almond industry. As the Vice Chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee, he has been a strong voice for the Almond Alliance, consistently demonstrating his dedication to the industry’s growth and sustainability.

“The Almond Alliance is honored to recognize Assemblymember Juan Alanis for his unwavering support and leadership in advancing the almond industry,” said Alicia Rockwell, chair of the Almond Alliance government relations committee. “We appreciate his commitment to a hands-on approach in advocating for agriculture and the almond industry. His efforts have given California almond farm families a fighting chance.”

The Almond Champion of the Year Award is presented annually to individuals who demonstrate extraordinary leadership in education, coalition-building, partnerships, and promoting legislation and policies that encourage the advancement and protection of California agriculture, particularly the almond industry. The award recipient is selected by the Almond Alliance’s Government Relations committee, which includes the following esteemed members:

• Dick Cunningham, Cunningham Ranch Inc.
• Blake Vann, Vann Brothers
• Jeannine Grech, Campos Brothers Farms
• Alicia Rockwell, Blue Diamond Growers
• Dave Phippen, Travaille & Phippen
• Melissa Frank, The Wonderful Company
• Steve Van Duyn, Van Duyn Family Farms
• Todd Meyer, Bear Republic Nut
• Bill Lyons, Mapes Ranch
• Sebastian Silvera, Gladstone Farms
• Taj Samran, Hilltop Ranch

Past recipients of this prestigious award include the Department of Water Resources, Assemblymember Adam Gray, Assemblymember Heath Flora, former USDA State Executive Director of Farm Service Agency Connie Conway, Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua, and CDFA Undersecretary Christie Birdsong.

The award will be formally presented to Assemblymember Alanis at the California Almond Political Action Committee’s Annual Modesto Fundraiser, taking place at Del Rio Country Club on November 6, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. This event brings together members of the almond community, FFA students, elected officials, and special guests. 

For RSVPs or more information, please contact Annie Romero at aromero@almondalliance.org or 209-300-7140.

###

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.