Almond Industry Honors Blackburn and Gemperle with Annual Awards

The Almond Board of California (ABC) recognized two long-time industry leaders during the The Almond Conference, held December 10–12 in Sacramento. The 2025 Almond Achievement Award was presented to Ross Blackburn of Panoche Creek Packing, while the Almond Technical Achievement Award was given to Christine Gemperle of Gemperle Orchards.

Ross Blackburn: Four Decades of Industry Leadership

With more than 40 years of involvement across nearly every sector of the almond value chain, Ross Blackburn’s influence on the California almond industry is difficult to overstate.

Blackburn began his career in the 1980s in almond processing and marketing, later becoming a grower and operating a harvesting business before dedicating himself to building Panoche Creek Packing into one of the largest independent almond handlers in the state. During his tenure, the company grew from handling less than one million pounds annually to more than 100 million pounds per year. His marketing strategies and approach to grower relationships helped establish Panoche Creek as a trusted handler known for consistent returns and long-term partnerships.

Blackburn also served as a voting member of the Almond Board of California in the 1990s and has supported the industry through numerous market cycles, investing in state-of-the-art hulling and processing facilities while maintaining a reputation for integrity, financial stability and deep industry knowledge. A colleague accepted the award on Blackburn’s behalf in his absence.

Christine Gemperle: Advancing Practices in the Orchard

The Almond Technical Achievement Award was presented to Christine Gemperle, a grower widely respected for her leadership in adopting and demonstrating improved farming practices.

At Gemperle Orchards, she has implemented techniques such as groundwater recharge, cover cropping, compost application and reduced spray programs within a conventional almond operation. Her orchard regularly hosts researchers, industry professionals and fellow growers seeking to see these practices applied in real-world conditions.

Gemperle is known for her willingness to test new approaches that carry risk but hold potential to benefit the broader industry. In addition to her work in the field, she serves on the Almond Board of California and participates in several committees, helping bridge the gap between research, policy and on-farm implementation.

Recognizing Commitment to the Industry

The Almond Achievement Awards highlight individuals whose careers reflect sustained commitment to California almonds — from large-scale marketing and handling operations to hands-on innovation in the orchard.

Together, the careers of Ross Blackburn and Christine Gemperle underscore the breadth of leadership required to move the industry forward and support growers across generations.