California Ag Network

Category: Featured Post

  • How Farmers can Win in Sacramento

    California farmers are fed up with losing elections and poor representation in Sacramento. That’s why a number of agricultural organizations have combined forces to turn things around.  According to Darrin Monteiro of California Dairies, Inc., California agriculture can win in Sacramento and the time is now to rally together and invest in protecting our future in farming. Watch this interview with Darrin as he shares the mission of the Alliance of California’s Farmers & Ranchers, following a recent presentation with American Pistachio Growers’ Political Action Committee.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor SQM Specialty Plant Nutrition for their industry support.

  • Why California is the Coldest State in the Nation

    At the annual Conference of the California Fresh Fruit Association, keynote speaker Nicola Twilley visited with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to share insights the fresh produce industry in California can learn from a recent book she authored “Frostbite: How Refrigeration Changed Our Food, Our Planet, and Ourselves”. From the history of refrigeration and food preservation to the evolving consumer perception of what is considered fresh, watch this brief interview on an unexpectedly compelling topic.

  • Four of the Biggest Challenges for California Tree Nut Growers also Bring Opportunities

    They say every cloud has a silver lining, and perhaps that could be said of the current market dynamics of the California tree nut industry. While the ominous clouds of tariffs, increasing regulatory burdens and limited water availability impact growers ability to farm everyday, there are opportunities that come with each of these challenges.  Watch this brief interview as Terrain Ag’s Specialty Crop Analyst Matt Woolf shares these opportunities with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network based on his recent presentation at the annual Convention of the Almond Alliance of California.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor SQM Specialty Plant Nutrition for their industry support.

  • Funding Available for California Citrus Growers to Fight Asian Citrus Psyllid, Prevent Citrus Disease

    Huanglongbing (HLB), the deadly citrus disease that decimated the Florida citrus industry has shown up in Southern California and is now threatening the nation’s number one citrus state.  HLB is primarily spread by the invasive Asian Citrus Psyllid, so managing this insect is key to preventing the spread of the disease. Pest mitigation practices may be costly, the California Citrus Research Board (CRB) introduced the California Citrus Research and Field Trials program (CA-CRaFT) to help fund commercial growers (both conventional and organic) to implement these practices. CRB representative Ivan Milosavljevic met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to share details. Watch this brief interview and read more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

  • USDA Secretary Rollins Supports U.S. Walnut Growers in U.K. Trade Mission

    The California Walnut Commission commends U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for her leadership and advocacy during last week’s trade mission to the United Kingdom, which highlighted significant opportunities for American agricultural exports.

    The mission – Secretary Rollins’ first since taking office – focused on advancing terms of a new U.S.-U.K. trade agreement aimed at reducing tariffs, eliminating trade barriers and expanding U.S. market access. The agreement is projected to generate a $5 billion opportunity for U.S. agriculture exports, benefiting farmers, ranchers and producers across the country.

    California Walnut Commission representatives Jack Mariani, CEO of Mariani Nut Company, and Robert Verloop, Executive Director and CEO of the California Walnut Commission, along with trade representatives Peter Meadows and Ian Forbes, from The Garden joined other commodity groups for a roundtable discussion at the U.S. Embassy in London. The event provided a platform for key stakeholders to engage with Secretary Rollins and discuss ways USDA trade promotion programs can support U.S. agricultural exports to the U.K.

    “Having a seat at the table with Secretary Rollins gave us the opportunity to reinforce the importance of the U.K. market to California walnut growers,” said Mariani. “As part of the discussion, we were able to highlight how funds from the USDA Market Access Program (MAP) have been able to support trade and consumer programs across the country. This support led to increased exports into the U.K. market, growing it into a top 10 export market for California walnuts.”

    During the mission, Secretary Rollins highlighted several U.S. agricultural products, including California walnuts, on her social media platforms, signaling support for American specialty crops abroad.

    “The California Walnut Commission applauds Secretary Rollins for her dedication to U.S. farmers, enabling access for American products in existing markets, and opening new markets with strong demand for our products,” said Verloop. “We look forward to continued collaboration with the Secretary and her team to advance the access and marketability of California walnuts around the world.”

