While China used to be the #1 export destination for California almonds, India has quickly risen to the top with tremendous opportunities for growth. Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm met with Emily Fleischmann and in-country representative Sudarshan Mazumdar from the Almond Board of California to discuss recent marketing successes and the industry’s continued investment in India. Watch this brief interview and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
Category: Nut Industry
-
PRIME Almond Board Investments Score Worldwide Consumer Attention
The California almond industry scored big with its recent investment and partnership with Coach Prime highlighting the nutritional benefits of almonds. Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm met with Laura Morin from the Almond Board of California to discuss some of the incredible results of this partnership, as well as other strategic partnerships around the world, engaging consumers like never before. Watch this brief interview and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
-
What Nut Growers Can Do to Combat the New Carpophilus Pest
It seems we are always on the verge of some type of apocalypse, and with the new carpophilus beetle invading California tree nut orchards, there is cause for concern. Watch this brief California Ag Network interview with UC Riverside CE Entomology Specialist Houston Wilson to learn more about this pest and how to stop it from damaging your crops.
-
5-Year Pistachio Crop Forecast Reveals Tremendous Growth
At American Pistachio Growers annual Pistachio Industry Conference this year, Bob Klein, Manager of the California Pistachio Research Board, gave his final presentation before retiring with a five-year California pistachio crop-yield forecast. The numbers were stunning with the tremendous growth of the industry and pistachio acreage expected to begin bearing. Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm met with Bob to better understand the analytics and what the industry can expect for 2024 and beyond. Watch this brief interview and read more about it in the May issue of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
-
CA Walnut Commission Celebrates USDA’s Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) Awards
The California Walnut Commission (CWC), representing more than 4,600 California walnut growers, mostly multi-generational family farms, and nearly 70 handlers, is pleased to announce it has been awarded $7 million in funding as part of the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) to expand distribution and sales of California Walnuts in international markets.
The CWC thanks Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Foreign Agricultural Service for enactingthe Regional Agricultural Promotion Program and recent award announcements to help support the expansion of California Walnuts and other US commodity exports into emerging markets. This additional funding will allow the industry to expand programs into new markets as well as boost activities in existing strategic export markets, with the goal of increasing distribution and driving sales of high-quality California walnuts globally.
RAPP funding will enhance the Commission’s work by expanding market access in new opportunity markets, in conjunction with driving sales of California walnuts in international markets currently funded through the Market Access Program (MAP). The CWC plans to attain success by leveraging the combined funding to conduct similar programs and activities as it was able to achieve in the United Kingdom (UK) utilizing the one-time Agricultural Trade Promotion Program (ATP) funds. In the UK, the industry was able to build programs that drove additional displays and distribution, resulting in increased retail sales and growing California walnut shipments +65% since 2018. The UK is now a top ten export market.
“Funding from the Market Access Program has been essential to our success over the years, and the introduction of RAPP funds will provide additional opportunities to drive new distribution and grow sales for California walnuts in even more new and exciting ways” said Robert Verloop, CEO for California Walnut Commission. “We’re eager for the opportunity of RAPP to expand sales of and expand market access for California walnuts.”
About the California Walnut Commission
The California Walnut Commission (CWC) represents more than 4,600 California walnut growers and nearly 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
-
Almond Leadership Program Raises Over $21,000 for FFA Scholarships
The Almond Board of California’s Almond Leadership Program (ALP) swung into action once again, hosting its annual golf tournament on Thursday, May 2, at the Dragonfly Golf Club in Madera. With 32 teams comprising a total of 128 enthusiastic golfers, the event teed off at 8 in the morning and concluded with triumph and camaraderie at 2 in the afternoon.
The day wasn’t just about perfecting that swing or sinking that elusive putt; it was about rallying together for a common cause — supporting the future of agriculture. This year’s tournament proved to be a hole-in-one for fundraising efforts, as it soared past the $21,000 mark. Every penny raised will be funneled into FFA scholarships, ensuring that budding agriculturalists have the financial support they need to nurture their dreams and ambitions.
The winning quartet, comprising of Ian Hudson, Mark Mallin, Danny Miller, and Max Sparrer, showcased not only their golfing prowess but also their commitment to the cause. Meanwhile, the event’s success owes much to the dedication of ALP program participants Zac Days and Ryan McCoon, who served as co-chairs, steering the tournament towards success.
The tournament provided a platform for industry members and FFA students alike to converge, forging bonds and making memories — all while championing a cause close to their hearts. The significance of these scholarships, as highlighted by ABC’s Rebecca Bailey, cannot be overstated. “College is expensive, so being able to support students as they pursue higher education will help to ease financial and stress-related burdens,” she emphasized.
