California Ag Network

Category: Nut Industry

  • Genetic ‘Signatures’ Provide Insight Into What Stresses Wild Bees

    A new method of examining gene expression patterns called landscape transcriptomics may help pinpoint what causes bumble bees stress and could eventually give insight into why bee populations are declining overall, according to a study led by researchers at Penn State. The team published their findings in the journal Molecular Ecology.

    This study was the first test of the emerging field of landscape transcriptomics, recently envisioned by an interdisciplinary team led by scientists in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences. The team hypothesized that it would be possible to collect animals and plants from the wild and determine which stressors they experienced based on specific patterns or signatures in their gene expression profiles.

    In this study, the scientists used an artificial intelligence approach known as machine learning to evaluate gene expression profiles of individual bumble bees. The researchers found that the method could accurately identify genetic signatures of stressors, such as excessive heat and cold, in bees both in the lab and in the wild.

    Gabriela Quinlan, who led the study when she was a postdoctoral scholar in the College of Agricultural Sciences, said the findings suggest landscape transcriptomics could be used to accelerate conservation efforts for at-risk species.

    “This is a really big step in demonstrating this new strategy for identifying at-risk populations and showing how these machine learning models can be used both in the lab and out in the field,” she said. “We also found directly applicable insights such as sets of genes that are associated with different stressors in bumble bees, which we didn’t have before.”

    Bees — like many other species of plants and animals — are currently in decline around the world, the researchers said, suggesting that something is causing enough stress to trigger population declines. However, understanding exactly what those stressors are can be challenging.

    That’s where landscape transcriptomics comes in, according to Christina Grozinger, Publius Vergilius Maro Professor of Entomology and director of the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences.

    “It’s like forensic biology, where you can look at an organism’s gene expression patterns and identify a signature or fingerprint that relates to the stress it’s experiencing,” Grozinger said. “Landscape transcriptomics should allow us to identify stressed populations of target species much more rapidly than traditional approaches, which require collecting and analyzing many samples over long periods of time.”

    While previous studies have found that it was possible to detect transcriptional signatures of specific stressors in organisms reared and treated in the lab under very controlled conditions, the research team wanted to see whether the method would still be feasible in organisms living in the wild.

    “In typical laboratory studies, we use organisms from the same genetic background, the same age, reared in the same way, and which are exposed to stressors at tightly controlled levels and periods of time,” Grozinger said. “But collecting organisms from the wild, we know nothing about them or the stressors they’ve experienced, so we were curious if we could still see these specific stress-related transcriptional fingerprints.”

    For this study, the researchers first did an experiment in the lab in which they exposed bumble bees to different types of stressors, including heat, cold and immune challenges. They then extracted the bees’ RNA — the genetic material used to build proteins and help regulate biological functions — and sent the samples to the Penn State Genomics Core Facility for high throughput sequencing.

    This gave the researchers information on the number of RNA strands corresponding to each gene, which represents the gene expression patterns.  The RNA profiles from individuals that were exposed to different stressors were then used to train a machine learning model, which is a type of artificial intelligence, to recognize which patterns of gene expressions were associated with each type of stressor.

    A strength of this study, Quinlan said, was the approach they took to training their machine learning model to recognize the different genetic signatures for each stressor.

    “We know that in nature, organisms are going to be subjected to multiple stressors at the same time, so how do we differentiate one stressor versus another?” she said. “We used an algorithm that takes all the inputs from all the genes and finds the patterns that emerge when the bees were experiencing each stressor. We were able to get a model with 92% accuracy, which we could then use to assess wild bees.”

    For their second experiment, the team collected wild bees from two sites: one in the Arboretum at Penn State and another in a forested, more mountainous area.

    The sites were chosen to increase the likelihood that the bees would be exposed to different stressors — those at the Arboretum had access to abundant floral resources and lots of sun, while the bees from the second site experienced more shade and might not have as many flowers to forage.

    After analyzing the transcriptomes of these bees, the researchers found that the model was once again very accurate in predicting which stressors the bees were experiencing. However, the researchers found that these signatures didn’t last long in the bees’ RNA. In bees collected the morning after a heat wave, when environmental temperatures had gone back to normal, their genetic signatures for heat stress were no longer visible.

