California Ag Network

Category: Nut Industry

  • California Bearing Almond Acreage Drops for the First Time in Decades

    California’s bearing almond acreage decreased slightly over the past year, according to a new report from Land IQ to the Almond Board of California (ABC). It is the first time since at least 1995 that the total of bearing acres has not grown.

    Land IQ’s 2024 Standing Acreage Initial Estimate issued recently looked at bearing acreage – orchards planted before 2022 and that have matured enough to produce a crop for the coming 2024 harvest. It estimated that bearing almond orchards at harvest will cover 1.373 million acres across California, a decrease of about 600 acres.

    In addition, Land IQ estimates that approximately 71,000 acres of orchards will be removed by the end of the crop year, adding to the 83,000 acres removed in the 2023-24 crop year, according to Land IQ’s estimate issued in November last year.

    While the bearing acreage drop may be small – far less than 1 percent – it marks the first time since at least 1995 that bearing acreage has not increased, according to numbers issued previously by the USDA-National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA-NASS), and with the orchard removals continues a trend over recent years of decreasing almond acreage in California.

    “The decrease in bearing acreage and continued orchard removals, coupled with drops in overall acreage and non-bearing acreage the last two years, signal a probable trend toward lower overall California almond acreage,” said Clarice Turner, ABC president and CEO. “We continue to see strong shipments this year, so we know global demand for California almonds continues to grow. There is no doubt that almonds will continue to have a very significant role in California and global agriculture and food industries for the foreseeable future.”

    The Land IQ report is a snapshot of the coming 2024 harvest but does not offer an estimate on the actual almond yield this 2024-25 crop year. A fuller picture of crop size will come with USDA-NASS’ Objective Report in July.

    Land IQ’s estimate covers bearing acreage and removals from Sept. 1, 2023 to Aug. 31, 2024. Note that the almond crop year runs Aug. 1-July 31, so this estimate looks at the harvest for the 2024-25 crop year.

    Land IQ will issue a final acreage report on the 2024-25 crop year in November that will include total acreage along with bearing and non-bearing acres. Their report in November 2023 found that California’s total almond acreage had dropped two years in a row to 1.56 million acres.

    Land IQ’s Initial Estimate and its Final Acreage Estimate in November are commissioned by ABC to provide statistical transparency and a robust picture of California almonds to industry stakeholders around the world. In 2018, ABC first commissioned Land IQ, a Sacramento-based agricultural and environmental scientific research and consulting firm, to develop a comprehensive, living map of California almonds, with the first report issues in 2019. The map is the result of more than a decade of research.

    About the Almond Board of California

    California almonds make life better by what we grow and how we grow. The Almond Board of California promotes natural, wholesome and quality almonds through leadership in strategic market development, innovative research, and accelerated adoption of industry best practices on behalf of the more than 7,600 almond farmers and processors in California, most of whom are multi-generational family operations. ABC is a non-profit organization that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the USDA. It was established in 1950 and is based in Modesto, CA. For more information on the Almond Board or California almonds, visit Almonds.com.

  • Almond Prices Expected to Rise in 2024, Setting Stage for a Positive 5-Year Forecast

    The next five years appear to be much brighter for the California almond industry than the last couple years of depressed market conditions, according to a recent RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness report.  Prices are expected to rise this season, but how much, and how soon will they climb to profitable levels? Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm spoke with Roland Fumasi from Rabobank to find out. Watch this brief interview and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Christine Lott Joins California Walnut Board & Commission as Director of Communications

    The California Walnut Board & Commission is pleased to announce Christine Lott as their new Director of Integrated Communications.  Christine comes to the Board & Commission with extensive communications and product marketing experience having worked for thirteen years at Blue Diamond Growers as the senior global brand manager.  She led the marketing department for the international consumer division, which encompasses all branded products available in retail stores under the Blue Diamond brand in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. This division included milks (Almond Breeze), snack nuts, and various other nut-based products. In this role Christine, developed and implemented marketing programs, digital and social media, public relations programs.

