[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 79 (Thursday, June 6, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E827]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CONGRATULATING BLUE DIAMOND GROWERS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF DENHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 6, 2013

  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate 
Blue Diamond Growers on the opening of its Turlock Plant. This 
dedicated business is assisting in bringing economic vitality back to 
the region.
  Blue Diamond Growers is a pioneer in almond processing and 
manufacturing. The company produces snack almonds in various flavors, 
nut-based crackers, almond milk, and packaged almonds for cooking and 
baking. Since its founding in 1910, Blue Diamond has grown to become 
the world's largest almond processing company. It currently consists of 
more than 3,000 California almond growers that produce more than 80 
percent of the world's almond supply.
  Blue Diamond Growers has led the development of California's almond 
industry from a minor domestic specialty crop to the world leader in 
almond production and marketing. The almond is currently California's 
largest food export and America's number one specialty crop. In 2013, 
the almond crop is expected to exceed two billion pounds valued at six 
billion dollars. To continue to meet the demand for this California 
crop, Blue Diamond Growers has expanded its production facilities 
beyond its Sacramento and Salida plants.
  As of June 18, 2013, it will open the first phase of a three-phased 
project to develop a high quality, food-safe processing facility in 
Turlock, California. This new facility will bring much-needed jobs and 
economic growth to the region. Phase one, alone, is expected to create 
over 300 new jobs in the area. Blue Diamond Growers has continuously 
shown its commitment to maintain the highest standards of responsible 
growing and production in the California region.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in praising Blue Diamond Growers for 
their diligent work in the almond industry and applauding them in the 
opening of their Turlock plant.

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