IRVINE, CA - The Hass Avocado Board (HAB), which promotes the consumption of Hass Avocados in in the United States, is scheduling its annual board elections for vacant domestic Hass avocado grower and Hass avocado importer members as well as alternate seats.

In mid-March, announcement of open seats will be mailed to all eligible producers and importers of Hass avocados, with a deadline for receipt of nomination forms on April 16, 2014. HAB expects to mail ballots to producers and importers by May 5 with a May 30 deadline. New members and alternates appointed by the USDA Secretary will be seated at the board meeting in November 2014. Visit www.hassavocadoboard.com/elections 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.