California Ag Network

Category: Nut Industry

  • Cracking Open New Markets for California Almonds

    USDA Foreign Ag Service — If you committed to eating healthier this new year, chances are you are not alone. New year resolutions focused on living a healthy lifestyle are some of the most common resolutions made throughout the world. Thankfully sticking to that new year resolution in 2024 just got easier for international consumers, thanks to increased exporting opportunities for U.S. almonds to Europe and Asia.

    U.S. almonds are a nutrient-rich food, packed with protein, fiber, vitamin E, calcium, copper, magnesium and riboflavin. All commercially produced almonds in the United States are grown in California, which is home to more than 7,000 almond growers and processors.

    The popular tree nut, considered a specialty crop in the agricultural industry, is the State’s leading agricultural export. In 2022, U.S. almond exports to the world totaled $4.5 billion. This tree nut is also heavily rooted in many family trees, as almond farming is a “family-driven” agricultural industry in California.

    “About 90 percent of almonds are grown by family operations, many of which are multigenerational,” explained Julie Adams, Vice President of Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs for the Almond Board of California, in a recent conversation. “Communities throughout the Central Valley depend on ag in general, and almonds in particular to contribute to their overall economic wellbeing.”

    For these family operations in California, overseas markets have become a critical component to their success and bottom line. An astounding two-thirds of California’s almonds are exported. So no matter how you crack it, almond exports are a crucial portion of revenue for California producers, “and keeping strong and diverse market opportunities is essential to long-term profitability,” said Adams. Especially, “in the Central Valley, where many communities have been suffering the economic effects of increasing crop input costs and lower returns.”

    This is where USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) comes into play for almond exporters and the Almond Board of California. FAS – with its network of offices and attachés around the world – helps open and expand markets for U.S. agricultural exports. For example, just recently FAS identified fresh market opportunities in Italy and Bulgaria. Through its close partnerships with U.S. cooperators, including the Almond Board of California, and foreign buyers, California almond exports to Italy and Bulgaria in 2024 are expected to grow by millions of dollars.

    India is another almond market with exciting growth opportunities. Last year, India removed retaliatory tariffs on U.S. almonds and other products. The impact of removing that trade barrier is already being seen in the export market, and the value of U.S. almond exports to India is expected to reach $1 billion in 2024.

    “India is our number one export market,” noted Adams. “It has grown significantly because of our long-term commitment, promotions, and ongoing relationships with customers and consumers. Almonds are unique, in that they are an integral part of India’s history and culture – we’ve leveraged that tradition in our marketing efforts and supported it through investing in nutrition research in India.”

    These opportunities for market growth are some of the bright spots that FAS has identified for 2024 as the agency works to advance USDA’s goals for diversifying and enhancing international markets for American farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, and exporters.

    USDA also recognizes that for agribusinesses, especially small businesses, entering the export market can be a tough nut to crack. That is why FAS works closely with state and regional agricultural trade groups to help U.S. agribusiness owners grow their company’s revenue through exporting. One way of doing this is through USDA’s market development programs, like the Foreign Market Development (FMD) program and Market Access Program (MAP). FAS just announced MAP and FMD funding allocations for FY24, which will have an immediate impact on helping expand U.S. exports to markets across the globe.

  • Opportunities for U.S. Ag Products in India (Tree Nuts Included)

    USDA Foreign Ag Service — India is the world’s most populous country and boasts one of the fastest growing economies in the world. As Indian households continue to reach higher levels of consumer spending, imported agricultural products are becoming more accessible to a larger number of people. U.S. agricultural exporters wanting to enter India’s market will have numerous opportunities to help meet this growing demand for imported food and agricultural products.

    Top agricultural prospects for U.S. exporters include cotton, dairy products, ethanol, fresh fruit, forest products, processed food and beverages, pulses, and tree nuts. Recent policy changes will expand market opportunities for important U.S. products, including newly reduced tariff rates on pecans, and the removal of retaliatory tariffs on almonds, apples, chickpeas, lentils, and walnuts. Reductions to India’s most-favored-nation (MFN) rates for blueberries, cranberries, frozen turkey, and frozen duck are expected in 2024. Looking ahead, India has tremendous potential to be a large consumer of many of the high-quality and diverse agricultural products that the United States has to offer.

    Macroeconomic Perspective

    India is the most populous country in the world with an estimated population of 1.4 billion in 2023, according to the United Nations, and accounts for 18 percent of the total global population. Since the beginning of the 21st century, India’s population has grown substantially. While it is not the fastest growing country by percentage basis during this period, India has grown by the largest number of people with an increase of  400 million since 2000.