    But this also meant that the researchers could glean precise details about how bees go about their day. For example, they discovered that many bees exhibited signatures of starvation stress when they were collected in the morning as compared to the evening, which might give insight into how bees forage and their motivation to forage.

    Quinlan said in the future, additional work could train these models to pick up on stressors that bees have experienced for longer periods of time.

    “The initial motivation for this study was to see longer-lived signatures so we can learn what is stressing these bees long term and might be contributing to population decline,” she said. “Transcriptomics is very acute in that it picks up on what’s going on in the moment, so it might be a matter of training these models to pick up on these longer term, more subtle differences.”

    Heather Hines, associate professor of biology and entomology, also co-authored this study.

    The Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Strategic Networks and Initiatives Program and the U.S. National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Biology Program supported this research. — By Katie Bohn, Pennsylvania State University 

  • New Map to Crack the Code of Pistachio Genetics

    California produces 99% of the nation’s pistachios, generating nearly $3 billion in economic value in the state. But pistachios have been slightly understudied in part because of the lack of a high-quality map of their DNA. University of California, Davis, researchers have now generated the most comprehensive genome sequence of the pistachio, allowing plant breeders to create better — perhaps more nutritious — varieties. They’ve also detailed how pistachio nuts develop, which will help farmers manage their crop more sustainably.

    New Phytologist published the study on March 20th.

    Scientists have sequenced the DNA of pistachios before, but co-corresponding author J. Grey Monroe, an assistant professor with the Department of Plant Sciences, said this new genetic map is vastly more detailed and accurate.

    “The improvement in accuracy of the new reference genome is like going from a hand-drawn map of a landscape to a satellite image from Google Earth,” he said.

    Monroe and the research team sequenced the genome of the Kerman cultivar, the most common pistachio variety grown in California.

    Climate change challenges pistachio yields

    Pistachio trees are resilient to drought and salinity, but they require cold winters to flower properly. As climate change brings warmer winters, growers need new pistachio varieties that can thrive in higher temperatures. Warm winters, combined with the dissipation of fogs that cool California’s Central Valley, have caused significant losses for pistachio growers.

    Given that establishing a pistachio tree requires a commitment of up to 50 years, researchers said California growers are understandably concerned about the impacts of climate change on their crops.

    A nutty development

    The study also identifies four key stages of nut growth from flower to harvest, providing a complete physiological assessment, including shell hardening and kernel growth.

    “Knowing how the nut changes through development will help farmers make better decisions, like when to water their trees, leading to more sustainable pistachio production,” said co-corresponding author Bárbara Blanco-Ulate, an associate professor with the Department of Plant Sciences.

    A more accurate assessment of its development could also help provide growers better strategies for harvest and avoid issues such as insect damage and fungal infections.

    Blanco-Ulate said it was important to also detail not just the physical changes of the pistachios, but also the genetic and molecular drivers of those characteristics. The genomic sequence includes precedent-setting information on how different genes behave in nuts over the growing season.

    Nutritious nut

    Pistachios have always been a nutritious food, but researchers have now discovered the genes and pathways that influence their nutritional value. This includes insights into how protein and unsaturated fatty acids accumulate, which is crucial for both their shelf life and dietary benefits.

    “We’re getting information about how all these nutritional characteristics are gained in pistachios and how we can improve that from a management perspective,” said Blanco-Ulate.

    This understanding could help scientists breed more nutritional pistachios in the future.

    The first authors of the paper are Jaclyn Adaskaveg and Chaehee Lee of UC Davis. Other UC Davis authors include Yiduo Wei, Fangyi Wang, Saskia D. Mesquida-Pesci, Matthew Davis, Louis Ferguson, Giulia Marino, Patrick J. Brown, Georgia Drakakaki, Selina Wang and Filipa S. Grilo.

