MODESTO, Calif. - The Almond Board of California (ABC) today announced the official launch of the 2026 Board of Directors Election cycle, beginning February 6, 2026. This annual process, conducted under the Federal Marketing Order for almonds, invites eligible growers and handlers across California to participate in declaring candidacy and casting votes to help shape the future leadership of the industry.
The candidate declaration window opens February 6 and remains open through April 1, 2026. During this period, interested individuals may submit their written intent to run, and all Letters of Intent and grower petitions must be received by the deadline. Eligibility for independent grower and handler seats will be verified against handler grower lists for the 2025/2026 crop year.
For the 2026 election term, several independent seats are open for election: Independent Grower #1 (1-year swing), Independent Handler #1 (3-year term), Independent Handler #3 (1-year swing), all with corresponding alternate seats. ABC encourages participation from across the industry, including women, minorities, and people with disabilities, to ensure broad representation reflective of the state’s diverse almond community.
After the declaration window closes on April 1, ballots will be mailed to eligible independent growers and handlers on April 21. The deadline to cast your vote is May 21 and the announcement of election results will happen on June 2. Newly elected members will serve a term of office beginning on August 1, 2026.
Eligible voters should verify their contact information with their handler to ensure proper placement on the grower list. Replacement ballots may be requested or picked up directly from ABC. Participation in the voting process is vital, as Board members play a central role in guiding research investments, marketing strategy, environmental stewardship initiatives, and compliance with the Federal Marketing Order. The Board consists of five grower representatives and five handler representatives, each supported by an alternate.
Complete details, requirements, downloadable documents and frequently asked questions for the 2026 election are available at Almonds.org/Elections.