    Key to India’s prospects as a destination for U.S. food and agricultural exports are 1) its growing gross domestic product (GDP), 2) consumer spending, and 3) urbanization. Following a period of decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, India’s real GDP recovered in fiscal year (FY) 2021 (October-September), and in FY 2022 it grew at an estimated 6.9 percent – among the highest of any country. At the same time, Indian households have been increasing consumption spending – a trend that is expected to continue. S&P Global forecasts that during the next 5 years, Indian households will become the biggest spenders among the G20 economies, driven by compound annual spending growth averaging 6.6 percent per year (compared to the G20 average of 2.7 percent). Finally, despite slowing slightly in recent years, India’s urban population has continued to grow. In 2022, the World Bank estimated that 508 million Indians (around 36 percent) live in urban areas, up 2 percent from 2021.

    India’s population and these macroeconomic factors are important parts of what make India a strong future prospect for U.S. exports. In addition to population growth, a rapidly expanding distribution and retail network are making imported food and other agricultural products more accessible to a higher proportion of people. India has potential to be a large consumer of many of the high-quality and diverse agricultural products that the United States has to offer. This will become increasingly critical as India’s ability to feed its growing population on its own will be challenged by the impact of climate change on its production capabilities. India is already confronting production problems resulting from depleted water reserves, soil degradation, increasingly erratic weather, and labor migrating to urban areas.

    Agricultural Trade Overview

    Top India Agricultural and Related Product Imports from the World
    Million USD, Fiscal Year (Oct-Sep)

    Agricultural & related products includes all agricultural products plus forest products, seafood, and biodiesel.
    Source: Trade Data Monitor, LLC – BICO HS-6.

    In FY 2023, India imported $37 billion of agricultural and related products from the world. In the past 5 years, India’s imports have grown substantially, up by $12.5 billion (51 percent) from FY 2019. India is ranked as the eighth largest global importer of agricultural and related products. Proportional to its population, India imports a relatively small value of products. Comparatively, China, a country with a similar population size, imported $262.7 billion during the same period. Currently, India ranks behind much lower population countries like Canada and South Korea in total agricultural and related imports. This relatively low level of imports suggests good opportunities for future growth.

    Much of India’s import growth in recent years can be attributed to the growth of vegetable oils, by far India’s top imported agricultural product. Imports of vegetable oil increased by $9 billion, nearly doubling in 5 years, to a total of $18.4 billion in FY 2023. Palm oil, a product that the United States does not produce in substantial quantities, comprises more than half of India’s vegetable oil imports, totaling $9.9 billion in FY 2023. Soybean oil is India’s second most imported oil, totaling $4.8 billion and comprising more than a quarter of vegetable oil imports in FY 2023.The United States has occasionally been a supplier of soybean oil to India when market conditions are favorable, including in FY 2022, but imports face stiff competition from other substitutable oils like palm and sunflower, and from imports from India’s traditional soybean oil suppliers, Argentina and Brazil.

    Tree nuts were the second largest category of imported products in FY 2023, reaching $2.8 billion. India’s top imported type of tree nuts were cashews, valued at $1.4 billion, which are generally imported for processing from growing countries like Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana. India is a major producer and exporter of shelled cashews. India’s second most imported type of tree nuts were almonds, a vast majority of which were supplied by the United States, valued at $932 million. These were followed by pistachios, valued at $201 million, and areca nuts (also known as a betel nut, a chewed product consumed in many South and Southeast Asian countries), valued at $156 million.

    India is the world’s largest importer of pulses, a category which contains legumes, such as lentils and beans. Pulses are a major source of protein in India, particularly for the country’s large number of vegetarians. India imported $2.6 billion of pulses in FY 2023. Lentils were the top exported pulse, valued at $1.0 billion. Lentil imports increased significantly during the past 5 years, up by $748 million (286 percent) from $262 million in FY 2019. Other major pulse imports included pigeon peas, valued at $792 million, and mung and urad beans, valued at a combined $555 million. India is a large consumer of pulses, and supplements with imported product when domestic production is insufficient. Top suppliers include Burma, Canada, and Australia.

    Other major agricultural and related products imported in FY 2023 include forest products ($2.3 billion), industrial alcohols and fatty acids ($832 million), and sugar and sweeteners ($821 million). The European Union is India’s top supplier of forest products, providing mostly planks of pine, spruce, and fir. India also imported a large value of tropical woods and veneers from Malaysia and Indonesia. Industrial alcohols and fatty acids, ingredients used by both the food industry and in the production of cosmetics and detergents, were mostly imported from Indonesia and Malaysia. Nearly 95 percent of India’s imports of sugar and sweeteners were from Brazil in the form of raw cane sugar.