In the grand tapestry of California agriculture, events like the ALP’s golf tournament serve as threads that bind communities together, weaving a future with promise and possibility.
For those interested in joining the ranks of future agricultural leaders, applications for the 2025 Almond Leadership Program will begin to be accepted in October. For more information, reach out to Rebecca Bailey at rbailey@almondboard.com.
In the end, it’s not just about sinking putts; it’s about raising hopes, one swing at a time. — By the Almond Board of California
-
USDA Funding to Address Specialty Crop Export Challenges
U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis M. Taylor today announced the availability of funding for the first five projects under the new Assisting Specialty Crop Exports (ASCE) initiative.
The ASCE initiative is part of USDA’s commitment to create more, new and better markets at home and abroad for U.S. producers and agribusinesses. The innovative partnership between USDA and the specialty crops sector will focus on projects to address the non-tariff trade barriers that hinder U.S. exports of fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, horticultural crops and related products.
“Today, USDA is committing more than $20 million to support U.S. specialty crop exporters in their efforts to overcome trade barriers and open overseas markets,” Under Secretary Taylor said. “We’re excited to be accepting proposals from partners interested in implementing projects that will target cross-cutting issues that were identified in our discussions with a diverse set of stakeholders. U.S. specialty crop exports totaled $25.8 billion last year, increasing the bottom line for our producers and driving economic development in their local communities and beyond. With the ASCE initiative, we look forward to expanding specialty crop exports and generating even greater benefits.”
The project opportunities for which USDA is accepting applications are:
Sustainable Packaging Innovation Lab – to support research and implementation projects that advance U.S. specialty crop exports through innovative solutions to emerging overseas regulatory requirements for packaging and labeling;
Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) Regional Harmonization – to address existing and potential trade needs in Asia, Latin America, and Africa related to MRLs for U.S. specialty crops entering these regions, while supporting development of risk-based and trade-facilitative policies that are consistent with international standards such as Codex;
Import MRL Guideline Implementation in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economies – to support establishment of import MRLs in key U.S. export markets through the adoption and implementation of official APEC MRL guidelines that facilitate trade and are consistent with international standards such as Codex;
Data Generation for Codex and Harmonized MRL Setting – to reduce the number of missing and misaligned MRLs by supporting collaborative research and data generation capacity for the establishment of Codex MRLs; and
MRL Quick Reference Sheets for Specialty Crops – to develop a set of quick reference sheets for specialty crop exporters that include MRLs for the top foreign markets.
After touring the packaging materials lab at the University of Wisconsin-Stout today, Under Secretary Taylor said, “The work being accomplished by these students and researchers will help create innovative, sustainable packaging materials that will help specialty crop exporters meet the requirements of our trading partners and extend the shelf-life of their products to ensure cost-competitive, highly nutritious American products move safely from our farm to consumers’ plates globally.”
For more information about the ASCE initiative and the current funding opportunity, visit: https://fas.usda.gov/programs/assisting-specialty-crop-exports-asce-initiative
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
-
Initial Almond Crop Forecast Up 21 Percent from Last Year
The 2024 California Almond Forecast published Friday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA-NASS) estimates that the crop harvested in 2024 will come in at 3 billion pounds, 21 percent above last year’s 2.47 billion pounds.
Forecasted yield is 2,170 pounds per acre, up 380 pounds from the 2023 harvest.
“This larger crop estimate is what the industry expected after a productive bloom this spring, but it is also a testament to the hard work done by almond farmers throughout California during difficult times,” said Clarice Turner, president and CEO of the Almond Board of California. “Demand for California almonds around the globe continues to grow and our almond farmers constantly deliver on producing high quality California almonds to meet that demand.”
The report said, “The 2024 almond crop experienced fluctuating, but mostly favorable weather for the first half of the growing season. The bloom began the second week in February for the early varieties. There were a handful of storms that brought rain, wind, and hail to some areas, but overall mild temperatures and excellent weather from the end of February into early March helped boost pollination. Bee hours were reported to be significantly higher than last year … There was minimal to no threat of frost damage and water allocation is not an issue for the second year in a row.
This Subjective Forecast is the first of two production reports from USDA-NASS for the coming crop year. It is an estimate based on opinions from a survey conducted from April 19 to May 5 of 500 randomly selected California almond growers. The sample of growers, which changes every year, is spread across regions and different sized operations, and they had the option to report their data by mail, online or phone.
On July 10, USDA-NASS will release its second production estimate, the 2024 California Almond Objective Report, which will be based on actual almond counts in approximately 1,000 orchards using a more statistically rigorous methodology to determine yield. If the 3.0 billion pounds holds, it would be the second largest crop on record.
