California Ag Network

Category: Nut Industry

  • Almond Board Guides Industry Recovery with 3rd Largest Shipping Year

    The California almond industry experienced its 3rd highest shipping year ever in conjunction with the Almond Board of California’s 75th anniversary as a Federal Marketing Order. At the Almond Conference in Sacramento, President/CEO Clarice Turner spoke with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to discuss current almond supply and demand dynamics and the Board’s role in creating a healthier future in the California almond industry.

  • Five-Year Almond Forecast Bright with Stronger Prices

    The future looks bright for the California almond industry with the release of a special five-year almond economic forecast. In an interview with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network during the Almond Conference in Sacramento, Roland Fumasi from RaboResearch at Rabobank discussed their five-year almond outlook and what growers can expect in the coming seasons. Watch this brief interview and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • DPR Seeks Penalties Against Central Valley Aerial Pesticide Applicator for Drift into Almond Orchard

    Today, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) announced it is seeking monetary and licensing penalties against a Kingsburg-based aerial pesticide applicator, marking the first use of new administrative pesticide use enforcement authority granted by the Legislature in 2023.

    The accusation, filed by the California Attorney General’s Office on DPR’s behalf, alleges Trinkle Ag Flying, Inc. caused drift damage to a non-target almond orchard and committed multiple worker safety violations.

    “Trinkle Ag Flying has repeatedly violated rules designed to protect people, the environment, and private property,” said DPR Deputy Director of Enforcement Ken Everett. “These are serious violations, and the department will seek serious penalties for unsafe pesticide use to protect all Californians.”

    In the accusation, DPR seeks to revoke or suspend the pest control business license of Trinkle Ag Flying, Inc., as well as the qualified applicator and journeyman pilot licenses of owner Mark R. Trinkle, Jr. With a suspended or revoked license, the company would be unable to apply pesticides for hire. The department is also seeking a $30,000 fine.

    The accusation alleges a pair of violations occurred in 2024. On January 16, DPR alleges Trinkle Ag Flying, Inc. and Mark R. Trinkle, Jr. violated numerous worker-protection requirements during an application at a Hanford farm. According to the accusation, Mark R. Trinkle, Jr. refused to cooperate with an inspector from the Kings County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office and continued the application despite visible worker health and safety violations involving insufficient protective equipment for employees mixing and handling chemicals.

    A month later, on February 13, DPR further alleges that Mark R. Trinkle, Jr., on behalf of Trinkle Ag Flying, Inc., was applying herbicides to a corn field in Visalia when they illegally drifted onto a neighboring almond orchard, causing damages estimated to be over $32,000. The Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office investigated the incident.

    “DPR is committed to protecting the health and safety of our communities by stopping the unsafe, illegal use of pesticides,” said Everett. “When violations are identified, we take action to prevent harm and ensure accountability.”

    Read the full accusation here.

  • Almond Board of Directors Vote to Discontinue USDA Objective Measurement Report

    The Almond Board of California (ABC) Board of Directors has voted to cease funding for the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Objective Measurement Report, marking a change in California almond crop estimates going forward.

    This decision follows extensive consultation with growers, handlers, and other industry stakeholders, as well as a thorough review by the Almond Forecast Task Force, comprised of industry members, who compiled recommendations for the Almond Quality and Food Safety Services (AQFSS) Committee. After further review and discussion, AQFSS provided their recommendation to the Board of Directors. The Board’s goal is to ensure crop estimates remain factual, unbiased, and responsive to the evolving needs of the industry.

    Since the 1960’s, ABC has contracted with USDA NASS to produce the Objective Measurement Report in July. However, industry feedback has highlighted ongoing challenges in accurately capturing variables such as larger crop sizes, diverse grower practices, and weather events across California’s production regions.

    While funding for the Objective Measurement Report will end, the California Almond Subjective Forecast, published annually in May by NASS, will continue. ABC remains committed to providing accurate and timely information to support the California almond industry and will continue collaborating with USDA and industry partners to refine crop estimation methods.

    For further information, please contact the Almond Board of California.

  • Five Ways to Avoid Expensive Irrigation Repairs & DU Losses

    Irrigation systems today are amazing at getting just the right amount of water where it needs to be to meet a crop’s needs; however, if these systems are not well-maintained, things can go south pretty fast, resulting in distribution uniformity-related losses and expensive repairs. During his presentation at Malcolm Media’s recent Tree & Vine Expo, UC Cooperative Extension Irrigation & Soils Advisor Moneim Mohamed noted that regular and proper irrigation system maintenance can prevent expensive repairs.  Watch his video interview with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network for five key tasks for preventative maintenance.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Simplot Grower Solutions for their industry support.