    Opportunities for U.S. Exports

    Top U.S. Agricultural and Related Product Exports to India; Million USD Fiscal Year (Oct-Sep)

    Source: U.S. Census Bureau Trade Data – BICO HS-10

    India, despite its rapidly growing economy and population growth, remains a price sensitive market. U.S. export growth, without the further removal of tariffs, will remain constrained. India is negotiating and agreeing to free trade agreements with several U.S. competitors, including Australia and the United Kingdom. Competitors, for example, were able to take advantage of the Section 232 retaliatory tariff restrictions to gain market share; despite many retaliatory tariffs being lifted in 2023, it will be challenging to regain market share for the impacted products.

    Opportunities for Bulk, Intermediate, and Agriculture Related Products

    In FY 2023, $267 million of bulk products comprised 14 percent, $340 million of intermediate products comprised 28 percent, and $110 million of related products (including forest products, seafood, and biodiesel) comprised 6 percent of total U.S. agricultural and related exports to India. Major exported bulk products, consisting of commodities which have received little or no processing, included cotton ($237 million) and soybeans ($26 million). Major exported intermediate products, consisting of commodities which have received some processing but are generally not ready for final consumption, included ethanol ($148 million), essential oils ($56 million), miscellaneous feeds, meals, and fodders ($29 million), and dextrins, peptones and proteins ($27 million). Major exported agriculture related products included forest products ($81 million), and seafood ($29 million).

    Bulk, intermediate, and agriculture related products with high potential for U.S. exporters include pulses, cotton, ethanol, forest products, and seafood.

    Pulses, as outlined in the previous section, are one of India’s top imported product groups. The United States is not a top supplier to India, despite being the world’s fourth largest exporter of pulses in FY 2023. Less than $1 million of the United States’ $880 million total pulse exports went to India. This is down significantly from the record year, FY 2014, when the United States exported $174 million of pulses to India. A major constraint in recent years was the imposition of Indian retaliatory tariffs affecting major U.S. pulse products in 2018. Retaliatory tariffs on U.S.-origin chickpeas and lentils were removed in 2023, allowing U.S. pulses to resume competitiveness and paving the way for increased exports to India. Restrictions facing imported yellow peas and lentils have also been eased, exempted from duties through March 2025.

    Cotton is another high-potential product for U.S. exporters. India is a major producer, consumer, exporter, and importer of cotton. The United States is India’s top supplier of cotton. India’s large domestic textiles sector relies on imported cotton to meet demand, as domestic supply is not consistently sufficient for all types of cotton. In particular, India is a major consumer and importer of long and extra-long staple cotton. While India was only the seventh largest destination for U.S. cotton in FY 2023, it was the largest destination for U.S. extra-long staple Pima cotton, accounting for $122 million of the total $283 million exported to the world. As India’s textile sector continues to grow, U.S. exports will fill an important role supplying cotton, especially high-quality long and extra-long staple products. However, it is important to note that cotton imports overall face tariffs that significantly limit market access.

    Ethanol is imported by India for medical and industrial uses, and the United States has long been the top supplier, most recently capturing 84 percent of the import market in FY 2023. Importing ethanol for fuel blending is prohibited. India is a major producer of ethanol, with a large potable market as well as many industrial uses. In recent years, domestic production supports its ambitious fuel blending mandate. Ethanol is used in manufacturing to produce disinfectants and hand sanitizers (which recently saw a spike in world production and use due to the COVID-19 pandemic), as well as solvents, carriers in foods and cosmetics, commercial deicers, pharmaceuticals, and organic chemicals. Growth in India’s manufacturing of these products will boost import demand, providing growth opportunities for U.S. exporters.

    Forest Products and Seafood, which are not included in USDA’s definition of agriculture but are considered related products, are among the top products exported from the United States to India. Nearly half of all U.S. forest product exports in FY 2023 were pine logs, while much of the remainder was pine products such as planks. Demand for forest products is driven by a few large furniture manufacturers and many small-scale handicraft producers. Generally, consumers are very price conscious. India is a growing market for U.S. forest products, reflecting growing demand for building materials, which will likely continue in the coming years. U.S. seafood exports in FY 2023 were led by shrimp, with $17 million exported to India. India is one of the world’s largest exporters of seafood, but also imports a variety of seafood products from many suppliers. Demand for further variety may provide opportunities for U.S. exporters to supply products not produced domestically in India.