    Research was funded by the California Pistachio Research Board, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research. — By Amy Quinton, UC Davis

  • Almond Day Updates Growers on New Pest, Disease in California

    Late in 2023, California almond growers – responsible for a crop valued at $3.88 billion in 2023 – started to hear about a potentially devastating new pest, the carpophilus beetle (Carpophilus truncatus).

    With virtually no information about this species in California, Jhalendra Rijal and his colleagues spent 2024 investigating its extent in the almond-growing regions of the state and learning from peers in Australia, where the insect has been a persistent scourge for a decade.

    A hullsplit almond showing a large number of carpophilus beetles (Carpophilus truncatus). Photo by Jhalendra Rijal.

    “This year, we at least have the one year of experience with this pest, and we have generated information that is relevant and practical for the growers,” said Rijal, a University of California Cooperative Extension integrated pest management advisor. For example: After an insecticide trial was largely ineffective (likely because the beetle spends most of its life cycle protected within the nut), Rijal has been emphasizing cultural practices like orchard sanitation.

    Sharing those crucial updates is one reason why the annual UCCE North San Joaquin Valley Almond Day is essential for growers, industry professionals and pest control advisers. This year’s event was held on Jan. 21 at the Modesto Centre Plaza.

    During Almond Day 2025, Jhalendra Rijal, UCCE IPM advisor, discusses the differences between Carpophilus truncatus and related beetle species. Photo by Mike Hsu

    “It’s the meeting on everyone’s calendar,” said Rijal, who co-organized the event alongside his UC Agriculture and Natural Resources peers, Brent Holtz and Cameron Zuber.

    With support from Farm Credit, the 2025 Almond Day attracted about 140 people, who heard about a range of best practices on almond production and pest management from six UC experts.

    “This is a great educational tool,” said meeting attendee Ali Arshad, a Blue Diamond grower who operates several ranches in San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties. “I like to come attend their seminars as much as possible; they’re very educational and informative – and very helpful too.”

    Scientists offer advice on managing carpophilus beetle, red leaf blotch in almonds

    Fellow grower Donny Hicks, who has attended 14 Almond Day meetings, concurred about the usefulness of the event. “Everything that was covered today is applicable to what I do,” he said.

    Troubled by the presence of Carpophilus truncatus on his orchard in Hughson, Stanislaus County, Hicks said he recently partnered with Rijal to set some traps on his property, hoping to grow scientists’ understanding of the pest.

    “It takes growers to help advance that knowledge and be the ‘guinea pigs’ somewhat,” Hicks explained. “At the same time, if it helps us growers as a whole, that’s a good thing.”

    During his opening talk, Rijal reiterated the need for growers to clean up the remnant “mummy” nuts on the ground that serve as overwintering habitat and a food source for the next generation of beetles in the spring.

    “Do the sanitation so you can destroy the population from the beginning and you will have less of a problem,” said Rijal, who also shared a visual ID guide that can help growers identify the specific pest in their orchard and thus better target their control methods.

    Growers also heard practical advice on an emerging almond disease, red leaf blotch, caused by the fungus Polystigma amygdalinum. Named for the orange-red patches of discoloration on leaves, red leaf blotch in almond has led to significant crop loss across Mediterranean countries. Unknown in California prior to last year, there was an explosion of reports throughout the San Joaquin Valley during 2024.

    “It was pretty surprising, both the quickness and vastness of the spread,” said Alejandro Hernandez-Rosas, a UC Davis Ph.D. candidate in the lab of Florent Trouillas, UC Cooperative Extension specialist in the Department of Plant Pathology at UC Davis.

    During his presentation, Hernandez-Rosas said a preventative application of fungicide at petal fall – and then again at two and five weeks after petal fall – appear to work best to manage this disease. Fungicide applications made after the blotchy leaf symptoms appear will not be effective, Hernandez-Rosas said, and further research needs to be done to determine the most effective products and optimal timing for growers to make the most of their applications.

    And because leaf litter is the “primary source” of the disease inoculum, Hernandez-Rosas added that cultural practices focused on speeding cleanup or decomposition of leaf litter are critical to reduce disease severity. However, it is only effective if done over a wide area in conjunction with neighbors.