    For more information on California walnuts and international distribution, visit www.walnuts.org.

    About the California Walnut Commission

    The California Walnut Commission (CWC) represents more than 3,700 California walnut growers and approximately 70 handlers, grown in multi-generational farmers’ family orchards. California walnuts, known for their excellent nutritional value and quality, are shipped around the world all year long, with more than 99% of the walnuts grown in the United States being from California. The CWC, established in 1987, promotes usage of walnuts through domestic and export market development activities as well as supports health research with consuming walnuts.

    To explore recipes and learn more about California walnut growers, industry information and health research, visit walnuts.org.

  • Temecula Valley Wine Icons Gerry and Rosie Wilson Inducted Into the Temecula Valley Wine Country Hall of Fame

    The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association (TVWA) is proud to announce the induction of Gerry and Rosie Wilson, founders of Wilson Creek Winery, into the Temecula Valley Wine Country Hall of Fame. The honor, presented at this year’s annual Grape Day celebration, recognizes individuals whose enduring vision and contributions have helped shape and elevate the Southern California wine region and impacted the wine industry as a whole.

    In 1996, Gerry and Rosie Wilson acquired land and moved to Temecula with a shared dream of building a winery that would bring people together. That dream became Wilson Creek Winery-now one of the most beloved and visited destinations in Temecula Valley. The winery first became known for its signature Almond Sparkling Wine and welcoming atmosphere but today is celebrated for so much more, including a full portfolio of world class wines, cutting-edge regenerative agricultural programs, and strong community leadership.

    Gerry Wilson, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 90, and Rosie were widely regarded as the heart and soul of Wilson Creek. Originally from the Midwest, the couple met on a train to Boise, Idaho in 1952, marrying a year later. Gerry was a Korean War veteran and former businessman, while Rosie worked for a power company. Both brought humor, warmth, and passion for people into every aspect of the winery, shaping a culture that continues to thrive under the Wilson family’s leadership.

    “Honoring my parents with this Hall of Fame induction is deeply emotional for all of us,” said Bill Wilson, president and CEO of Wilson Creek Winery and Gerry’s son. “My dad was a true force-larger than life, endlessly kind, and fiercely dedicated to building something that mattered. He loved Temecula Valley with all his heart, and it means the world to see his legacy recognized in this way.”

    Over nearly three decades, Wilson Creek Winery has earned numerous awards for winemaking, hospitality, and business innovation. Beyond the accolades, however, the Wilsons have been tireless champions of the Temecula Valley community-supporting local charities, hosting fundraisers, and embodying a spirit of generosity and inclusion that has helped define the region.

    “Gerry and Rosie didn’t just build a successful winery-they built a place where people feel like they belong,” said Krista Chaich, executive director of TVWA. “Their commitment to excellence, family, and community has inspired countless others and elevated Temecula Valley Wine Country as a whole.”

    The Wilson family continues to carry forward this vision, ensuring that the values established by Gerry and Rosie remain the cornerstone of Wilson Creek’s future.

    For more information about Temecula Valley Wine Country and its wineries, visit www.temeculawines.org.

    ABOUT TEMECULA VALLEY WINE COUNTRY

    Located within a 60-minute drive from San Diego, Orange County, and Palm Springs, and within 90 minutes of Los Angeles, Temecula Valley is widely recognized as Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country. The popular wine destination is southern California’s largest wine producing region by volume.

    The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association (TVWA) is a 501 (c) 6 nonprofit regional organization. The TVWA (TemeculaWines.org) is dedicated to promoting the making and growing of quality wine and wine grapes in the Temecula Valley A.V.A. (American Viticulture Area).

  • CAWG Foundation Awards $41,000 in Scholarships to These Students

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) Foundation is proud to announce the awarding of $41,000 in college scholarships to eleven exceptional students whose parent or legal guardian is employed by a California wine grape grower.