    Opportunities for Consumer-Oriented Products

    In FY 2023, consumer-oriented products comprised around 61 percent of total U.S. agricultural and related product exports to India. Major consumer-oriented products, consisting of products that are generally ready for final consumption, included tree nuts ($1 billion), and dairy products ($39 million).

    Consumer-oriented products with high potential for U.S. exporters include tree nuts, fresh fruit, dairy products, and processed food and beverages.

    Tree Nuts were the top U.S. product exported to India in FY 2023, accounting for more than half of all agricultural and related product exports. India is a major market for the United States’ top three exported tree nuts: almonds, pistachios, and walnuts. In FY 2023, almond exports reached $834 million, while exports of pistachios reached $145 million, and exports of walnuts reached $24 million. Like pulses, tree nuts were also impacted by retaliatory tariffs imposed by India in 2018. The retaliatory tariffs were removed for almonds and walnuts in fall 2023, allowing for market access and continued growth for the top U.S. products exported to India. Future prospects are also strong for U.S. pecans, which were reclassified and assigned a new reduced tariff in summer 2023.

    Fresh Fruit was previously a top U.S. product group exported to India, reaching a record $176 million in FY 2018, but declined in recent years following retaliatory tariffs imposed on U.S. apples in 2018. Apples make up the majority of U.S. fresh fruit exports, comprising 95 percent in FY 2018. Fresh fruit exports in FY 2023 totaled only $3 million. With the removal of retaliatory tariffs in 2023, U.S. apple exports can reestablish their market opportunities, and work toward setting new records in the future. India also recently agreed to reduce MFN tariffs on several products including cranberries and blueberries which should benefit U.S. fresh fruit exporters when implemented in 2024.

    Dairy Products are widely consumed in India, and most are supplied by domestic production. Policy restrictions limit the amount and type of dairy products eligible for import. Despite this, India imported a substantial amount from the world in FY 2023, valued at $363 million. Dairy products are also among the top U.S. products exported to India, with exports consisting mostly of milk albumin (such as concentrates of two or more whey proteins) and lactose. These products, used in manufacturing, are often destined for non-food uses such as pharmaceuticals and in the production of dietary supplements. Milk albumin and lactose are India’s top imported dairy products from the world, and imports have grown substantially in recent years. The United States has a relatively small market share in this segment of India’s dairy imports, behind the European Union and New Zealand.

    Processed Food and Beverages, including products such as snack foods, sauces and condiments, prepared foods and ingredients, and alcoholic beverages have strong prospects in India. Increased demand for imported processed products often accompanies rising household income levels and urbanization, enabling consumers to shop more frequently at larger grocery stores that are likely to stock imported retail items. Imported retail products may be more expensive than domestically-produced products, but middle- and high-income consumers are likely to pay a premium to experience a greater variety or find specific imported products. In FY 2023, the United States exported $160 million dollars of processed food and beverages to India. Top categories included prepared foods and ingredients ($68 million), alcoholic beverages ($21 million), canned fruit ($9 million), and condiments and sauces ($6 million). U.S. alcoholic beverage exports have grown particularly fast in recent years, more than doubling in the past five years, driven by increased whiskey exports.

    Trade Policy

    Consistent with Prime Minister Modi’s “Make in India” and “Self-Reliant India” policies, India impedes agricultural trade with high tariffs and non-tariff barriers. India’s applied tariffs on most agricultural and consumer-ready food products range between 30-40 percent, with bound tariffs as high as 150 percent. The Indian Government routinely enacts sanitary and phytosanitary measures and other non-tariff barriers, particularly in the biotechnology space, that are not based on science- or risk-based approaches. Moreover, India intervenes in the market with price-distortive measures that negatively impact farmers and consumers on a global scale. It applies export bans and restrictions on critical food staples, such as wheat and rice, and maintains minimum-support price schemes for those and other crops where subsidized production also significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, poor air quality, and the depletion of natural resources.

