Mission Viejo, Calif., March 1, 2016 – The Hass Avocado Board (HAB), which promotes the consumption of Hass Avocados in the United States, is scheduling its annual board elections for vacant domestic Hass avocado grower and Hass avocado importer member seats as well as their alternate seats.
In early March, announcements of open seats will be mailed to all eligible producers and importers of Hass avocados, with a deadline for receipt of nomination forms on March 28, 2016. HAB expects to mail ballots to producers and importers by April 18 with a deadline for receipt of ballots by May 17. Members and alternates shall be appointed by the USDA Secretary of Agriculture and will be seated at the board meeting in November 2016. Visit hassavocadoboard.com/inside-hab/leadership-governance/for details.
HAB also has reaffirmed its proactive policy of seeking board members who reflect the demographics of the avocado industry while supporting the Board’s membership diversity goals. ” HAB has a history of making considerable efforts to emphasize the participation of qualified persons for Board and positions without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital or family status, or other basis protected by law,” said Emiliano Escobedo, Executive Director. “Like many institutions, HAB benefits by having a broad and diverse membership so we encourage women, minorities and persons with disabilities to seek nomination to the Board and actively participate,” he added.
In addition to regular monitoring of board composition, HAB will encourage diversity by publishing information about the policy prior to board elections, ensuring notification in internal and trade publications.
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About the Hass Avocado Board
The Hass Avocado Board (HAB) is an agriculture promotion group established in 2002 to promote the consumption of Hass Avocados in the United States. A 12-member board representing domestic producers and importers of Hass Avocados directs HAB’s promotion, research and information programs under supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture. Funding for HAB comes from Hass avocado producers and importers in the United States.