    “This scholarship program reflects our deep appreciation for the families who are vital to the success of California’s winegrape industry,” said Craig Ledbetter of Vino Farms, Chair of the CAWG Foundation Board of Directors. “Each year, we are inspired by the talent, resilience, and dedication of the students who apply. Their commitment to education and community service is truly remarkable.”

    The CAWG Foundation Board carefully selects scholarship recipients who have demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, and community involvement. Applicants are evaluated based on their financial need, scholastic achievement, participation in extracurricular activities, and a compelling personal essay that highlights their individual journey and future goals.

    Since its inception in 1998, the CAWG Foundation has awarded $680,500 in scholarships to help students achieve their higher education goals. This support is made possible by the generous contributions of CAWG members and the broader California wine community.

    This year, eight four-year scholarships were awarded to students attending either a University of California or California State University campus, three two-year scholarships were awarded to students attending a California community college, and one $1,000 scholarship was awarded to a student through the Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship. Created by the Miller family, the Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship supports Central Coast students who plan to pursue a career in the winegrape industry and are studying viticulture or enology at either Allan Hancock College or Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

    Four-Year University Scholarship Recipients

    Karen Abarca Hernandez, Stockton, Health Careers Academy Charter School

    Daisy Avina Hernandez, Calistoga, Calistoga Junior-Senior High School

    Jonalyn Cadaoas, Delano, Cesar E. Chavez High School

    Mariano Jaime Duran, Geyserville, Geyserville New Tech Academy

    Bishin Mahil, Madera, Liberty High School

    Karitina Manual Rios, Santa Rosa, Roseland University Prep

    Ella Senkowski, Windsor, Windsor High School

    Two-Year Community College Scholarship Recipients

    Fabiola Covarrubias, Kelseyville, Kelseyville High School

    Guadalupe Ibarra, Terra Bella, Porterville High School

    Kelsey Padilla Lara, Santa Rosa, Piner High School

    Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship Recipient

    Yasmin Santos Hernandez, Santa Maria, Santa Maria High School

    About the Recipients

    FOUR-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP

    Karen Abarca Hernandez, Stockton, Health Careers Academy Charter School / $2,000

    Karen is a dedicated and ambitious student planning to attend UC Davis to study Biology to become a Family Medicine Physician. Karen is deeply committed to her community and has actively volunteered with Spanos Elementary School, the Stockton Symphony, San Joaquin Office of Education, Stockton Scholars, YMCA Summer Camp, and more. Her passion for service is a guiding force in her life and one she plans to carry forward into her career. In addition to her community involvement, Karen is active in her high school and has shown entrepreneurial spirit by starting her own small crochet business. She has excelled academically, taking a rigorous course load that includes AP classes, and remains focused and driven toward achieving her career goals and giving back to her community.

    Daisy Avina Hernandez, Calistoga, Calistoga Junior-Senior High School / $8,000

    Daisy is an accomplished student who will be the first in her family to attend college. She plans to attend UC Davis, where she will major in Psychology to become an OB-GYN. With a strong desire to give back, Daisy hopes to provide reproductive and maternal healthcare to underserved communities. She has maintained a 4.1 GPA while working part-time, demonstrating her commitment to both academic excellence and personal responsibility. Daisy led her school in earning a prestigious MIT School of Engineering title—one of only eight schools in the nation to receive the recognition. She also played a key role in supporting California State Senate Resolution 106, which officially designates October as Intellectual Property Awareness Month. Daisy is also an active member of her school’s soccer, volleyball, basketball, and softball teams.

    Jonalyn Cadaoas, Delano, Cesar E. Chavez High School / $8,000

    Jonalyn is a high-achieving student with a strong passion for math and science, which has inspired her to pursue a career in civil engineering. She plans to attend either San Diego State University or Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where she will focus on developing innovative and sustainable engineering solutions. With a long-term goal of starting an engineering firm, Jonalyn is eager to make a lasting impact in her field. Her Filipino heritage is a meaningful part of her identity, and she has embraced opportunities to celebrate and share her culture through her involvement in the United Filipino Organization, where she has taken on leadership roles, participated in cultural dances, and helped organize community events. Jonalyn is also active in the National Honor Society and Associated Student Body, and has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, maintaining a GPA above 4.0 and ranking in the top 10% of her class.

