Hass Avocado Board seeks nominees for open seats

Producers and importers have until March 31 to submit nominations for Hass Avocado Board members.

The 10 seats opening on the board in November carry a three-year term, according to a news release. Eligible hass avocado producers and importers can nominate themselves or others at hassavocadoboard.com/nominations.

Board members will help HAB achieve its mission to equip the industry with vital business support tools and information, compelling nutrition research and communications and sustainability practices, according to the release. HAB says individuals will have input on how the board focuses and distributes investments as well as the opportunity to collaborate with stakeholders across the supply chain for the benefit of everyone.

“HAB’s job is to make avocados America’s most popular fruit — and it’s working. We are excited to put out this call for nominations of people interested in joining us as catalysts for positive action across the entire industry,” HAB Chairperson Jorge Hernandez said in the release. “As the only independent avocado organization, board members participate in equipping the entire industry for success.”

Those appointed to fill the seats — six for producers, four for importers — will serve on the board from Nov. 1, 2023, to Oct. 31, 2026.

The voting process will feature digital ballots, with a mail-in option available only upon request. All eligible members need to register online by April 12 to receive a ballot via email April 17.

Deadline to vote online is May 11.

Names of nominees with the most votes are sent to the U.S. agriculture secretary, who appoints members and alternates to the Hass Avocado Board. Members will be officially seated at the Dec. 6 board meeting, along with alternates. 

The HAB’s website includes a full schedule and additional details.