     

    The U.S.-India Trade Policy Forum (TPF) is the principal mechanism to advance bilateral trade between the two countries. Through the TPF, India agreed to improved market access for U.S. pork, cherries, and alfalfa hay in 2021 and 2022. However, pork shipments have not taken off, and India has not fulfilled its obligation to import alfalfa hay due to biotech concerns. In 2023, India agreed to reduce its MFN tariff on 10 agricultural products. Following the 2023 TPF ministerial, India reduced its tariffs on pecans from 100 percent to 30 percent. During Prime Minister Modi’s State Visit, the United States and India announced the resolution to six non-agricultural World Trade Organization (WTO) disputes. Part of the resolution included India agreeing to lift its 2019 retaliatory tariffs of 10 to 20 percent on U.S. almonds, apples, chickpeas, lentils, and walnuts, which went into effect in September 2023. On the margins of the 2023 G-20 Leaders’s Summit, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced a resolution to the final outstanding WTO dispute against India’s ban on U.S. poultry and egg imports due to unsubstantiated avian influenza claims. During the Summit, India also agreed to reduce its MFN tariffs on blueberries, cranberries, frozen turkey, and frozen duck destined only for high-end hotels and restaurants. Tariffs are expected to be reduced by March 2024 from 30 percent to a range within 5 to 10 percent, depending on the Harmonized System code.

  • Introducing American Pistachio Growers New VP of Global Marketing

    American Pistachio Growers (APG) has a new Vice President of Global Marketing. Watch this brief interview introducing Scott Fryer to the pistachio industry, and come hear from him at their Pistachio Industry Conference, Feb. 26-28th to see what APG is doing to build demand for American grown pistachios.

  • Optimism for California’s 2023 Pecan Crop and State of the Industry

    At the Tree & Vine Expo in Turlock held mid-November, Karlene Hanf, President of the California Pecan Growers Association, joined other tree nut commodity leaders in sharing State of the Industry reports.  California pecan production and acreage is on the rise.  Watch this brief interview with Karlene as she shares her insights on the current State of the California Pecan Industry.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Thunder Creek Equipment for their industry support.

  • State of the California Walnut Industry with Robert Verloop

    The California walnut industry has suffered tremendously in recent years due to many factors outside of the grower’s control.  But the future is not all doom and gloom.  In fact, the quality of this year’s crop was outstanding.  Watch this brief interview with Robert Verloop, CEO of the California Walnut Board & Commission, as he shares some highlights from his State of the Walnut Industry address at the Malcolm Media’s recent Tree & Vine Expo in Turlock.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Thunder Creek Equipment for their industry support.

  • $4.1 Million in Grants to Conserve the Monarch Butterfly and Other Insect Pollinators

    The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) announced $4.1 million in grants to conserve monarch butterflies and other insect pollinators in 15 states. The grants will leverage $6.6 million in matching contributions for a total conservation impact of $10.7 million.

    The grants were awarded through the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund), a partnership between NFWF and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Forest Service (USFS), Bayer Crop Science, Danone North America and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation.

    The projects supported by the 18 grants announced will increase the quality and quantity of pollinator habitat for monarch butterflies, rusty patched bumble bees and other native pollinators. The projects will also enhance outreach and organizational coordination.

    “The nation’s ecosystems and economy are inextricably linked to pollinators,” said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF. “The grants announced today will support collaborative efforts to establish and manage habitat for pollinators living across the monarch butterfly’s eastern and western migratory routes.”

    Collectively, it is expected that the projects announced today will:

    • Restore and enhance more than 39,000 acres of pollinator habitat
    • Collect more than 140 pounds of milkweed seed
    • Propagate more than 46,000 milkweed seedlings
    • Host more than 130 workshops and meetings that advance pollinator conservation

    The monarch butterfly is one of the most iconic species in North America, and its annual migration cycle is one of the most remarkable natural phenomena in the world. However, over the past 20 years, the monarch butterfly population has declined by more than 80 percent throughout much of its range. Several other pollinators have experienced similarly dramatic declines in recent decades. Habitat loss is a primary threat to many of these species.

    “The NFWF Pollinator Fund showcases what is truly possible when diverse partners come together to drive restoration of biodiversity and ecosystem services with on-the-ground conservation projects. Bayer continues to be a proud supporter of this program as we believe that our commitments to biodiversity and productivity in the agricultural landscape are compatible goals,” said Tim Fredricks, Environmental Engagement Manager, Bayer Crop Science.

    “Danone North America is pleased to be advancing pollinator conservation on private working lands,” said Christopher Adamo, Vice President of Public Affairs and Regenerative Agriculture Policy, Danone North America. “Almonds and other specialty crops provide unique opportunities to support agricultural operations and pollinators across the United States. Biodiversity is a fundamental component of our holistic regenerative agriculture framework that considers local conservation needs.”

    “Maintaining, restoring, and improving habitat are crucial for species like the monarch butterfly, Dakota skipper, rusty patched bumble bee, and other native pollinators,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams. “The Service is proud to participate in this science-based, outcome-focused partnership for the benefit of a diverse group of pollinators and the American people.”