    Mariano Jaime Duran, Geyserville, Geyserville New Tech Academy / $2,000

    Mariano is a first-generation college student who plans to attend Sonoma State University to study accounting, with the goal of becoming an accountant. The son of immigrants who were unable to complete their education, Mariano is proud to be the first in his family to pursue a four-year degree. He is a strong student, ranking near the top of his class, and is known for his leadership and commitment both in and out of the classroom. Mariano is actively involved in his community and takes great pride in giving back through volunteer service. His extracurricular involvement includes ag mechanics, the Upward Bound program for first-generation and low-income students, Mecha Club, Varsity soccer, and more.

    Bishin Mahil, Madera, Liberty High School / $4,000

    Bishin is a dedicated and forward-thinking student who plans to attend Fresno State University to study Entrepreneurial Business, with the goal of creating and expanding businesses within the agricultural industry. Agriculture has always been a part of Bishin’s life, and he has seen firsthand the hard work and commitment required to maintain and grow a successful crop. He is actively involved in the California Scholarship Federation, the Liberty High Golf Club, and the Nanaksar Gurdwara, where he volunteers weekly to give back to his community. Bishin hopes to apply his business education to manage farming operations and contribute toimportant decisions around harvesting and logistics. His passion for agriculture and entrepreneurship is matched by a strong sense of service and community.

    Karitina Manual Rios, Santa Rosa, Roseland University Prep / $2,000

    Karitina is a compassionate and determined student who plans to attend Sonoma State University to study Psychology, with the goal of becoming a Child Psychologist. As a first-generation college student, she deeply values the importance of education, a value instilled in her by her family. After experiencing the loss of her father at a young age and receiving support from school counselors, Karitina was inspired to pursue a career where she could provide the same kind of help to children navigating difficult situations. That desire to give back and support others is what motivates her. In addition to excelling academically, Karitina is an active member of several school and community organizations, demonstrating both leadership and a strong commitment to service.

    Ella Senkowski, Windsor, Windsor High School / $8,000

    Ella is a driven and service-oriented student who will attend the University of California, Los Angeles, where she plans to study Business Economics with the goal of becoming a Financial Planner or Analyst. Ella balances a rigorous academic schedule with a wide range of extracurricular and work experiences. She is active in ballet, Girl Scouts, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Bring Change to Mind, Best Buddies, and more. In addition to her volunteer commitments, she holds multiple part-time jobs teaching swim lessons and dance classes and has gained professional experience through an accounting internship. Through these diverse roles, Ella has developed a strong sense of responsibility, leadership, and purpose. Her experiences have reinforced her passion for mentorship and advocacy, and she looks forward to continuing to make a meaningful impact as a leader in her community.

    TWO-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP/ $2,000 EACH

    Fabiola Covarrubias, Kelseyville, Kelseyville High School

    Fabiola is a first-generation college student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and academic achievement throughout her time at Kelseyville High School. She has been actively involved in AVID, Associated Student Body, cheerleading, and FFA. Fabiola was one of just eleven students selected to join K-CORPS, a specialized search and rescue team that partners with the local sheriff’s office—an opportunity that reflects her deep sense of service and civic responsibility. In addition to her school involvement, Fabiola works as a cashier at Lakeport Rainbow Ag, where she remains connected to the agricultural community. She plans to attend Santa Rosa Junior College to study Allied Health and pursue a career as a radiology or ultrasound technician. With a strong desire to help others, Fabiola looks forward to making a meaningful impact in the medical field and her community.

    Guadalupe Ibarra, Terra Bella, Porterville High School

    Guadalupe is a first-generation college student and the valedictorian of her graduating class at Porterville High School. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence and a deep dedication to serving her community. Guadalupe is actively involved in a range of extracurricular activities, including the Red Cross Club, HOSA, and the California Scholarship Federation. She has completed over 100 hours of community service, participating in food distribution efforts, blood drives, Relay for Life, and other activities that reflect her passion for helping others. Having grown up working alongside her parents in the agricultural fields, Guadalupe has witnessed firsthand the social and economic challenges faced by her community. These experiences have shaped her goal of becoming a registered nurse or nurse practitioner. She plans to attend Porterville College to study nursing.

