Lunch, Day 1: Almond Board of California Executive Staff
After a period of tremendous growth in acreage, yields and profitability, a "perfect storm" of economic and environmental conditions is presenting the California Almond industry with a new series of challenges. A third consecutive record-setting crop, exceeding production expectations originally targeted for the 2010/11 crop year, produced a large supply of almonds. California is already feeling the effects of another year of drought, and almond farmers, particularly on the west side, must find ways to keep their orchards alive and their businesses viable until a long-term solution can be found for water availability. Two Salmonella recalls-peanuts and pistachios-have shaken consumer confidence in food safety once again and governments are beginning to call for more stringent regulation of food production and processing. This is a time for the California Almond industry to take maximum advantage of opportunities to strengthen our reputation as a leader in providing a safe and wholesome food, to create greater value for the versatility, quality and breadth of supply, and to become an active part of the solution to the sustainability of California's precious natural resources and agricultural community. The Almond Board of California Executive Staff will cover these topics and much more during the first luncheon of the conference.

Gala Dinner: Bear Grylls
Be sure to join us for the biggest night of the conference and the year, as we present the annual Gala and Keynote Address. In keeping with the success of past conferences, the Almond Board of California has secured a high-caliber Keynote Speaker.

Recognized in the Guinness Book of Records as the youngest Briton to climb Mount Everest, Bear Grylls is a man who loves adventure. His best-selling books, inspirational speaking engagements and award-winning television show "Man vs. Wild" have brought him worldwide acclaim as the most fascinating survival expert alive today.

Growers' Breakfast: Charles Hoppin
Keynote speaker, Charles Hoppin of Yuba City has served on the State Water Resources Control Board in the position of water quality expert for nearly three years. Recently, Governor Schwarzenegger appointed him Chairman of the State Water Board. He is a partner in a family operated diversified farming operation in Yolo and Sutter counties. The crop base includes, fresh market melons, rice, walnuts, and a variety of small grains and oil seed.

Growers Breakfast is free, but you must call Elaine (209) 343-3200 to make reservations; limited seating.

Lunch, Day 2: Richard Karlgaard
In the front pages of every issue of Forbes magazine, directly after commentary by Steve Forbes, Richard Karlgaard writes a column, "Digital Rules." Karlgaard writes about technology, entrepreneurship, regional and economic development, and building on the legacy of the American work ethic. He frequently lectures on these subjects and is a regular guest on the Fox News Channel's Forbes on Fox. At this luncheon, he will provide an update on the overview of the economic outlook for California, the country, and the world under the newly elected president and his administration.