  • Blue Diamond Growers Details Actions to Maximize Grower Returns, Honors George Goshgarian Jr

    Blue Diamond Growers, the world’s leading almond cooperative, held its 115th annual meeting on Nov. 19 in Modesto, highlighting a year defined by bold operational decisions and strategic transformation.

    Kai Bockmann, president and CEO, Blue Diamond Growers, shared with growers in attendance that the cooperative navigated a challenging year by responding with urgency and clarity to strengthen long-term competitiveness and grower returns.

    “Our industry is facing real headwinds, from rising input costs and pest-related crop damage to persistent market volatility,” Bockmann said. “But we

    must stay focused on what matters most: maximizing returns for our growers while building a cooperative that will thrive for generations to come. The actions we are taking position us to do exactly that.”

    At the meeting, Blue Diamond’s leadership outlined concrete steps taken to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen the cooperative’s market position across three strategic pillars.

    Transforming Operations to Drive Efficiency

    Earlier this year the cooperative announced plans to close its Sacramento manufacturing plant and consolidate operations to the existing Turlock and Salida facilities. The move will maximize efficiencies while moving the manufacturing facilities even closer to the almond-growing regions that are at the heart of the cooperative. The transition strengthens both efficiency and sustainability while honoring Blue Diamond’s commitment to growers.

    “It comes down to one fundamental thing: build a stronger and more profitable Blue Diamond that provides the best return for our growers’ almonds,” Bockmann said. “We’ve made the tough calls this year with decisions that position us for long-term success.”

    Driving Brand Performance and Innovations

    Despite category softness, Blue Diamond maintained the No. 1 position in both Almondmilk and Snack Almonds. The cooperative executed its first brand refresh in more than two decades, laying critical groundwork for renewed consumer engagement. The year saw the successful launch of new product lines including Almonds and More mixed nuts and almond-fruit produce blends in partnership with Oppy® to help establish a presence and ignite growth in the produce section. Additionally, limited-time flavors – including Cherry Slurpee® and Mike’s Hot Honey® – drove consumer excitement and helped the brand remain top-of-mind in a competitive marketplace.

    Expanding within International Markets

    Blue Diamond continues to expand its international footprint across multiple regions and segments. In Canada, the cooperative grew distribution with major retailers at a pace faster than both category and private-label growth. Strategic beverage partnerships and pipeline opportunities took shape in Japan, while new flavor tests launched across Europe for broader retailer expansion. The cooperative also strengthened its core almond segment leadership with in-shell almonds showing impressive growth in key markets including India, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.

    Announcing the 2025 Chairman’s Grower Ambassador of the Year Award

    At the annual meeting, Blue Diamond’s Board Chairman Steve Van Duyn presented the 2025 Chairman’s Grower Ambassador Award to George Goshgarian Jr., a Blue Diamond grower whose family has farmed with the cooperative for nearly 50 years. Goshgarian Jr. is from Fresno and is completing his MBA at Fresno Pacific University School of Business.

    For more than 13 years, Goshgarian Jr. has served in various capacities at the Almond Board of California, including the Environmental Committee, Almond Quality and Food Safety Services Committee, and Strategic Ag Innovation Committee. He also served on the Board of Directors for eight years, including two terms as vice chair. He values being part of a team that creates solutions to challenging industry issues and serves as a voice for farmers.

    “Serving at the Almond Board gives even the smallest farming operation a seat at the table,” Goshgarian Jr. said. “I’ve been very proud to represent Blue Diamond at the Almond Board of California for more than a decade.”

    Bockmann concluded the annual meeting with remarks reflecting the cooperative’s readiness for the years ahead.

    “Our balance sheet is strong, our strategy is clear, and our team is energized to execute,” he said. “The coming year – and beyond – is about translating strategy into results. We do this in service to our growers, and we’re confident in the direction and path forward.”

    About Blue Diamond

    Blue Diamond Growers, a grower-owned cooperative representing approximately 3,000 of California’s almond growers, is the world’s leading almond marketer and processor. Established in 1910, it created the California almond industry and opened world markets for almonds. Blue Diamond is dedicated to delivering the benefits of almonds around the world and does so by providing high-quality almonds, almond ingredients, and branded products. Headquartered in Sacramento, the company employs more than 1,800 people throughout its processing plants, receiving stations and gift shops. To learn more about Blue Diamond Growers, visit www.bluediamond.com and follow the company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

  • California FFA Partners with Blue Diamond Growers to “Give the Gift of Blue” on Giving Tuesday

    This Giving Tuesday, the California FFA Foundation and Blue Diamond Growers are teaming up to make twice the impact through the “Give the Gift of Blue” campaign. On December 2, 2025, Blue Diamond Growers will match every donation, dollar for dollar, up to $25,000, providing FFA jackets to deserving members statewide.