    Advanced symptoms of red leaf blotch (RLB) include large, yellow-orange blotches (roughly 1/2″) that turn reddish-brown in their center. Photo credit: Alejandro Hernandez and Florent Trouillas

    Rodents, irrigation, replanting and whole orchard recycling

    Both Arshad and Hicks mentioned that they intend to tackle the gopher problem in their orchards.

    “I plant a cover crop every year and the gophers tend to really like it – so I get overrun with those gophers,” Hicks explained. “I’m trying to find that balance of not letting them overtake my orchard but still being able to cover crop – because that’s beneficial too.”

    With many growers voicing a desire to learn about burrowing rodents, Almond Day organizers were pleased to schedule a presentation by Roger Baldwin, professor of Cooperative Extension in the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology at UC Davis.

    Baldwin presented the available control options for not only pocket gophers but also ground squirrels and meadow voles. He stressed the need to understand the biology and ecology of the rodents to maximize efficacy; for example, whereas ground squirrels prefer green foliage as their main food source in the spring, they switch to seeds in the summer/fall – which would thus be a better time to use pelletized baits.

    In choosing from baiting, trapping, habitat modification, burrow fumigation, biocontrols and other options, Baldwin recommended combining different strategies and approaches in an integrated way.

    “Mixing and matching tools will give you the best possible results,” he said.

    The utility of combining methods was also a key takeaway from the presentation by Moneim Mohamed, UCCE irrigation and soils advisor. Highlighting the latest tools and innovations, Mohamed outlined the soil-based, weather-based and plant-based methods to collect data that can help growers make the most of their water.

    Mohamed said using even just one approach is beneficial in optimizing irrigation scheduling – but more is even better. “A combination of the three methods is the best,” he said.

    Cameron Zuber, UCCE orchard crops farm advisor for Merced County, discussed considerations related to replanting an orchard, including field and soil conditions and the management of plant-parasitic nematodes and aggressive pathogens and pests. He also encouraged attendees to visit growingthevalleypodcast.com for more information on tree nuts and a host of other topics.

    Finally, Brent Holtz, UCCE orchard systems farm advisor for San Joaquin County and a trailblazer for whole orchard recycling, presented an overview of WOR. He then shared recent findings on its effects on fungal pathogens, and ways to mitigate drawbacks of WOR – such as the initial carbon-to-nitrogen imbalance when the recycled almond wood chips are first spread on a field.

    Hicks, who has already tried WOR in his orchard, is also the grower relations manager for RPAC, a Los Banos-based company that grows, processes and markets almonds. Hicks said he also brings what he learns during Almond Day to his fellow growers – illustrating the multiplier effect of such educational events.

    “I have growers who possibly will be doing whole orchard recycling, and I can share that information,” Hicks said.

    UC Agriculture and Natural Resources brings UC information and practices to all 58 California counties. Through research and Cooperative Extension in agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, economic and youth development, our mission is to improve the lives of all Californians. Learn more at ucanr.edu.

  • Monitoring Spider Mites in Almond Orchards

    Almond growers are all too familiar with the challenges posed by pests in their orchards. Despite not being on the top of a grower’s concern list, spider mites can inflict serious damage to an almond orchard, and rather quickly if populations get out of control. However, effective monitoring and the use of beneficial insects can play a crucial role in managing these pests and ensuring a healthy almond harvest.

    Understanding Spider Mites
    Spider mites are tiny arachnids that thrive in warm, dry conditions, making almond orchards an ideal habitat. These pests feed on the leaves of almond trees, causing stippling, yellowing, and eventually leaf drop. Severe infestations can lead to reduced photosynthesis, weakened trees, and lower yields. Therefore, it is essential to keep a close eye on spider mite populations and take timely action to prevent economic losses.

    The Role of Beneficial Insects
    One of the most effective natural treatments for spider mites is the use of beneficial insects, such as six-spotted thrips. These tiny predators feed on spider mites and can significantly reduce their populations. David Haviland, a University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) entomology farm advisor, emphasizes the importance of relying on six-spotted thrips for mite management. These thrips are highly adaptable, reproduce quickly, and provide numerous operational benefits. They occur naturally, are free, and do not leave residues, pre-harvest intervals, or worker safety issues to worry about.