    Most recently Christine worked in new business development for Safe Food Alliance (SFA).  Previously, Christine worked for the California pear industry, the California Cherry Board and Stemilt World Famous Fruits. She coordinated the marketing and promotion activities which included advertising, public relations, industry communications, event coordination and sales promotion, category management, ad planning, merchandising and promotion tactics targeting major retail grocery chains throughout the US and Canada to build partner relationships and generate incremental sales.

    She has a consumer-focused mindset which aligns with the Board & Commission’s efforts in retail category management and volume growth through sales activation, one of their strategic initiatives.  In addition, Christine’s hands on experience in new product launches of fresh and manufactured foods will be an asset as the Board & Commission expands another strategic initiative in product innovation for the food manufacturing/ingredient and foodservice channels.

    Christine has a great appreciation and respect for the complexities in agriculture and for family farms, having been raised on a California dairy farm. “Combined with her 20 years of extensive food marketing and communications experience and work on behalf of growers throughout her career, Christine, has the background, experience, and knowledge to help shape and deliver our integrated consumer, industry, and product communications platform,” shared Robert Verloop, President/CEO of the California Walnut Board & Commission.  “Please join me in welcoming Christine to our industry and the California Walnut Board & Commission.”

    Christine will work in the Folsom office and can be reached at 916-932-7070 or clott@walnuts.org.

  • Almond Alliance Announces Leadership Transition

    Today, the Almond Alliance Board of Directors announced that our esteemed President and CEO, Aubrey Bettencourt, will be leaving the organization after nearly three years of dedicated service.

    “As President of the Almond Alliance, Aubrey showed exceptional vision and commitment, guiding us through a period of significant growth and accomplishments,” said Blake Vann, Chairman of the Almond Alliance. “Her leadership has yielded results for its members and the almond industry as a whole – and under her guidance, the Alliance has established itself in a position of influence. We are incredibly grateful for her contributions and unwavering dedication to the success of the California almond industry.”

    During Aubrey’s tenure, the Alliance’s advocacy grew exponentially, retaining permanent representation in Washington, D.C., and Sacramento. Communications was a top priority for Aubrey, as she developed a comprehensive communications platform to better inform and engage membership, political officials, and the general public. In addition to facilitating the Almond Express’ transport strategy during the supply chain crisis, she navigated crop insurance reforms and disaster assistance, and she led the development of DWR’s LandFlex program, which provided $25M to growers for groundwater recharge and SGMA compliance. Additionally, she established the Almond Alliance Foundation, which received a $2 million CDFA grant for the Pollinator Alliance to support pollinator health by expanding pollinator habitats on working almond farms.

    In a reflection on her time with the Alliance, Bettencourt noted: “Over the past two and a half years, the Almond Alliance has achieved its goal—it has established itself in a position of influence in the almond industry and agriculture throughout the nation. Today, it is regarded as a highly successful, effective, and member-focused advocacy organization. A leading advocate for the almond industry and the voice of American almonds, the Alliance delivers results for its members and the industry. I am so very proud of this team, and have full confidence in our ongoing work for this incredible industry and community.”

    We are excited to announce an extensive search for the next President & CEO is underway. We are looking for a dynamic and proven leader who displays strategic vision, organizational development, and a passion for American agriculture. As leader of the Alliance, this individual will ensure the continued strength and leadership of American almonds and advocate for the entire almond community – growers, hullers, processors, and consumers.

    “We are confident that a strong pool of candidates will emerge, and we look forward to choosing a leader who will build upon this foundation,” Vann concluded.

    Aubrey’s invaluable contributions to the Alliance and the almond community are greatly appreciated. We wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.

    We will provide updates on the search for the next President/CEO as they become available.

    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 Growers Anticipate Solid Crop Following Successful Bloom

    Despite some early spring rainstorms, the 2024 California almond crop is off to a great start after what turned out to be a very successful bloom. Watch this brief video as Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm discusses this with agricultural data analyst Megan Nunes, CEO of Bountiful.

