Almond Political Action Committee (PAC)

Created by the Almond Alliance in 2014, the California Almond Industry Political Action Committee (Almond PAC) protects our industry and promotes shared interests within the community. The Almond PAC capitalizes on individual contributions and collectively distributes them strategically to key candidates for Congressional and California statewide elections.

The Almond PAC provides the ability to be a vital, unified force in the political arena. Through Almond PAC donations, contributions can be made to more candidates. This gives greater impact, on a national and state scale, to each dollar contributed by an industry member.

Every day, issues directly impacting the U.S. almond industry are decided in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. Our industry continues to be in the national spotlight.

In this unprecedented political climate, it is essential that the almond industry advocate for our legislative and regulatory priorities.

We work hard to successfully build the Almond PAC to support candidates who value the almond industry and take the time to understand it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Contribute?

If a candidate is serious about getting elected, they must be equally serious about raising sufficient funds to support the campaign. Raising money the old-fashioned way — sending letters, knocking on doors, holding fundraisers — is still the most productive way to generate campaign dollars. But, soliciting individual donations can be costly and difficult. Increasingly, politicians are relying on organizations or interest groups to do the hard work of grassroots fundraising.

Your contribution opens opportunities to develop a greater understanding of the importance of the almond industry to current and future elected officials.

Still, the question must be asked, how relevant is political giving compared to industry size and clout? After all, the California almond industry is a $5.6 billion industry with more than 100,000 employees and countless millions we touch daily. The Almond PAC is committed to increasing awareness of the global and economic importance of the California almond industry. It’s a long-term proposition, but the stakes are high, and the need is real.

Who administers the PAC?

The Almond PAC is led by a ten-member leadership committee that works to develop and implement a contribution strategy. Current Almond PAC Members Include:

Micah Zeff, Montpelier Orchards

Mike Curry, Johnson Farms

Dick Cunningham, Cunningham Ranch Inc.

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 Company

Bill Lyons, Mapes Ranch

The Rules: Who can contribute?

The Almond PAC deposits all contributions made by businesses or incorporated entities into the State PAC, and personal contributions are deposited into the Federal PAC. Federal law forbids contributions to any Federal PAC from incorporated entities.

California Almond Industry, PAC ID# 1365388, California Almond Industry Federal PAC ID# C00624992.

PAC contributions are not deductible for federal or state income tax purposes.

Subject to Proposition 34 limits, the California Almond Industry (CAI) PAC is a voluntary political organization that contributes to candidates for state and federal office. Political law and the CAI PAC determine how your contribution to CAI PAC is allocated. All personal contributions will be placed into the California Almond Industry Federal PAC.

Contribute to the Almond PAC today- Fill out the Contribution Form [Click Here] and mail to 121 W. Main Street, Suite E • Turlock, CA 95380

If you have any questions about the Almond PAC, please contact Annie Romero at (209) 300-7140 or aromero@almondalliance.org