California Ag Network

Category: Nut Industry

  • California Farmland Trust Protects 253 Acres of Almonds in East Merced County

    California Farmland Trust (CFT) is proud to announce the recent permanent protection of 253 acres of almonds in Merced County, owned by The Myers Irrevocable Flying M Ranch Trust.

    Established in the 1950s, Flying M Ranch began farming and ranching in the area of Merced, plentiful with rich agricultural soils and riparian areas. As generations of the Myers family have taken over the operation, they have remained focused on their farming roots and ways to be leaders in facing agriculture’s most persistent challenges, including the preservation of vital natural resources.

    This 253-acre property placed in an agricultural conservation easement (ACE) with CFT is one of the many conservation easements protecting the working landscapes of Flying M Ranch. Approximately 5,900 acres of grazing land on their farm has been preserved through other conservation organizations, and the Myers are actively pursuing another ACE with CFT.

    “The idea of putting a conservation easement on the property was to keep the ranch in a perpetual state, and we like the idea of keeping it continuous,” said Wes Myers, Flying M Ranch Trust co-trustee. “CFT understands farming and ranching, which is why we chose to work with them on this project.”

    Funding for this conservation project was provided through the Agricultural Land Mitigation Program (ALMP), which is administered by Department of Conservation (DOC) on behalf of the California High-Speed Rail Authority.

    “The growth pressure from the City of Merced and even surrounding communities like Planada, in combination with the Myers desire to be stewards of the land, are all contributing factors that make this farm a quality project for permanent protection,” said Chelsea Slaton, conservation director at CFT. “Given the resources and geographical features of this farm, protecting this property will help sustain long-term production of agricultural commodities for years to come, and we commend the Myers for their stewardship.”

    CFT’s portfolio of protected farmland is most prevalent in Merced County and Flying M Ranch adds to these efforts. CFT has now protected 11,669 acres of farmland on 36 farms in Merced County.

  • DPR/EPA Approves Section 18 Emergency Registration for Kasugamycin on Almonds

    Almond Board of California — Today, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) issued a Section 18 SPECIFIC exemption for the use of Kasumin 2L to control bacterial blast in almonds. The exemption is effective February 1, 2022 through April 15, 2022. In the announcement, DPR advised operations to use the chemical number for kasugamycin (6197) for their “Restricted Material Permit Program.”

    The approval applies to the counties of Butte, Colusa, Fresno, Glenn, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Yolo and Yuba.

    Growers interested in this application are heavily encouraged to reference the Almond Board of California’s Honey Bee Best Management Practices as well as the Quick Guide for Applicators (in English & Spanish) to ensure pollinator health is maintained. As stated in these practices, growers should only use applications when absolutely necessary and should only make applications in the late afternoon or evening, when bees and pollen are not present.

    Please contact your local County Ag Commissioner’s office for further details if interested in using this product. This emergency exemption may also be viewed on the DPR website at http://apps.cdpr.ca.gov/section18. 

    Visit the California Department of Food and Agriculture website for a full list of County Ag Commissioners’ offices as well as contact information for each.

  • Almond Board of Directors Election Around the Corner

    The Almond Board of California is gearing up for the 2022 Board of Directors Election. While formal election announcements will be distributed next month, the Almond Board wanted to provide an update on open positions for this year’s election. This year, there are four open positions: two independent grower positions, one independent handler position and one cooperative handler position. Along with these four positions are also four corresponding alternate positions open for the election. (To note: Only independent positions are part of the general election, as the cooperative selects its own representatives.)

    The Board of Directors guide the work of the almond industry’s federal marketing order (the Almond Board) and has led the California industry in the adoption of innovative research programs, expanding demand-building initiatives ahead of increasing supply, and leading through challenges to the industry’s reputation. Representing over 7,600 growers and approximately 100 handlers across the state, the Almond Board is responsible for establishing policy, recommending budgets and programs to the Secretary of Agriculture for approval, and reviewing program results and effectiveness.

    Currently, nearly 200 active almond industry members volunteer to serve on ABC’s Board, Board-appointed committees, subcommittees and working groups. Getting involved provides an opportunity to help shape future successes, ensuring consumers and stakeholders support the industry’s vision that California almonds make life better by what we grow and how we grow.

    If you are interested in learning more about running for a position on the Board of Directors, please contact ABC’s Toni Arellano at tarellano@almondboard.com. — Almond Board of California

  • The Health and Sustainability Message of Almonds Influences EU Consumers

    Almond Board of California — Health remains the No. 1 motivator for European consumers to snack on almonds. But in a market leading the globe in environmental legislation and initiatives, there’s a new breed of eco-savvy consumers emerging who are turning their attention to how their food is produced and the impact it has on the planet.