  • How AI and Global Economic Trends will Impact California Agriculture

    World-renowned economist and and financial expert Marci Rossell addressed American Pistachio Growers again this year at their annual conference, this time sharing some key insights on how the boom in AI (artificial intelligence) and inflation/interest-rate trends will impact specialty crop growers in the immediate and near future. Watch her brief interview with Malcolm Media Editor Matthew Malcolm for the inside scoop.

    Special Thanks to American Pistachio Growers for sponsoring this video.

  • Pistachio Industry Continues Investment in Promising Export Market Opportunities

    The U.S. pistachio industry continues to set high shipment records in key export markets. Much of this made possible by the unified efforts of American Pistachio Growers (APG) and their marketing campaigns overseas. Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm met with APG’s VP of Global Marketing Scott Fryer to discuss pistachio export market trends and where they plan to market the record crop that is expected this year. Watch this brief interview and read more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

    Special thanks to American Pistachio Growers for sponsoring this video.

  • UK Suspends Tariffs on All Raw Almonds Beginning April 11

    Almond Board of California — The United Kingdom’s government announced it would suspend tariffs for at least two years on raw kernel and inshell almonds from all origins – including the U.S. – beginning April 11, 2024.

    The Almond Board of California has been working for many years with the UK’s Nut and Dried Fruit Trade Association (NDFTA), the group that represents the UK processors buying California almonds. This past year, ABC provided factual information and trade data to NDFTA, which they used to officially apply to have tariffs suspended on imported almonds.

    “We are grateful for our long-time partnership with the UK’s Nut and Dried Fruit Trade Association and appreciate the UK government’s approval of the application to suspend tariffs on almonds,” said Julie Adams, ABC’s vice president for global technical and regulatory affairs. “This will certainly benefit UK consumers with increased availability of healthy almond products.”

    The tariffs – 4% on inshell almonds and 2% on raw kernels – have been in place since the UK left the European Union in 2021.

    UK trade officials on March 18 issued a list of commodities, including almonds, that will have tariffs suspended until June 30, 2026. UK officials said there is a possibility they will reassess before that date, possibly to extend the suspension or make a permanent change.

    Estimates put the costs of the soon-to-be-suspended tariffs to UK importers at about $4 million a year. The suspension will allow UK importers to offer a more competitive price on raw California almonds to UK processors, and ultimately to consumers.

    UK duties of 8-10% still remain on roasted almonds (which includes flavored almonds), 8% on marzipan and almond flour, and 20% on almond paste.

    “We plan to work with NDFTA to assess further tariff suspensions in the UK, and with other partners overseas to identify opportunities for additional tariff suspension requests to lower costs for importers and processors and boost demand for California almonds,” said Keith Schneller, ABC’s senior advisor on trade policy.

    About the Almond Board of California

    California almonds make life better by what we grow and how we grow. The Almond Board of California promotes natural, wholesome and quality almonds through leadership in strategic market development, innovative research and accelerated adoption of industry best practices on behalf of the more than 7,600 almond farmers and processors in California, most of whom are multi-generational family operations. ABC is a non-profit organization that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the USDA. It was established in 1950 and is based in Modesto, CA. For more information on the Almond Board or California almonds, visit Almonds.com.

  • American Pistachio Growers Healthy Soils Grant Application Window Closing

    Time is running out to apply for funding through American Pistachio Growers’ $5 million grant awarded by the California Department of Food & Agriculture to help growers adopt healthy soils practices in the Golden State. You don’t have to be a member of APG to apply.  Watch this brief video as Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm  and Carlee Branco from CalG.A.P. discuss details of the grant and application process.

    Special Thanks to American Pistachio Growers for sponsoring this video.

  • American Pistachio Growers Interim President Introduced at Annual Conference

    At the annual Pistachio Industry Conference held by American Pistachio Growers (APG) in Monterey this year, Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm met with Joel Nelsen, Interim President of APG, for a video introduction to the industry.  Watch this brief interview as he also discusses his priorities with APG and its direction as the pistachio industry continues to grow.

    Special Thanks to American Pistachio Growers for sponsoring this video.