    Kelsey Padilla Lara, Santa Rosa, Piner High School

    Kelsey is a driven and community-minded student who will be the first in her family to attend college. She is graduating from Piner High School a year early with an above 4.0 GPA and is already enrolled in college courses, demonstrating her strong motivation and academic excellence. Kelsey plans to attend Santa Rosa Junior Collegeto study nursing, to become a registered nurse, and eventually a nurse practitioner. She has a deep desire to create positive change in her community and has volunteered with organizations such as the Redwood Empire Food Bank, the Sonoma County Children’s Museum, and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), where she developed skills in disaster preparedness. Kelsey’s academic achievements and dedication to service reflect her readiness to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare field.

    ROBERT MILLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP / $1,000 EACH

    Yasmin Santos Hernandez, Santa Maria, Santa Maria High School

    Yasmin is a dedicated student with a deep passion for the wine industry and will attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, majoring in Viticulture and Enology. Her goal is to build a career in wine production. In addition to spending summers working alongside her parents in the vineyards, Yasmin also holds a part-time job during the school year—demonstrating both a strong work ethic and excellent time management skills. She is actively involved in her school’s FFA program, where her experiences have further fueled her interest in the wine industry. A first-generation college student, Yasmin has received numerous academic honors and is committed to continuing her success in higher education.

    About the California Association of Winegrape Growers Foundation

    The CAWG Foundation is a nonprofit public benefit corporation that awards scholarships to high school seniors whose parent or legal guardian is employed by a California winegrape grower. For more information, visit www.cawgfoundation.org.

  • California Table Grape Harvest Kicks off in Coachella

    The 2025-26 California table grape season is officially underway, with harvesting beginning in mid-May in the Coachella Valley in Southern California. Grapes will continue to be harvested in the Coachella Valley through mid-July before shifting north to the San Joaquin Valley, where grapes are harvested into December. To support the season, the California Table Grape Commission launched a global marketing campaign strategically developed to motivate the trade to stock and promote California table grapes, while inspiring consumers in the U.S. and across 21 export markets to choose more California grapes more often.

    To encourage retailer participation, the campaign offers a comprehensive suite of promotional tools and incentives. These include bonus opportunities, digital promotions, a registered dietitian (RD) retail program, contests, point-of-purchase materials, and in-store sampling. On the consumer side, the campaign features advertising on multi-retailer shopper apps, digital coupons and rewards, influencer and RD collaborations, and targeted social media advertising that highlights recipes, snacking ideas, and the health benefits of California-grown fresh grapes. “Grapes from California enjoy a long season, with plenty of opportunity for promotion, from summer celebrations to fall gatherings,” said Ian LeMay, commission president. “With a product that has global appeal, strong demand, and a strategic marketing campaign executed by a dedicated team, the commission is yet again ready to continue promoting California table grapes in markets around the world,” said LeMay.

    Throughout the season, the commission marketing team attends tradeshows and expos to connect with industry partners. This week, the team is exhibiting at the West Coast Produce Expo and can be found at booth B709 and welcomes anyone interested in learning more about California table grape promotions.

  • California Dairies and US Dairy Export Council Represented in Upcoming USDA Trade Mission to Peru

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture will lead a high-impact trade mission to Lima, Peru from June 9 -12 aimed at expanding market access and boosting U.S. agricultural exports to address the $3.66 billion trade deficit with Peru. The delegation includes more than 50 agribusinesses, trade organizations and representatives from five state departments of agriculture working to strengthen economic ties and improve the trade balance.

    “USDA is committed to enhancing export opportunities for American farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses,” said Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Daniel Whitley, who will lead the mission. “This trade mission will connect U.S. producers with key buyers in South America, improving economic opportunities, supporting rural prosperity and keeping American agricultural products globally competitive.”

