From November 2 through November 20, eligible California almond growers will have an opportunity to vote on a proposed amendment to the federal marketing order for almonds.
The amendment would give ABC the authority to use a seasonal line of credit from a commercial lending institution. The purpose is to provide short-term funding when approved program expenses must be paid before handler assessment revenue is received.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Would ABC be allowed to carry the same debt for longer than a year?
A. No. The proposed amendment requires borrowed funds to be repaid within a maximum of 12 months. The line of credit is designed for short-term, seasonal cash-flow needs, not long-term debt.
Q. Would the line of credit increase ABC’s approved budget or current industry assessment?
A. No. Borrowing authority would not increase the approved crop-year budget or assessment. It would help ABC pay approved expenses during periods when assessment revenue has not yet been received. The Board undertook a thorough review of the proposal and identified the suitable parameters of short-term loan duration and maximum borrowing limits not to exceed approved crop year budget ceilings.
Q. Why might ABC need a line of credit if handlers already pay assessments?
A. ABC programs begin or continue at the start of each crop year in August, prior to receipt of the first handler assessments in December, which is only 25% of the obligation. A seasonal line of credit would provide temporary cash flow during that timing gap where work and expenses are incurred, but revenue has not yet been collected.
Watch for Your Ballot
USDA will conduct the referendum and provide official voting instructions. Eligible growers should review the ballot materials carefully and return their ballots by the USDA deadline.
- Voting opens: November 2, 2026
- Voting closes: November 20, 2026
- How to vote: Complete the mailed ballot and return
Every eligible grower is encouraged to learn about the proposal and participate in the referendum. If you are an eligible grower and did not receive a ballot in the mail, you can contact USDA’s Jeremy Sasselli and Bianca Bertrand, or request one from the US Agricultural Marketing Services office in Fresno below.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural
Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program,
Specialty Crops Inspection Division
2202 Monterey Street, Suite 102-A
Fresno, California 93721-3129
Phone: 559-487-5210
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Pacific Time)
