<p>For the second time in The Almond Conference’s history, potential speakers may submit proposals to present at The Almond Conference in December on selected topics. Proposals are due by July 14 and will be considered on the following topics:</p> <p><strong>Estate Planning</strong></p> <p>Estate planning can be difficult, especially for farmers. To help make the process easier, this one-hour session should include high-level discussion on considerations and decisions needed for a business to survive into the future, and how those decisions may affect almond growers’ land, assets and family.</p> <p><strong>Worker Safety</strong></p> <p>Worker safety is a constant and never-ending concern for almond business owners and operators. This session may include components related to heat illness prevention, tractor or forklift operations, night worker safety, sexual harassment, etc. Regulatory updates and considerations almond growers or processors need to account for in their daily operations may also be a component of this session.</p> <p><strong>Human Resources</strong></p> <p>Topics may include hiring decisions, compliance with labor laws and employment standards, administration of employee benefits, recruitment and dismissal, etc.</p> <p><strong>Labor</strong></p> <p>Topics may include employment and safety (including but not limited to Cal/OSHA) laws and regulations, farm labor opportunities and constraints, and more.</p> <p><strong>Succession Planning</strong></p> <p>Thinking about the future of an almond operation is serious business; this session should focus on the thinking and decisions behind creating a shared vision for a family business and how to construct a plan to put that vision into action.</p> <p><strong>Almond Food Safety</strong></p> <p>This session should provide insight into the food safety landscape impacting almond handlers or growers, and may include topics covering consumer demands and food safety, regulatory considerations, novel approaches for pathogen control and/or application of science/technology in the food safety arena.</p> <p>By submitting a proposal, speakers are confirming that if selected, they have the necessary approvals, can travel to Sacramento and have the authority to present on the proposed topic. It is the speaker’s responsibility to obtain the necessary approvals from within their organization to speak about the topic outlined in the proposal prior to submitting.</p> <p>All selected speakers will be provided (1) free, all-access pass to The 2017 Almond Conference, being held December 5-7, 2017 at the Sacramento Convention Center. Presentations will be 60 minutes in length and includes any Q&A .Travel and hotel expenses are the responsibility of the speakers.</p>