    At The Almond Conference 2021 in December, a panel of marketing and regulatory experts from the Almond Board of California and other organizations discussed some of the key trends in Europe.

    The United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy are the major markets for California almonds on the continent. Together with the other European Union countries, they account for about 25% of global almond shipments each year. Europeans consume about as many almonds annually as the United States, but the markets are much different and the strategies for reaching consumers reflect that.

    “How food is produced is important to EU consumers,” said Christine Lott, senior brand manager for international consumers for Blue Diamond Growers. “They are very discerning about the food they eat. Taste is still king, but where it’s from and how it’s produced is a becoming a big factor in their purchasing decisions.”

    Kath Martino, who helps manage and implement marketing campaigns in the EU, said there are four primary consumer trends evident in Europe.

    • Values-based eating – Basically, it’s a belief that you are what you eat. Food must taste good, but also be good for you. “It’s about more than food nourishing our bodies,” explained Martino. “It’s about wellness.”
    • Natural nutrition – Europeans really scrutinize food ingredients. They want to make sure what they’re putting into their bodies is giving them a natural source of nutrition.
    • Plant power – Plant-based eating is ingrained in Europe, especially the UK and Germany. A quarter of all new food products in those markets have a plant-based claim.
    • Thirst for knowledge – This reflects the increase in consumer skepticism. “People really want to trust what they’re putting into their bodies,” Martino said.
    Ad campaigns tailored to audiences

    The European market is far from monolithic. There are distinct differences in consumer behavior and expectations within the four markets ABC focuses on. Though health remains a core message throughout Europe, “We approach it differently in each market

    so we can meet consumers where they are,” said Laura Morin, a managing director and partner of Sterling-Rice Group, which works with the Almond Board on marketing campaigns in Europe.

    In the United Kingdom, for instance, ABC launched a marketing campaign in 2020 called “Do You Almond?” The integrated campaign involved out-of-home advertising, video on-demand TV, digital and social and most recently, the Almond Board partnered with 12 influencers on a series of fun and humorous videos and ads depicting how they “nail it like a natural” powered by their favorite snack – almonds.

    Whether it be a daring kite surfing trick, a round of one-handed pull-ups, a labor-intensive landscape project or even parenting, influencers showed how almonds help energize them for their daily activities.

    In Germany, marketing efforts portray almonds as a smart snack bursting with beauty benefits and energy. The “Snack the Sun” campaign features images of sunny California and emphasizes that almonds are a healthy and vibrant snack.

    In France, almonds have continued to gain a foothold as a healthy snack in a market where snacking has not been considered “a norm” until the past decade. A new ad campaign that will debut this spring will build upon that trend. The ads will focus on how almonds can help people recharge during the day as well as position the nut as a source of long-lasting energy.

    Of the markets ABC tracks, Italian consumers eat more almonds per capita than any other country in the world. “Italians are on the move and on the go, and they need a food that matches their busy lifestyle,” Morin said. ABC’s “Recharge Your Day” marketing campaign seeks to reinforce almonds’ popularity as a snack providing a natural source of energy that Italians can eat at any time.

    Twin messages of health, sustainability

    Europe is an important and influential piece of the global almond market. Twice as many almond-related products were introduced in Europe in 2019 compared to anywhere else in the world. The EU introduced more new almond products than anywhere else in the world in six key categories: Confectionary, bakery, bars, snacks, cereal and dairy.

    Gathering, analyzing and acting upon reliable consumer information will be an important part of ensuring that people in the EU appreciate not just the health benefits of almonds, but also are aware that California growers are committed to environmental and sustainability practices that Europeans demand.

    “Even as the world paused for COVID, we didn’t,” Morin said of data-driven marketing efforts in the EU. “We spread the word about the benefits of eating almonds as a healthy, sustainable part of a diet.”

    What’s next in Europe? Dariela Roffe-Rackind, who manage ABC’s marketing campaigns there, cited these three areas:

    • Continue to reinforce the health halo around almonds, as this is what is most motivating to consumers and will help them grow their love for almonds
    • Talk louder about how almonds are responsibly grown, to help stop people from falling out of love with almonds
    • Inspire food professionals to expand the use of almonds

  • Almond Processor Shares How Supply Chain Disruption is Impacting Business, Industry

    The seemingly never-ending supply chain disruptions continue to impact many aspects of our everyday lives, and our agricultural industries have also suffered tremendous losses due to these challenges. Watch this brief interview with Katie Staack-Dorsett from Grizzly Nut as she shares to find out and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Trece for their industry support.

