Dave Phippen was honored by his peers as he was announced as the 2016 Almond Achievement Award recipient. 
He is the co-owner of Travaille and Phippen, Inc. in Ripon and a third generation farmer. AgNet West Farm News Director Sabrina Hill spoke with Phippen about his life as an almond grower and his plans for the future.
Hear the full interview.
About the Almond Achievement Award:
The Almond Board of California recognizes an industry or allied industry member annually who has added value to the California Almond industry through long-term service, contributions or innovations.
Winners are an individual with long-standing and direct involvement with the California Almond industry, who demonstrate lasting impact on and commitment to the California Almond industry, have a record of proven service to the visibility and growth of the industry, contribute to California Almonds becoming a Crop of Choice and supporting California Almonds becoming the nut of choice. The award is presented every year at the closing event of the Almond Conference, the Gala Dinner.
About the Almond Board of California:
At the request of the almond industry, a Federal Marketing Order for almonds was established in 1950. At that time, it dealt primarily with compliance issues, and accordingly, was called the Almond Control Board. In the 1970’s, recognizing a need to address market development, the name was changed to the Almond Board of California. While compliance is still a crucial part of its activities, the Board now engages in production, nutrition and market research, advertising and promotion in domestic and international markets, quality control and statistical analysis and dissemination. As a Federal Marketing Order, it is important to note that the Board is not involved with and is expressly prohibited from setting field or market prices.
The Board is composed of 10 members. The more than 6,000 almond growers and 104 almond handlers elect the five growers and five handlers in an annual election process held throughout the state. Once elected, the Board elects its chair and vice-chair. The Board members give the chair the authority to appoint individuals to standing committees. Board and committee members serve without compensation. The Board is responsible for establishing policy, recommending budgets and programs to the Secretary of Agriculture for approval, and reviewing program results and effectiveness. The Almond Board is funded by an annual assessment on the marketable kernel weight of almonds.
The Almond Board of California recognizes the diverse makeup of the California almond industry and values contributions offered by its growers and handlers. The Board seeks to ensure that its programs and policies are inclusive rather than exclusive and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. Furthermore, the Board accepts and has adopted the concept of diversity which views society as a mixture of people, all with different cultural backgrounds, and each with a unique perspective and ability to contribute to the process.