    In addition to six-spotted thrips, other natural enemies of spider mites include predatory mites and lady beetles. These beneficial insects can help maintain a balance in the orchard ecosystem, reducing the need for chemical interventions. However, it is crucial to monitor the populations of both spider mites and their natural enemies to make informed decisions about pest management.

    Effective Monitoring Techniques
    Monitoring for spider mites involves regular inspections of the orchard, particularly in dusty or water-stressed areas where mites are most likely to thrive. Checking on the underside of leaves for the presence of spider mites is the most effective way to identify them in the orchard. According to the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program, growers should check for spider mites at least weekly during the warmer months. Presence-absence leaf sampling is a useful tool for determining whether treatment is necessary. If there are 1.4 mites per leaf or 38% of leaves are infested, it is time to consider intervention to prevent the population from reaching damaging levels.

    To-Do List for Growers

    1. Seasonal Monitoring: From March to early May, monitor orchards for both predators and spider mites at least once every two weeks. Increase monitoring frequency to at least once a week from June to September when mite populations can rapidly increase.
    2. Weekly Inspections: Regularly inspect your orchard, especially in dusty or water-stressed areas, to check for spider mites. Use a hand lens to detect mite eggs, hatched spider mites, and predators.
    3. Presence-Absence Leaf Sampling: Use this method to determine if treatment is necessary. If there are 1.4 mites per leaf or 38% of leaves are infested, take action.
    4. Monitor Beneficial Insects: Assess the populations of natural enemies like six-spotted thrips, predatory mites, and lady beetles to ensure they are sufficient to control spider mites.
    5. Consider Selective Miticides: If natural predators are not enough, consider using selective miticides that are less harmful to beneficial insects.
    6. Follow ABC Guidelines: Utilize resources and guidelines provided by the Almond Board of California (ABC) for effective mite management.

    For more detailed information on monitoring spider mites, growers can refer to the guidelines provided by the UC ANR IPM Program here.

    Spider mites could pose a significant threat to almond orchards, but effective monitoring and the use of beneficial insects can help manage these pests without increasing inputs. By relying on natural predators like six-spotted thrips and other beneficial insects, growers can reduce the need for chemical interventions, lower costs and promote a healthier orchard ecosystem. — By the Almond Board of California

  • Despite Trade Uncertainty, American Pistachio Growers Continue Global Market Promotions with Nearly $7M in Federal Funding

    U.S. pistachio production volumes continue to grow steadily, with the bulk of consumer growth opportunities in international markets. American Pistachio Growers has had great success in establishing and building demand for U.S. pistachios overseas, and as such, has recently been awarded nearly seven million dollars in federal funding to continue this growth. Over the last couple months though, federal funding freezes, budget cuts, and the threat of retaliatory tariffs in key export countries has agricultural communities deeply concerned.  Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm met with APG’s VP of Global Marketing Scott Fryer to discuss how APG is navigating these concerns, all the while staying the course in building global demand for American pistachios in new and established markets. Watch this brief interview and read more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Got Carpophilus Beetle? Make it Official with Ag Commissioner

    The carpophilus beetle, a serious pest threatening California’s almond industry, is officially documented in only four counties — Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, and Kings. However, according to entomologists and industry experts, its presence is far more widespread, raising concerns about the limitations of official reporting and its impact on securing resources for control and mitigation.

    Houston Wilson, a Cooperative Extension specialist in the Department of Entomology at UC Riverside, has been surveying reports and conducting research on the beetle in collaboration with other UC and USDA researchers. “We’ve identified infested orchards — both almonds and pistachios — from every county within the San Joaquin Valley,” Wilson said. “We’re also hearing reports of crop damage from the Sacramento Valley (Sacramento through Butte County), but we have yet to directly confirm it there due to limited survey efforts.”

    The Importance of Official Documentation

    Despite mounting evidence of the carpophilus beetle’s spread, official state records remain limited. Wilson explains that for a find to be considered “official,” the county Agricultural Commissioner must collect a sample and submit it to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) for verification. The current process means that many beetle infestations, though identified by researchers, remain unofficial.