    Peru is the fourth-largest market for U.S. agricultural exports in South America, and the U.S. is Peru’s second-largest agricultural supplier. Despite bilateral agricultural trade growing 263% to $5.3 billion since 2009, the $3.66 billion agricultural trade deficit persists. This mission aims to build on this growth, bridge the gap and increase U.S. exports.

    Trade mission participants will engage in business-to-business meetings with buyers from Peru and Ecuador, gaining market insights and fostering new business partnerships. Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) staff and regional experts will provide in-depth market briefings, site visits and networking events to maximize trade opportunities.

    Administrator Whitley will be joined by Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks, Montana Director of Agriculture Jillien Streit, and representatives from Indiana, Georgia, and Wisconsin, alongside a delegation of agribusiness leaders.

    1 Aero-Cos International – Marlboro, N.J.

    2 Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute – Juneau, Alaska.

    3 American Foods International Inc. – Doral, Fla.

    4 Ampac Seed Company – Tangent, Ore.

    5 Andes Global International LLC – Miami, Fla.

    6 Attebury Grain LLC – Amarillo, Texas

    7 Bear Fiber Inc. – Morganton, N.C.

    8 BioUrja – Houston, TX

    9 Boston Agrex LLC – Norwell, Mass.

    10 California Dairies Inc. – Visalia, Calif.

    11 Commercial Lynks Inc. – Alexandria, Va.

    12 Cotton Council International – Washington, D.C.

    13 Darigold Inc. – Seattle, Wash.

    14 Erie Foods International Inc.– Erie, Ill.

    15 G&C Food Distributors & Brokers Inc. – Doral, Fla.

    16 George F. Brocke & Sons Inc. – Kendrick, Idaho

    17 Great Northern Ag – Plaza, N.D.

    18 Heartland Essentials, LLC – Gilbert, Ariz.

    19 Hoogwegt US Inc. – Lake Forest, Ill.

    20 IND Hemp – Benton, Mont.

    21 Intervision Foods – Atlanta, Ga.

    22 James Farrell & Co. – Bellevue, Wash.

    23 JBS Food USA – Greeley, Colo.

    24 Kane County Agriculture Economic Development Corporation – Chicago, Ill.

    25 KIT International Inc. – Hackensack, N.J.

    26 Leprino – Denver, Colo.

    27 MAVIGA North America – Spokane, Wash.

    28 National Industrial Hemp Council – Washington, D.C

    29 Neil Jones Food Company – Vancouver, Wash.

    30 New World Trading LLC – Miami, Fla.

    31 Old Fashioned Cheese – Mayville, Wis.

    32 Pear Bureau Northwest – Milwaukie, Ore.

    33 Schreiber Foods Inc. – Green Bay, Wis.

    34 SMART Reproduction – Jonesboro, Ark.

    35 Sysco International Food Group – Jacksonville, Fla.

    36 Tedford/Tellico Inc. – Knoxville, Tenn.

    37 Texas Grain Sorghum Producers Board – Lubbock, Texas

    38 Tropical Foods LLC – Miami, Fla.

    39 Tyson Foods – Springdale, Ark.

    40 U.S. Dairy Export Council – Arlington, Va.

    41 U.S. Dry Bean Council – Frankenmuth, Mich.

    42 U.S. Grains Council – Washington, D.C.

    43 U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council – Folsom, Calif.

    44 U.S. International Foods LLC – St. Louis, Mo.

    45 U.S. Livestock Genetics Export Inc. – Mount Horeb, Wis.

    46 U.S. Meat Export Federation – Denver, Colo.

    47 U.S. Rice Producers Association – Katy, Texas

    48 U.S. Soybean Export Council – Chesterfield, Mo.

    49 USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council – Moscow, Idaho

    50 USA Rice – Arlington, Va.

    51 Western United States Agriculture Trade Association – Vancouver, Wash.

    The Peru trade mission is part of USDA’s broader 2025 export promotion strategy. Recent trade missions to Thailand and Guatemala generated nearly $23 million in 12-month projected sales for U.S. exporters. Looking ahead, USDA will soon announce application details for planned missions to Côte d’Ivoire, Mexico, and Taiwan.