  • Almond Board Unveils New Marketing Partnership with MARVEL

    Among the vast amount of information shared at the annual conference of the Almond Board of California, Chairman Brian Wahlbrink shared some of the most exciting news related to their 2022 marketing campaigns. Watch this brief interview to find out and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Trece for their industry support.

     

  • The California Walnut Board and Commission Begin Search for New CEO

    The California Walnut Board (CWB) and California Walnut Commission (CWC) is searching for a new CEO/Executive Director as Michelle Connelly, who currently holds the position, has resigned. Connelly’s last day will be February 11, 2022.

    “We are grateful for Michelle’s years of service to our industry. During her nearly 18 years with the CWB and CWC, Michelle led a strong team of professionals that proudly serve our walnut industry and achieved numerous milestones and successes,” said Bill Tos, Chair of the CWB Executive Committee and Bill Carriere, Chair, of the CWC Executive Committee.

    In a letter to Board and Commission, the chairmen highlighted several accomplishments during Connelly’s tenure, including:

    Michelle Connelly

    · Modernization of the Marketing Order to deliver more for the Walnut industry while eliminating outdated provisions.
    · Creation of sustainability work to demonstrate the industry’s good environmental stewardship practices and to support the industry in answering consumer and regulatory expectations.
    · An overall marketing program return on investment of 14:1, eclipsing the 6:1 benchmark ROI for similar commodity programs.
    · Expansion of industry communications to further engage with growers/processors, including 2021’s inaugural walnut conference collaboration.
    · Increased advocacy efforts to raise walnuts visibility among lawmakers to support walnut growers’ and handlers’ ability to produce, process and trade.
    · Creation of a strategic roadmap to market for growth domestically and internationally.

    “It has been a privilege, honor and pleasure to serve the growers and handlers of the California walnut industry. I am beyond proud of what this team has accomplished, and I am confident in the industry’s sustained success,” said Connelly.

    In sharing the news, the chairmen reiterated the efforts of the California Walnut Board and California Walnut Commission are critically important to the success of the industry.

    “The CWB leads the way in helping to increase the understanding of walnuts benefits, expand walnut usage occasions, solve for production and post-harvest challenges, and identify new opportunities for growth and prosperity for California walnut growers and handlers,” said Tos.  “The California Walnut Commission plays a vital role in global market expansion and consumption, conducting nutrition research to address public health issues, and advocating for walnut growers and handlers to lawmakers,” added Carriere.

    A search committee has been formed that will identify a firm to assist with the search process in the coming weeks.

    About the California Walnut Board

    The California Walnut Board (CWB) was established in 1948 to represent the walnut growers and handlers of California. The CWB is funded by mandatory assessments of the handlers. The CWB is governed by a Federal Walnut Marketing Order. The CWB 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.

    About the California Walnut Commission

    The California Walnut Commission, established in 1987, is funded by mandatory assessments of the growers. The CWC represents over 4,800 growers and approximately 90 handlers (processors) of California walnuts in export market development activities and conducts health research. The CWC is an agency of the State of California that works in concurrence with the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).

  • Will Complacency Cost CA Walnut Farmers a Critical Tool?

    California walnut farmers should add one more item on your list of things to do before the end of the year – vote in the referendum to determine if the California Walnut Board should be continued.

    Ballots are due December 31 and growers who produced walnuts in California from September 2020 through August 2021 are eligible to vote.  Like all voters these days, walnut growers have disparate opinions. The pros and cons of the California Walnut Board (CWB) are no exception.  Some believe the promotion and education programs of the Board are responsible for moving product from store shelves and have grown consumer demand for walnuts. Some disagree.  I would encourage everyone to read an economic study conducted by Dr. Harry Kaiser of Cornell University that considers these and many other activities of the CWB. In its conclusion, this study found that without the investments made through the Walnut Board, grower returns would have been 18 cents per pound lower, which equates to $360 per ton.

    I represent the Walnut Bargaining Association (WBA), a grower cooperative devoted to sharing market intelligence and recommending grower prices so our members are informed on whether or not they are getting a fair price from their handlers. As the Executive Director of the WBA, I see tremendous benefits when growers band together and we believe our program has also contributed to higher returns for California walnut farmers.