    “While we have unofficial records from our survey efforts, my understanding is that the official records only reflect what has gone through the CDFA process,” Wilson said.

    For growers, the discrepancy between unofficial and official findings is more than just a technicality — it could also affect the allocation of resources. According to the Almond Alliance, securing state and federal assistance depends on having documented proof of the beetle’s widespread presence.

    “The widespread documentation of the carpophilus beetle serves as a vital indicator of the extent and severity of the issue,” said Almond Alliance CEO Alexi Rodriguez. “When more counties report official beetle findings, it underscores the pervasive nature of the problem, highlighting its impact beyond isolated areas.”

    Challenges in Reporting

    Wilson acknowledges that the reporting process can be complicated, but he and his team actively assist growers. “If a grower contacts me about suspected beetle damage, I usually visit the farm to assess the situation,” he said. “If we confirm the presence of the carpophilus beetle in a county that hasn’t had an official report, we advise them to contact their Agricultural Commissioner and guide them through the reporting process.”

    Rodriguez recognizes the difficulties growers face in reporting. “I want to acknowledge that the reporting process is not easy; however, expanding the network of official findings will allow us to advocate for more effective solutions by highlighting the problem’s regional and national significance,” she said.

    Identifying the Carpophilus Beetle

    For growers looking to detect the beetle, Wilson advises examining nuts in windrows, where nuts can be easily sampled. “The most apparent sign is a fine, powdery white frass on the nut, which results from beetle larvae tunneling into the kernel,” he said. “If you blow that frass away, you might see a circular hole in the shell where the adult beetle chewed through to lay its eggs. Inside, the larvae create distinctive oval-shaped tunnels in the kernel itself.”

    Wilson is part of a team that last year developed a pest identification guide to help growers differentiate carpophilus beetle damage from other pests, such as navel orangeworm or ants.

    Securing Support for Growers

    To address the growing concern, the Almond Alliance continues to work with officials at both the state and federal levels. “This engagement is expected to lead to more coordinated and robust interventions, mobilizing the necessary support and funding to mitigate the impact of beetle infestations on ecosystems, agriculture, and local economies,” Rodriguez said.

    Meanwhile, research efforts continue. “We’ve secured funding from the Almond Board of California and the California Pistachio Research Board for a second year, and we’ve now leveraged that into a larger pool of funding from the USDA,” Wilson said.

    Growers can also take advantage of upcoming pest identification workshops organized by the Almond Board of California in March, where they can learn more about identifying carpophilus beetle damage.

    A Call to Action

    With the evidence pointing to a much wider distribution of the carpophilus beetle than official records reflect, the push for more growers to report infestations is crucial. “If we don’t have official documentation, we can’t make the case for more resources,” Rodriguez emphasized. “We urge growers to work with their local Agricultural Commissioners to ensure the beetle’s spread is formally recognized.”

     

    By increasing official reports, the almond industry can strengthen its efforts to combat the carpophilus beetle, securing the necessary funding and support to protect California’s valuable almond crops. — By the Almond Board of California

  • Opportunities for Tree Nuts, Dairy & Wine in Upcoming Peru Agribusiness Trade Mission

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service is accepting applications for its agribusiness trade mission to Lima, Peru, scheduled for June 9-12, 2025. Current and potential U.S. exporters interested in participating must apply by March 12, 2025.

    “Consumers in Peru are eager to stock their pantries with world-class, high-quality food and farm products, and this mission offers a unique opportunity for U.S. exporters to meet that growing demand,” said Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Daniel Whitley. “It will also help our agricultural community forge meaningful partnerships and unlock new avenues for growth in South America.”

    Peru is the third-largest market for U.S. agricultural exports in South America. Since the 2009 U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement, bilateral agricultural trade has risen from $1.46 billion to $5 billion in 2023, a 242.5 percent increase. In 2023, the United States was Peru’s second-largest agricultural supplier with a 13-percent market share.

