HAB establishes proactive diversity policy
HAB establishes proactive diversity policy
The Hass Avocado Board in Irvine, CA, which conducts generic avocado marketing for foreign and domestic suppliers, has approved a proactive diversity policy to assure that the composition of the board reflects the demographics of the avocado industry while supporting the board's diversity goals.
"The HAB will make every effort to emphasize the selection of qualified persons for board and committee positions without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital or family status, or other basis protected by law," Administrator Tom Bellamore said in a statement. Not only is this the right thing to do, but it also reflects the reality of our international supplier community.
HAB wants a broad and diverse membership and is encouraging women, minorities and persons with disabilities to seek nomination to the board and committees and actively participate, he said.
In addition to regular monitoring of board composition, HAB will encourage diversity by publishing information about the policy prior to board elections, ensuring that the industry is made aware. The next board election occurs in 2006.
HAB was established in 2002 after approval by producers and importers of Hass avocados in a national referendum. Operating under the supervision of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, HAB has contracted with the California Avocado Commission to implement its marketing programs. Both producers and importers are involved in the HAB, which covers fresh domestic and imported Hass avocados sold in the U.S. market.
"The HAB will make every effort to emphasize the selection of qualified persons for board and committee positions without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital or family status, or other basis protected by law," Administrator Tom Bellamore said in a statement. Not only is this the right thing to do, but it also reflects the reality of our international supplier community.
HAB wants a broad and diverse membership and is encouraging women, minorities and persons with disabilities to seek nomination to the board and committees and actively participate, he said.
In addition to regular monitoring of board composition, HAB will encourage diversity by publishing information about the policy prior to board elections, ensuring that the industry is made aware. The next board election occurs in 2006.
HAB was established in 2002 after approval by producers and importers of Hass avocados in a national referendum. Operating under the supervision of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, HAB has contracted with the California Avocado Commission to implement its marketing programs. Both producers and importers are involved in the HAB, which covers fresh domestic and imported Hass avocados sold in the U.S. market.