In this episode, we meet four impressive members of the California Future Farmers of America (FFA) who were awarded scholarships this year by The Almond Board of California (ABC). Since 2016, ABC’s fundraising efforts have been led by the Almond Leadership Program who has helped to raise more than $250,000 through donations, an annual golf tournament, and a live and silent auction during The Almond Conference every year. In 2023, sixteen FFA members were awarded these scholarships, including the four you will hear from in today’s episode: Olivia Bruns, Brennan Elszy, Christina Moitozo and Heather Hodges.

“These scholarships are really allowing people to get their foot in the door and have the opportunity to get that higher learning and really bring back more value than what's being put into them into the actual industry.” - Brennan Elszy

In Today’s episode:

• Meet the 2023 ABC Scholarship Recipients including Olivia Bruns from Woodland, Brennan Elszy from Hanford, Christina Moitozo from Gustine and Heather Hodges from Kerman.
• Discover their backgrounds and what the future holds for these up-and-coming industry leaders

Almond industry members interested in partnering with the Almond Board in donating to the California FAA Foundation can visit calaged.org/AlmondLeadershipProgram to learn more or to make a donation. To learn more about the Almond Leadership Program, please visit Almonds.com/AlmondLeadershipProgram or contact Rebecca Bailey at rbailey@almondboard.com.

The Almond Journey Podcast is brought to you by the Almond Board of California. This show explores how growers, handlers, and other stakeholders are making things work in their operations to drive the almond industry forward. Host Tim Hammerich visits with leaders throughout the Central Valley of California and beyond who are finding innovative ways to improve their operations, connect with their communities, and advance the almond industry.

ABC recognizes the diverse makeup of the California almond industry and values contributions offered by its growers, handlers, and allied industry members. However, the opinions, services and products discussed in existing and future podcast episodes are by no means an endorsement or recommendation from ABC. The Almond Journey podcast is not an appropriate venue to express opinions on national, state, local or industry politics. As a Federal Marketing Order, the Almond Board of California is prohibited from lobbying or advocating on legislative issues, as well as setting field and market prices.