    Peru and its South American trade partners offer robust logistics, distribution, processing, and cold chain capabilities, creating opportunities for exporters across industry sectors, including:

    • Beef, pork, poultry and related products
    • Dairy products
    • Tree nuts
    • Snack, bakery and confectionery products
    • Wine and distilled spirits
    • Condiments and sauces
    • Dog and cat food
    • Health-conscious foods (low-sodium, low-sugar, low-fat)
    • Ethanol
    • Live animals and feed ingredients
    • Bulk products, including pulses

    During the trade mission, participants will join buyers from Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador for targeted business-to-business meetings to explore and discuss potential business opportunities in each country. Foreign Agricultural Service staff and regional experts will also provide in-depth market briefings, lead informative site visits, and host networking events.

    For more information or to apply, visit www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions/peru-june-2025. The application deadline is Wednesday, March 12, 2025.

    The trade mission to Peru is one of several USDA-led export promotion opportunities in 2025, with additional missions planned to Côte d’Ivoire, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Taiwan. The agency will announce application details for these missions soon.

  • Walnut-Rich Breakfast May Help Boost Brain Power, Research Demonstrates

    As the California walnut industry continues to drive consumers to the category, new research suggests incorporating walnuts into breakfast may improve brain function throughout the day, showcasing yet another benefit of walnuts.

    The study from the University of Reading in the UK found that healthy young adults who ate 50g of walnuts (a generous handful) mixed into muesli and yogurt demonstrated improved reaction time and memory performance compared to those consuming a calorie-matched breakfast without nuts.1

    “This study helps strengthen the case for walnuts as brain food,” said Professor Claire Williams, who led the research at the University’s Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics (CINN). “A handful of walnuts with breakfast could give young adults a mental edge when they need to perform at the top of their game.”

    The study, published in Food & Function, involved 32 healthy adults aged 18-30 who consumed both a walnut-rich breakfast and a calorie-matched breakfast on separate occasions.* Participants completed various cognitive tests while their brain activity was monitored in the six hours following each breakfast.

    “This study adds to our growing body of evidence that walnuts may play a valuable role in supporting cognitive function,” said Robert Verloop, CEO for the California Walnut Commission. “Finding cognitive benefits in young adults is particularly significant as we work to increase walnuts’ appeal in this demographic.”

    The researchers suggest that walnuts’ mix of nutrients – including omega-3 alpha linolenic acid (ALA), protein, and plant compounds – may enhance cognitive performance. Walnuts are the only nut to provide an excellent source of omega-3 ALA** (2.5g/oz), which has been researched to support brain health, heart health and more.2 Walnuts also provide 4 grams of plant-based protein along with a variety of other nutrients in just one handful.3

    This is the first study to examine the immediate effects of walnuts on brain function in young adults throughout a single day. The findings build on previous research showing the cognitive impacts of regular walnut consumption.
    Discover recipes, industry insights and the latest health research on California walnuts at walnuts.org.

    References:
    *This research was funded by the California Walnut Commission. The funder made no contribution during the design or implementation of the study, nor in the interpretation of findings or the decision to publish.

    **One ounce of walnuts offers 18 grams of total fat, 2.5 grams of monounsaturated fat, 13 grams of good polyunsaturated fat.

    1. Bell, L., Dodd, G. F., Jeavons, M., Fisher, D. R., Whyte, A. R., Shukitt-Hale, B., & Williams, C. M. (2025). The impact of a walnut-rich breakfast on cognitive performance and brain activity throughout the day in healthy young adults: a crossover intervention trial. Food & Function, DOI: 10.1039/d4fo04832f.
    2. Sala-Vila A, Fleming J, Kris-Etherton P, Ros E. Impact of alpha-linolenic acid, the vegetable omega-3 fatty acid, on cardiovascular disease and cognition [published ahead of print February 16, 2022]. Advances in Nutrition. doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmac016.
    3. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. fdc.nal.usda.gov.

    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.

  • California Walnut Board Opens Nominations for Board Positions

     

    The California Walnut Board will begin accepting nominations for its governing board, calling on both established growers and handlers, and next-generation farmers to help guide the industry’s strategic transformation.