    For more information on USDA trade missions, visit https://www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions.

  • Remarkable Market Growth Trajectory for U.S. Beef, Fresh Fruit & Tree Nuts in Taiwan

    In 2024, Taiwan was the eighth-largest market for U.S. agricultural exports, valued at $3.8 billion, 16 percent greater than 5 years ago. The top five U.S. agricultural exports to Taiwan are beef and beef products, soybeans, corn, wheat, fresh fruits and nuts. In December 2024, an agreement as part of the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative for 21st Century Trade entered into force. The agreement covers trade facilitation, customs, anticorruption, and support for small- and medium-sized businesses. The agreement has yet to conclude other topics undergoing negotiation, including agriculture. The United States was the largest supplier of agricultural products to Taiwan in 2024, accounting for 25 percent of Taiwan’s import market, followed by Brazil (10 percent) and China (6 percent).

    Macroeconomic Perspective

    Taiwan is a high-income East Asian economy with a real gross domestic product growth of 4.3 percent in 2024, driven by increased investments and a rebound in exports. Retail sales and spending on food services have continued to expand. Easing inflationary pressures, a healthy labor market, high wages, and rising household income will continue to support consumer sentiment and spending in the coming years, including imported foodstuffs.

    Demographics and Market Trends

    Taiwan has a population of 24 million people and a growth rate of 0.03 percent in 2024, with the largest population on the north and west coasts. Taiwan’s urban population is 80 percent of the total, and the major urban areas are New Taipei City, Taipei (the capital), Taoyuan, Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Tainan. As a wealthy economy, consumers in Taiwan have strong purchasing power and frequently prioritize products with health benefits. E-commerce is growing in popularity as a platform for agricultural and food products. Taiwan is highly advanced in technology and social media, making digital marketing essential for businesses entering the market. Importers in Taiwan value the United States as a trustworthy trade partner.

    Key Opportunities for Expanding U.S. Exports to Taiwan

    Beef and Beef Products
    Beef and beef products are the largest U.S. agricultural export to Taiwan, valued at $709 million in 2024, increasing 29 percent during the past 5 years. Taiwan ranked sixth among U.S. markets for beef and beef product exports in 2024. The United States ships frozen and chilled beef to Taiwan in a variety of cuts, including rib fingers, short plate, chuck roll, shank, and top blade. Additionally, the United States dominates grain-fed beef supplies in Taiwan, a segment of the market that continues to expand. The United States is the largest supplier of beef and beef products to Taiwan, accounting for 52 percent of the total market share, followed by Australia (19 percent) and Paraguay (13 percent). Taiwan continues to significantly rely on beef imports to fuel growing domestic demand due to limited beef production.

    Soybeans
    Soybeans are the second-largest U.S. agricultural export to Taiwan, at $601 million in 2024. Taiwan was the seventh-largest market for U.S. soybean exports in 2024.The largest soybean supplier to Taiwan is Brazil, accounting for $748 million, followed by the United States and Canada. Taiwan is expected to increase its soybean imports, as it currently relies on imports to meet 98 percent of its demand.

    Corn
    Corn is the third-largest U.S. agricultural export to Taiwan, at $384 million in 2024. U.S. corn volume increased by 92 percent since 2020, becoming more price competitive against other suppliers of corn, leading to a recovery in market share. Brazil is the largest corn supplier to Taiwan at $544 million, followed by the United States and Argentina ($136 million). Brazil’s corn exports to Taiwan declined by 24 percent in 2024, whereas U.S. corn exports to Taiwan increased 52 percent. In 2024, the United States gained market share as it harvested the largest U.S. crop in the fall of 2023.

    Taiwan’s pork industry has recovered from various non-African swine fever diseases that reduced its feed demand. A recovery in feed demand drove recent import growth.

    Wheat
    Wheat is the fourth-largest U.S. agricultural export to Taiwan, at $325 million in 2024. Taiwan’s top suppliers are the United States, followed by Australia ($73 million) and Canada ($7 million). The United States has historically been the major wheat supplier to Taiwan, with market share fluctuating between 70 and 90 percent in the last 10 years. Taiwan imports 99 percent of its wheat demand.

