MODESTO, CA (Feb. 18, 2026) - The Almond Board of California (ABC) today announced the 2026 class of its Almond Leadership Program (ALP), welcoming 18 new professionals in the cohort. These industry professionals are committed to strengthening California almond farming and advancing the future of the industry through collaboration, leadership development and innovation.
The ALP program brings together emerging leaders from across the almond value chain. From growers and agronomists to marketers, processors, field representatives and allied partners, this immersive experience is focused on building leadership skills, industry insight and solving real-world challenges facing California agriculture. Participants will be provided with in-depth exposure to the social, economic, environmental and regulatory forces shaping the future of the California almond industry. Each class member will complete a yearlong, self-directed capstone project focused on addressing a real-world challenge or opportunity for the industry.
“This program is about preparing the next generation of leaders to navigate complexity, lead with integrity and represent the almond community with confidence,” said Rebecca Bailey, senior specialist overseeing ALP for ABC. “The 2026 class reflects the diversity of perspectives and expertise that will be essential for the long-term success of our industry, and we’re proud to invest in their growth and leadership.”
Members of the 17th class will not only be working at their full-time jobs but will be involved in every aspect of the industry, including ABC activities in global marketing, production, nutrition research, food safety and more. The program is intended to sharpen their communications skills and build relationships with industry leaders, ABC staff and each other.
“I joined the Almond Leadership Program because the future of California agriculture depends on thoughtful, engaged leaders who understand both on‑the‑ground realities and the policy landscape,” said Daniel Frea, class member and farmer/attorney at Wanger Jones Helsley PC. “ALP offers a unique opportunity to deepen my industry knowledge, build meaningful relationships and better serve the almond community.”
Class members also have mentors, many who are ALP graduates, helping them to strengthen their industry knowledge, perspective and skill development.
“I came into the almond industry without much of an agricultural background. In my first role, I was fortunate enough to work alongside some seasoned almond professionals. I enjoy being a resource to those that are new to or growing in the almond industry,” said Jereme Fromm, mentor and vice president of business development at California Nut Co. “The Almond Leadership Program gives participants an in-depth look into the many facets of the almond industry. Participants are exposed to everything from nutrition research, regulation and trade to market development and on-farm innovation. They also build some great relationships along the way.”
Continuing a long-standing tradition of service, class members will also raise funds to support California Future Farmers of America (FFA), with a collective goal of raising more than $25,000 in scholarships for high school students pursuing agricultural studies in college. Since the program’s inception, ALP participants have raised more than $320,000 for FFA to help support the next generation of agricultural leaders.
2026 Almond Leadership Program Participants
- Rebekah Burrows, Customer Care Specialist | Grower – Owner/Operator, Advancing Eco Agriculture | GGI Farms
- Grace Fales, Sales Manager, Baugher Ranch Organics
- Daniel Frea, Attorney / Farmer, Wanger Jones Helsley PC / Frea Farms
- Austin Jackson, Regional Manager – Member Relations, Blue Diamond Growers
- Andrew Jensen, CEO / Agronomist, Crop Syndicate
- Julian Jimenez, Production / Ranch Manager, Pomona Farming LLC
- Natalie Kidd, Grower, Kidd Farms
- Catherine Machado, Operational Support Manager, Manulife Farmland Management Services
- Madison Martella, Grower Relations, Monte Vista
- Prabh Monder, General Manager, Monder Farms
- Connor Pate, Manager of Precision Agriculture, Belkorp Ag, LLC
- Alexus Powell-Crow, Marketing & Communications Manager, Grow West
- Noah Riley, Western Territory Sales Representative, Kula Bio
- Hyeong Shin, Broker, HS Ventures
- Orlando Tapia, Agronomy Specialist, Corteva Agriscience
- John Unzueta, Procurement Manager, Cache Creek Foods LLC
- Alyssa Valdez, Grower Relations, RPAC LLC
- James Williamson, Investment Associate, PGIM Real Estate
For more information about the Almond Leadership Program and the Almond Board of California, visit almonds.org.
About California Almonds
California Almonds make life better by what we grow and how we grow. The Almond Board of California promotes natural, wholesome and quality almonds through leadership in strategic market development, innovative research, and accelerated adoption of industry best practices on behalf of the more than 7,600 almond farmers and processors in California, most of whom are multi-generational family operations. Established in 1950 and based in Modesto, California, the Almond Board of California administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture.