    “For the last nine years, our partnership with Blue Diamond Growers has created a lasting tradition of giving back through the ‘Gift of Blue’ campaign,” said Emily Rooney, chair of the California FFA Foundation and president of the Agricultural Council of California. “With their support, we have collectively raised over $525,285, providing 5,717 FFA jackets to members throughout California—a remarkable effort and true testament to the generosity within the agriculture community.”

    With California’s record-breaking membership of more than 108,000 middle and high school students, the demand for blue jacketshas never been greater. The iconic blue jacket stands as more than just a part of the official FFA uniform; it also embodies the values of leadership and rich agricultural tradition instilled in FFA members for nearly 100 years.

    “Blue Diamond is, once again, pleased to match funds dollar for dollar up to $25,000 to support FFA students in receiving their iconic, blue jackets,” said Mel Machado, Blue Diamond Growers chief agricultural officer and California FFA Foundation board member. “As a century-old farmer-owned cooperative, our legacy depends on supporting the next generation of farmers. FFA students are bright, dedicated, hardworking, and learn valuable skills to ensure the future of farming. Blue Diamond Growers is honored to support the FFA mission.”

    Beyond Giving Tuesday, Blue Diamond Growers has been a steadfast ally to FFA and agricultural education, extending support through sponsorships of various proficiencies and awards. Last year, Blue Diamond Growers was awarded the Distinguished Service Citation from the National FFA Organization. This esteemed honor is given to a select group of organizations, agencies, businesses, or other groups that have made outstanding contributions to FFA.

    With 115 years of agricultural history in Northern California and the participation of approximately 3,000 family growers responsible for producing almonds for the world, Blue Diamond Growers is a premier example of a legacy of excellence.

    To discover more about the California FFA Foundation’s Giving Tuesday initiative or to contribute, please visit www.calaged.org/givingtuesday. Follow California FFA on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

    About the California FFA Foundation

    California FFA Foundation serves more than 108,000 California students and strives to make a difference in their lives by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through educational education. To learn more about the California FFA, visit calaged.org.

    Facebook: @CaliforniaFFA | LinkedIn: @California-FFA-Association | Instagram: @californiaffa | TikTok: @officialcaliforniaffa

    About Blue Diamond Growers®

    Blue Diamond Growers, a grower-owned cooperative representing approximately 3,000 of California’s almond growers, is the world’s leading almond marketer and processor. Established in 1910, it created the California almond industry and opened world markets for almonds. Blue Diamond is dedicated to delivering the benefits of almonds around the world and does so by providing high-quality almonds, almond ingredients, and branded products. Headquartered in Sacramento, the company employs about 1,300 people throughout its processing plants, receiving stations and gift shops. To learn more about Blue Diamond Growers, visit www.bluediamond.com and follow the company on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

  • Pecan Harvest Underway, Tight Supply May Bring Higher Prices

    Pecan harvest is underway, just in time for that Thanksgiving pecan pie; however American pecans are breaking out of their shell and being utilized by consumers around the world in more creative ways than ever before. During the State of the Tree Nut Industry presentations at Malcolm Media Ag Expos, Anne Warden, CEO of the American Pecan Council and American Pecan Promotion Board shared insights on the growth potential of American Pecans. After her address, she met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to elaborate and provide an update on pecan harvest and the market this year. Watch this brief interview and read more about it in the coming issue of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • New Pilot Program for Walnut Inspections Could be a Game-Changer for Entire Tree Nut Industry

    California walnut growers have been wanting to see more consistency on incoming inspections, and DFA of California has been leading the charge to deliver on that. Brendan O’Donnell, President of DFA of California met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to share details on a new pilot program in walnuts that has been implemented this season that could be a game changer for the entire tree nut industry. Watch the interview and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going on at Fresno State, Thanks to Pistachio Harvester Partnership with OXBO

    Thanks to a collaborative partnership with OXBO, Fresno State ag students have hands-on access to state-of-the-art pistachio harvesting equipment. During the thick of pistachio harvest, Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm met with Ag instructor John Williams, Jordan College of Agriculture Dean Rolston St. Hilaire, and OXBO Fruit Division President Robert Huckaby out in the Fresno State pistachio orchard to explain the collaborative nature of this partnership and how it stands to benefit the future of the pistachio industry. Watch this brief interview and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.