This Subjective Forecast comes two weeks after Land IQ’s 2024 Standing Acreage Initial Estimate found that bearing almond acreage in California has decreased about 600 acres from the previous year to 1.373 million acres.
USDA-NASS conducts the annual Subjective Forecast and Objective Report to provide the California almond industry with the data needed to make informed business decisions. These reports are the official industry crop estimates.
-
Steve Koretoff & Flory Industries Named Almond Alliance Members of the Year
At its annual convention held this year in Lihue, Hawaii, the Almond Alliance recognized an exceptional business (Flory Industries) and individual (Steve Koretoff) as its 2023/2024 Members of the Year.
Flory Industries has been an integral part of Central California agriculture since 1936 and has been selected as the Associate Member of the Year. Flory Industries’ expertise and support of almond industry advocacy have reinforced the company’s position as an essential contributor to the industry’s growth and success.
“Flory Industries’ deep roots in Central California agriculture and their commitment to innovation have made them a vital partner in the almond industry,” said Aubrey Bettencourt, outgoing President and CEO of the Almond Alliance. “Their increased activity within the Almond Alliance has amplified advocacy efforts and strengthened the industry’s voice.”
Flory Industries was awarded Associate Member of the Year at the 2024. Left to Right: Blake Vann, Chairman of the Almond Alliance; Jason Flory, CEO of Flory Industries; Todd Wille, COO of Flory Industries; and Katie Staack, Vice Chair of the Almond Alliance. In recognition of his contributions to the almond industry and the Alliance, Steve Koretoff was awarded the Member of the Year. Grower, processor, and handler Koretoff marks the second generation at Purity Organics and has completed his second term as Secretary of the Almond Alliance. Through his dedication and strong moral character, he has contributed calm wisdom to the leadership of the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors, the Grower Committee, and the greater almond community.
“Steve embodies the essence of excellence in our almond community,” Bettencourt said. “His unwavering commitment to the industry and remarkable leadership as Secretary of the Almond Alliance has not only earned him this prestigious honor but has also left an indelible mark on our collective journey.”
About the Almond Alliance
Almond Alliance is the leading authority in state and national policy, championing American almond farmers, industry, and community for the continued global growth, innovation, and success of American almonds and agriculture. As the voice of almonds, the Alliance represents the fourth-largest commodity in the United States and the third-largest American export.Established in 1980, the Almond Alliance is a non-profit trade association with a local and international network of almond processors, hullers/shellers, growers, and allied businesses. The Alliance is dedicated to providing resources and solutions for our members, ensuring industry success and growth opportunities. Learn more at almondalliance.org.
-
Almond Board of California 2024 Elections Underway
Elections are underway, and almond growers have the opportunity to vote for and select two independent grower positions and two independent handler positions on the Almond Board of California Board of Directors. Alternate seats for those spots are also on the ballot. Voting ends May 23.
Candidates for the independent grower positions:
Grower Position #1, Member (1-year term): Grower Position #1, Alternate:
Paul Ewing, Los Banos (incumbent) Katie Staack, Hughson (incumbent)
Grower Position #3, Member (3-year term): Grower Position #3, Alternate
Joe Gardiner, Earlimart (incumbent) No declared candidate
Candidates for the independent handler positions:
Handler Position #2, Member (3-year term): Handler Position #2, Alternate:
Bob Silveira, Williams (incumbent) Dexter Long, Ballico (incumbent)
Justin Morehead, Coalinga (petitioner)
Handler Position #3, Member (1-year term): Handler Position #3, Alternate:
Darren Rigg, Le Grand (incumbent) Chad DeRose, McFarland (incumbent)
Ballots and instructions have been mailed to all independent growers and handlers whose names are on file with ABC. Ballots must be received by ABC by May 23. Any independent grower or handler who does not receive a ballot can contact Toni Arellano at tarellano@almondboard.com.
“Every vote is important, and it’s equally important to have as much of the industry as possible represented in the voting,” said ABC President and CEO Clarice Turner. “The Board of Directors represents more than 7,600 growers and 100 handlers. They guide the work of the Almond Board to help the industry build a positive future in these complicated times.”
All details, documents, open positions, timelines and frequently asked questions can be found at Almonds.com/Elections.
The ABC board is made up of five handler and five grower representatives. It sets policy and recommends budgets in major areas, including marketing, production research, advertising, public relations, nutrition research, statistical reporting, quality control and food safety.
Results will be announced June 1 and the new board will start its term Aug. 1.