    Members and alternates will be elected for the next two-year term beginning on September 1, 2025 and ending on August 31, 2027. Walnut growers are eligible to petition the California Walnut Board to have the name of their candidate included on the 2025 nomination ballot.

    Nomination petitions are being sent to growers this month, allowing growers to propose candidates for the upcoming election. In mid-April, ballots listing the eligible candidates for grower positions will be mailed to all walnut growers in California. Growers will vote for two members and two alternates to represent their district as well as one member and one alternate for the statewide position. The nominees who receive the most votes will be presented to the Secretary of Agriculture for appointment consideration.

    “Two years ago, the industry created a strategic plan designed to move the industry forward, and while we’ve made significant strides, there is more work to be done,” said Robert Verloop, executive director of the California Walnut Board. “We’re seeking leaders who can think beyond their individual operations to collaborate with us for industry success.”

    While all growers and handlers are encouraged to get involved, engaging younger industry members is increasingly important.

    “We’re looking to attract the next generation of industry leadership ready to roll up their sleeves to positively shape the future,” said Verloop. “Their fresh perspectives and energy can help shape the future and drive positive change as multi-generational family farms evolve.”

    Elected board members play a critical role in guiding the industry, offering their unique knowledge and expertise, representing the interests of farmers in their regions and statewide, and providing oversight and governance functions. Importantly, board members will also help drive the industry’s strategic plan developed in 2023, for growers and by growers. The plan outlines an ambitious vision of making California Walnuts craved around the globe and focuses on six priorities, including product quality; global sales and marketing; innovation; sustainability; goal-oriented research; and revitalizing the board and commission.

    Industry members unable to commit to board service can still contribute through committees focused on marketing, production and post-harvest research, issues management and grades and standards.

    For more information, contact Suzanne Wuehler at the California Walnut Board office at (916) 932-7070 or swuehler@walnuts.org.

    About the California Walnut Board
    The California Walnut Board (CWB) 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 CWB, established in 1948, promotes usage of walnuts in the United States through publicity and educational programs. The CWB also provides funding for walnut production, food safety and post-harvest research.

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

  • Almond Board of California Calls for 2025 Board of Directors Candidates

    The 2025 election cycle for the Almond Board of California (ABC) Board of Directors launches on Friday, Feb. 7 with the call to all potential candidates to file their intent to run by April 1, 2025.

    A one-year and a three-year seat are open to represent independent growers in the 2025-26 crop year, and a one-year and a three-year seat are also open to represent independent handlers. Alternate seats for those positions are open, as well. Voting starts April 21 and ends May 22.

    To qualify for an independent grower or alternate seat, candidates must be a current grower and must submit a petition signed by at least 15 independent almond growers, which ABC will verify. Independent handler and alternate candidates must declare their intention in writing to ABC.

    All details, documents, open positions, the election timeline and deadlines, and frequently asked questions can be found at Almonds.com/Elections.

    All petitions and declarations must state the position for which the candidate is running and be sent to abcbodelections@almondboard.com or printed and mailed to ABC, 1150 Ninth St., Suite 1500, Modesto, CA 95354. The deadline for all filings is April 1. Potential candidates who’d like more information can contact ABC at abcbodelections@almondboard.com.

    “The ABC Board of Directors plays a crucial role in the success of our industry,” said ABC President and CEO Clarice Turner. “More than 7,600 growers and 100 handlers count on Board leadership to guide the work of the Almond Board. It’s crucial to have dedicated people from across the industry to help navigate these complicated times and work toward a positive, prosperous future.”

    The ABC board sets policy and recommends budgets in major areas, including marketing, production research, public relations and advertising, nutrition research, statistical reporting, quality control and food safety.

    Serving on the Board provides an opportunity to help shape the future of the almond industry and to help guide ABC in its mission to promote California almonds to domestic and international audiences through marketing efforts, funding and promoting studies about almonds’ health benefits, and ensuring best-of-class agricultural practices and food safety.

    ABC encourages eligible women, minorities and people with disabilities to consider running for a position on the Board of Directors to reflect the diversity of the industry it serves.