    In recent years, per capita wheat consumption increased as Taiwan’s high-income and sophisticated consumers demanded more diverse offerings. Taiwan has a vibrant baking industry, including some high-profile award-winning bakers. In addition to western-style wheat products, Taiwan’s consumers also have access to a diverse range of traditional wheat products, including noodles, buns, and dumplings.

    Fresh Fruits
    In 2024, fresh fruit was the fifth-largest U.S. agricultural export to Taiwan at $262 million, a 34-percent increase compared to the 2020 figure. The United States is the largest supplier to Taiwan, followed by New Zealand ($255 million) and Japan ($222 million). The top fresh fruits that the United States exported to Taiwan were fresh apples, cherries, grapes, peaches, plums, and oranges, including both conventional and organic fruits.

    Apples are the top imported fruit in Taiwan, with an import volume of 156,419 metric tons (MT) globally in 2024. The United States regained market share from South Africa and Japan, with U.S. apple exports reaching 63,637 MT, accounting for 41 percent of the market share by volume. This shift is due to moth detections on South African apples in May 2023, which led to an export suspension to Taiwan. South African apple exports were only 7,021 MT in 2024, with the United States filling this supply gap. Although people in Taiwan consume a wide variety of fruits, apples remain an important fruit in daily life.

    Dairy Products
    In 2024, U.S. exports of dairy products to Taiwan were $108 million, declining 11 percent during the past 5 years. This decline was in value. Volume remained steady between 2020 and 2023 but declined from 21,000 MT to 19,000 MT in 2024 due to New Zealand’s competitiveness and lower prices. The top suppliers for dairy products in Taiwan for 2024 were New Zealand (40 percent of imports), the United States (10 percent), and France (9 percent). Due to the westernization of diets and the popularization of healthy eating concepts, the overall dairy market continues to expand. The popularity of drinks like lattes and milk tea in recent years has led to an increase in the demand for liquid milk in many convenience stores and beverage shops on the streets.

    The butter market in Taiwan will continue to show stable import demand, as local production of butter is only a few tons and cannot significantly meet the overall market demand. New Zealand, France, and Australia were the top butter suppliers to Taiwan in 2024, at $93 million, $28 million, and $9 million, respectively. The United States is the seventh-largest supplier at $4.9 million in 2024.

    Tree Nuts
    U.S. tree nut exports to Taiwan reached $85 million, up 27 percent from 2020. The United States is the largest supplier to Taiwan, with a market share of 39 percent, followed by Vietnam (31 percent) and China (14 percent). Almonds and walnuts are the most prevalent tree nuts in Taiwan, together accounting for more than half of total global imports. U.S. almond exports to Taiwan were $30 million, and U.S. walnut exports were $21 million in 2024. In addition, pistachios are a fast-growing category, and the United States is the prominent supplier of pistachios to Taiwan at $21 million in 2024. The United States is the only supplier of pecans, with exports of $5 million in 2024. Food manufacturers have successfully promoted and positioned tree nuts as a healthy snack, in which 60 percent of the imported tree nuts are mostly used for snack processing, while 40 percent are utilized in bakeries to enhance texture, flavor, and decoration.

    Trade Policy

    In December 2024, the first agreement from the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative for 21st Century Trade entered into force, but additional negotiations from the initiative on other topics, including agriculture, have not concluded. This agreement was signed on June 1, 2023, by representatives of the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States and includes commitments on anticorruption, good regulatory practices, services domestic regulation, customs administration and trade facilitation, and small- and medium-sized enterprises. The first agreement from the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade is available on the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative’s website.

    Conclusion

    Taiwan is a high-income economy with a large population and a major market for U.S. agricultural exports. U.S. agricultural and related products such as beef, soybeans, corn, wheat, fresh fruits, seafood, dairy products, tree nuts, and pork have a good opportunity to expand exports to Taiwan. Importers in Taiwan see the United States as a reliable business partner, with quality products, competitive prices, and transparent business practices.