Tim Birmingham is the Director of Quality Assurance and Industry Services for the Almond Board of California. His efforts are focused on activities to address emerging and existing food safety issues, as well as ensure the ability to effectively address and identify issues that impact almond quality. Mr. Birmingham serves as the staff liaison for the Food Quality and Safety Committee and provides direction and oversight for the food quality and safety programs. He manages research efforts in these areas helping to ensure confidence in almonds as a safe, healthy, quality food product. In this role, he has overseen the implementation of the mandatory treatment program for California almonds, the development of validation guidelines currently used throughout the low moisture food industry, and implementation of the Pre-Export Checks program for aflatoxin control. Mr. Birmingham also directs the activities of the Industry Services group, working with handlers, and manufacturers on compliance with Marketing Order requirements and ensuring they have the necessary information to produce a high quality / safe product. He also maintains relationships with regulatory agencies and works with the industry on Food Safety Modernization Act education and compliance. His professional career includes more than 20 years of experience in food processing, product quality, process validation, food safety and microbiology. Mr. Birmingham is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having served in Operation Desert Storm.