    “Aligned with our Pollinator Promise to help establish and enhance pollinator gardens, we look forward to the continued efforts in conserving and recovering pollinators through the Monarch Butterly and Pollinators Conservation Fund,” said Brian Herrington, president of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation. “Through our collective endeavor with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, we will make a more powerful impact.”

    In 2015, NFWF established the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund, a public–private partnership that funds projects to protect, conserve, and increase habitat for monarch butterflies and other pollinators. By leveraging the resources and expertise of its partners, the fund is helping to reverse recent population declines and ensure the survival of these valuable species. Since 2015, the fund has awarded $23.8 million to 140 projects that are helping conserve and recover the monarch butterfly while also benefiting other pollinator species. Grantees have matched this investment with an additional $38.9 million for a total on-the-ground impact of $62.7 million.

    A complete list of the 2023 grants made through the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund is available here. A short video about the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund is available here​​.

    About the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
    Chartered by Congress in 1984, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) protects and restores the nation’s fish, wildlife, plants and habitats. Working with federal, corporate, foundation and individual partners, NFWF has funded more than 6,000 organizations and generated a total conservation impact of $8.1 billion. Learn more at www.nfwf.org.

    About Bayer Crop Science

    Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and agriculture. Its products and services are designed to help people and planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to drive sustainable development and generate a positive impact with its businesses. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2022, the Group employed around 101,000 people and had sales of 50.7 billion euros. R&D expenses before special items amounted to 6.2 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.

    Danone North America

    Danone North America is a purpose-driven company and an industry leader in the food and beverage category. The company aims to inspire healthier and more sustainable eating and drinking practices with a strong portfolio of health-focused, fast-growing and on-trend brands including: Activia®, DanActive®, Danimals®, Dannon®, evian®, Follow Your Heart®, Happy Family® Organics, Horizon® Organic, International Delight®, Light + Fit®, Oikos®, Silk®, So Delicious® Dairy Free, STōK®, Two Good®, Wallaby® Organic, and YoCrunch®. With more than 6,000 employees and 16 production locations across the U.S. and Canada, Danone North America’s long-standing mission is to bring health through food to as many people as possible. As a Certified B Corporation®, Danone North America is committed to the creation of both economic and social value, while nurturing natural ecosystems through regenerative agriculture. For more information about Danone North America, visit https://www.danonenorthamerica.com. 

    About The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation

    The mission of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation is to inspire, connect and cultivate a community of purpose. The Foundation is deeply rooted in helping create healthier communities, empower the next generation, and preserve our planet. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that funds non-profit entities that support its core initiatives in the form of grants, endowments and multi-year capital gifts. For more information, visit www.scottsmiraclegrofoundation.org.  

    About the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service

    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information about our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov or connect with us via Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr.

  • New Invasive Pest Threatens Western Tree Nut Industry

    Western tree nut commodities just got through a very tough season, and markets are still less than ideal.  The last thing growers want to hear about is a new pest threatening their orchard production.  But the Carpophilus Beetle has already been under the radar far too long, damaging Central Valley orchards under the guise of “Navel Orangeworm.”  Watch this brief video with Bob Klein from the California Pistachio Research Board as he explains, and read more about this new pest in the December and January issues of Pacific Nut Producer magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Thunder Creek Equipment for their industry support.

  • Growers, Researchers & Leaders Exchange Ideas at Almond Board Conference

    Almond Board of California — The Almond Conference 2023 drew the largest turnout since 2019 as attendees met new Almond Board of California president and CEO Clarice Turner and heard about the array of programs – ranging from building global demand to increased trade efforts to research to maximize grower efficiency – aimed at helping the industry face difficult times.

    As always, the gathering at Sacramento’s SAFE Credit Union Convention Center was the largest of the year for the almond industry, drawing 3,819 attendees and providing an opportunity to further relationships, build new ones and exchange ideas and information.

    “This year, we were able to share what we learned about the challenges we’re facing as well as outline the efforts ABC is making to address each,” said Alexi Rodriguez, chair of ABC’s Board of Directors. “The best path for our industry is going to be together, and The Almond Conference offered a great opportunity to take into account all the ideas and experiences that were shared to help us move forward.”

    During the State of the Industry presentation, Turner talked about what she called a great strength of the almond industry – the supportive nature of everyone in it.