    I don’t want to argue the merits of consumer advertising and promotion.  Instead, I need to point out the many CWB activities in addition to advertising and promotion that may be even more valuable to walnut growers and to organizations like the WBA.

    First of all, when it comes to grower profits, few things are more important than yield and cost per acre.  Over the years, walnut yields in California have increased significantly.  A great deal of this is attributed to improved varieties.  Over 60 percent of California’s walnut crop is from the Chandler variety which was developed through the California Walnut Board’s breeding programs.  Who will develop these improved varieties if the Walnut Board doesn’t exist?

    Yields have also been increased through new growing practices that have improved planting density and efficiency. The work done to accomplish this came as a result of CWB’s extensive research program which has also provides growers with information on how to lower inputs and improve irrigation schemes. The Walnut Board has also been a leader in researching the healthy attributes of eating more walnuts.

    Members of our Board at WBA work hard to ensure growers are getting the best returns possible.  To do this we must have accurate information and data.  The WBA relies heavily on crop estimates, statistics on bearing acreage and tree plantings and monthly reports on movement for inshell and meat pounds. This information is critical for growers to make planting and production decisions and has a big impact on the prices they receive. ALL of this data, and more, is provided by the Walnut Board. I can assure you this information would be difficult or impossible to attain were it not for the California Walnut Board.

    Some growers may be surprised to know this same kind of information from the CWB was used to directly help support more than $400 per ton paid to walnut growers for damages they incurred as a result of tariff issues. CWB information is also used to secure government purchases for public feeding programs under Section 32 to help alleviate supply imbalances.

    The decision to continue the California Walnut Board will be determined by growers.  Often, the voices of those who are unhappy outweigh those who are complacent.  Let’s not lose one of the most important tools walnut growers have at their disposal because you didn’t act to keep it. Please vote today. Additional details on the referendum can be found here. — By Jonathan Field, Executive Director, Walnut Bargaining Association

  • Meet CA Walnut Grower Georgia Crain of Crain Ranch

    Recently, the California Walnut Board talked with walnut grower Georgia Crain of Crain Ranch about her career evolution in the industry, how she used technology to modernize the logistics department, who her female role models are in the male-dominated industry, and more. Georgia is part of the third Crain generation to work on the ranch since her grandfather planted his first walnut tree in 1962. The Crain family is committed to driving the industry forward both on and off the ranch. Georgia’s father and uncle serve on the California Walnut Board, where they help guide activities to support the industry and increase demand for California walnuts, complementing efforts at the ranch level. Read on to hear more:

    Q – You’ve worked in many roles at Crain Ranch. Tell us about your career and your current role.

    A – Growing up I always helped with the family’s business, whether it be in the office or out in the orchard. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Business Information Systems from Chico State University and used what I learned to guide me when I started working in the logistics department of Crain Ranch.

    I’ve been working full-time in the industry for 12 years now, and in the last five years, I’ve been working in sales. I’m currently merging kernel and in-shell sales together, while also negotiating and meeting with customers domestically and internationally.

    Q – What has been your biggest career success, so far?

    A – Linking together various Crain Ranch departments in a way that has streamlined information and communication more effectively. This has leveled up the team and created a more cohesive environment.

    Q – What other impacts have you made at Crain Ranch?

    A – Through my work in the logistics department, I created a structure for inventory tracking that allows us to have more accurate, real-time data. Previously, we would manually track all the walnuts that came in, which wasn’t the most effective system. I created an automated system that tracks walnuts from the time they come in from the grower to when they go out on an outbound load. We also know how many walnuts are being processed.

    Q – As a woman, how did you evolve in your role in this male dominated industry? What advice do you have for other women in similar positions?

    A – The nut industry is certainly male dominated, with most women working in the broker or customer side of the industry. It takes a different type of female to be successful in a male dominated industry, but it’s not impossible. Over the years, I’ve learned to not let the big personalities get to me. My advice is to be direct, and most importantly, to be brave.

    Q – Who are your female role models in the industry?

    A – Detrie Smith is someone in the industry who everyone knows and respects. I look up to her because she’s a hard worker and a great person to work with. My grandma, Alice Crain, is also someone I have always deeply admired. She’s done everything from accounting, growing, sales and so much more. The company wouldn’t be where it is today without her. It was great growing up with such a determined mentor in the family and industry.

  • State of the California Almond Industry

    The 2021 California almond crop size has come considerably short of what was initially forecasted earlier this season. How will this reflect on prices and what other factors in the market are at play? Watch this brief interview with Richard Waycott, President of the Almond Board of California, as he explains.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.