    “I’m so impressed with how you all work together, help each other, and care so deeply,” Turner said. “As the industry struggles to deal with challenges, many we don’t control, it’s critical to pull together and focus on what we can control or influence to find our way forward … We have some difficult times to endure, but I’m certain that strong leadership, focus and the industry DNA of ‘grit and innovation’ will get us to a better place.”

    The theme of The Almond Conference 2023 was “Connecting the Dots,” and sessions offered practical information for growers in many forms as well as a forum to exchange knowledge. One focus was providing information about the range of assistance available to the industry, and the conference again included an Incentive and Grower Support Zone, a popular offering that helped attendees get their questions answered by more than a dozen agencies and organizations that offer incentives or help getting them.

    Attendees also heard from Doug McKalip, Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, who was part of the State of the Industry presentation, and from CDFA Secretary Karen Ross, who spent time with McKalip visiting the trade show floor.

    The annual awards given to long-time industry leaders during the Gala dinner were also highlights, as they are every year.

    Dick Cunningham was given the 2023 Almond Achievement Award for his remarkable commitment to the advancement of the almond industry over a 50-year career, and Wes Asai was awarded the 2023 Almond Technical Achievement Award, which recognizes an industry member who has contributed to significant technical advancement for the betterment of the California almond industry through research, innovation or facilitating the adoption of practices.

    And Richard Waycott, ABC’s outgoing president and CEO, was recognized for his 20-plus years of service to the industry with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

    Attendees at The Almond Conference 2023 visit the Incentive and Grower Support Zone to get information and questions answered by more than a dozen agencies and organizations that offer incentives or help getting them. Photo courtesy of the Almond Board of California.

    What’s next

    • PDF versions of the slide presentations covering a wide range of topics and featuring expert speakers are available at Conferences Presentations (almonds.com). Video recordings will be posted and available in the new year.
    • Save the date for 2024: Dec. 10-12 again at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in downtown Sacramento.

  • American Pistachio Growers Awarded $5 Million Healthy Soils Grant

    American Pistachio Growers (APG) has been awarded a $5 million grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to help growers adopt healthy soils practices in the Golden State.  The grant is a part of the California Healthy Soils Initiative, a collaboration of state agencies and departments that promotes the development of healthy soils on California’s farmlands and ranchlands.

    The grant to APG is among 14 grants funded through the CDFA Healthy Soils Block Grant Pilot Program, which awarded $62 million in soils block grants in 2023 to various organizations.  The program will fund projects for three years, with a limit of $200,000 per project over the lifetime of the grant. The objective is to better connect farmers and ranchers with programs that encourage and incentivize the implementation of management practices that sequester carbon, reduce atmospheric greenhouse gases, and improve overall soil health.

    “As the non-profit trade association for the pistachio industry, American Pistachio Growers is uniquely positioned to assist growers in implementing and managing various Healthy Soils Block Grant qualified projects,” said Wes Wilson, APG Director of Member Services and Communications. “We look forward to connecting growers with these valuable programs that will not only improve the overall health of our California soils, but have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon, all while increasing yields and reducing traditional inputs.”

    The agreement with the CDFA Office of Environ mental Farming and Innovation (OEFI) was executed on December 5, 2023, with grower applications opening January 1, 2024.  APG anticipates funding more than 30 projects, with special consideration given to growers who qualify as Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers or have farms of 500 acres or less.

    APG will conduct outreach and accept applications from growers in Kern, Tulare, Kings, Fresno, Madera and Merced counties. Under the program, qualifying practices include compost application, cover crop planting and management, mulching, hedgerow planting, nutrient management that results in a 15% or greater reduction in fertilizer application, residue and tillage management, and prescribed grazing.

    “Our pistachio growers are true innovators and conservationists, and this grant will bring even greater awareness to the importance of healthy soils in our pistachio orchards,” added Wilson. “It’s a benefit not only for growers but also for all Californians.”

    Growers who have questions or need additional information can contact Wilson at (559) 289-9375, wwilson@americanpistachios.org, or Carlee Branco at (559) 410-7482, cbranco@americanpistachios.org.

    American Pistachio Growers is the non-profit trade association representing more than 865 growers and member processors in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.

  • Blue Diamond Growers 113th “Growing Together” Annual Meeting Highlights a Year of Resilience

    At the 113th Blue Diamond Growers “Growing Together” Annual Meeting on Nov. 15 in Modesto, Blue Diamond Growers’ CEO, Kai Bockmann, reflected on his first ten months in the leadership role by acknowledging significant challenges faced by growers and the world’s largest almond cooperative.

    In Bockmann’s remarks – along with those of Blue Diamond Growers’ Board Chairman, Dan Cummings – both pointed to remarkable headwinds for the almond industry, including higher input costs and inflationary pressures, depressed market prices, shifts in consumer shopping patterns, unfavorable weather conductions, and reduced crop sizes. To help counter these challenges, Blue Diamond Growers is advancing an aggressive strategic growth plan to navigate the marketplace conditions and drive substantial growth.

    “Volatility is our new normal, but our destination is set – and it is one of growth,” said Bockmann. “While this past year brought many challenges for our growers, no challenge is insurmountable. We have a rich history, an exceptional brand, and the right people and culture to deliver against our ambitious growth plan.”

    In laying out the plan, Bockmann shared with the annual meeting audience that what has helped bring the cooperative to where it is today, will not get it to where it is going in terms of growth and market expansion. The new growth plan prioritizes expansion into the massive foodservice channel and strategically selected international markets, while strengthening the value-added business, doubling down on product innovation, and driving for operational efficiencies.

    “Foodservice is a trillion dollar industry that represents a significant growth opportunity for Blue Diamond, and we will directly target that sector as a strategic priority,” said Bockmann. “Additionally, we will diversify and innovate our product portfolio beyond our flagship Blue Diamond Snack Almonds® and Almond Breeze® brands. We will build on the tremendous success of these products – which are both the #1 brands in America for almonds and almondmilk.”

    Bockmann shared that flavor-focused product innovation remains a top priority commenting that “no one does flavor like Blue Diamond” as evidenced by the widely popular Chilé N Lime flavored snack nuts. The flavor was launched as a limited time offer at Costco and won the “Best Nuts” award in PEOPLE Magazine’s 2023 Food Awards.

    The Blue Diamond Research & Development team will continue to innovate with new flavors, while advancing new and existing categories, including plant-based yogurt, chocolate, baking, beverages and plant-based cheese. On the foodservice front, the strategic growth plan focus is already delivering results. The Blue Diamond International Consumer and R&D teams worked closely with Maeil Dairies in the past year to develop Almond Breeze® Barista Blend, which was introduced in 6,500 Starbucks across China earlier this year.

    “I’m confident that Blue Diamond Growers is poised to thrive in the years to come because we are stronger together,” said Bockmann. “We are excited to grow together as we bring our strategic plan and collective vision to life.”

    Supporting Grower Success and Advancing Sustainability

    In addition to tackling the marketplace challenges with strategy, innovation, and expansion, Blue Diamond Growers also concepted and launched a new grower-focused buying coalition. To help connect growers with trusted, well-known suppliers and build local, long-term relationships, the Blue Diamond Growers Connect Marketplace aims to reduce production costs for farmers by negotiating better discounts with suppliers via Group Purchasing Organizations and the co-ops’ own internal platform. The goal of the marketplace is to reduce growers’ costs by 5-15%.

    Additionally, a notable highlight from the year is Blue Diamond Growers’ advancement in sustainability. To continue growing the cooperative’s commitment to stewardship, Blue Diamond’s Member Relations team held several online webinars, including hosting the Almond Board of California Almond Stewardship Platform and the Pollinator Partnership to discuss and educate growers on Bee-Friendly Farming.

    Along with the offered webinars, growers were encouraged to participate in Blue Diamond’s Orchard Stewardship Incentive Program (OSIP), a program where growers can earn financial incentives for implementing best practices related to orchard management, environmental issues, occupational health and safety, and community investment.

    In July of this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded Blue Diamond a five-year, $45 million “Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities” grant, a program designed to help farmers implement “climate-smart” practices on their land. The program offers growers no-cost cover crop seed and a financial incentive to plant cover crops and/or conservation cover on their land. These practices notonly work toward taking carbon out of the atmosphere, but they also enhance orchard biodiversity and improve soil health. The USDA grant complements
    Blue Diamond’s OSIP by lowering the cost of initiating the pollinator-friendly practices required to receive Bee-Friendly Farming certification.

    “Without question it has been a challenging year, but the loyalty and leadership demonstrated by our board – combined with the resilence of our growers and dedication of Blue Diamond employees – will allow us to overcome the challenges together,” said Cummings. “I’m confident Blue Diamond will deliver great prosperity and a sustainable future for our growers, employees, their families, and the communities we call home.”

    Blue Diamond Annual Report Now Available

    In conjunction with the Annual Meeting, the Blue Diamond Growers 2023 “Growing Together” Annual Report is now available on the Blue Diamond website at www.bluediamond.com.

    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.