California Ag Network

Category: Nut Industry

  • Almond Board Seeks Volunteers for Industry Committees

    More than 150 active almond industry members volunteer on board-appointed committees, subcommittees and working groups to further the work of Almond Board of California (ABC). The Board is always on the lookout for new volunteers and accepts applications throughout the year; the committees are seated in August. Committee descriptions and Statement of Interest Forms are hyperlinked below.

    The Board seeks to ensure that its programs and policies are inclusive and would like to enhance the diversity of its volunteers. Eligible women, minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to consider applying to participate. Growers, handlers, huller/shellers and any allied industry members along the supply chain or affiliated with the almond industry are encouraged to get involved.

    The following board-appointed committees further the work of the Almond Board

    The committee and workgroup descriptions below provide an overview on the opportunities to serve and shape future research and programs. Those interested in joining can fell out a statement of interest for before July 10 for consideration.

    Almond Quality, and Food Safety and Services Committee

    Mission Statement:To ensure the quality and safety of California Almonds, through science, research, industry wide education.

    The Almond Quality, Food Safety and Services Committee considers and recommends to the Board rules and regulations pertaining to the federal marketing order. This committee also provides oversight for other marketing order services and educational activities which are necessary to maintain the high quality standards and safety of the California almond industry. This committee consists of seven members. In addition, this committee oversees an Industry Services Subcommittee and a Biomass Task Force.

    Statement of Interest Form

    Biomass Workgroup

    Mission Statement: To maximize value added utilization for all orchard products, other than the edible nut, which are financially viable and environmentally friendly.

    The Biomass Workgroup aims to maximize value-added utilization for all orchard products, other than the edible nut, which are financially viable and environmentally friendly. Among other responsibilities, this group will review research proposals and RFP’s; make funding recommendations for research projects and analytical testing for almond woody and fleshy biomass.

    Statement of Interest form

    Environmental Stewardship Workgroup

    Mission statement: Fosters, supports, and steers environmental stewardship strategy for California almonds, the almond industry and the Almond Board of California, in support of ABC’s 3 core strategic goals – driving global demand, maintaining a favorable regulatory environment and maximizing industry efficiency. Also provides oversight of sustainability thought leadership tactics like partnerships, round tables and corporate visibility initiatives.

    Statement of Interest form

    Finance and Audit Committee

    Mission Statement: The Almond Board of California (ABC) Finance and Audit Committee’s (F&AC) mission is to ensure the financial integrity of ABC and act as fiduciary guardian of grower funds collected for the purpose of executing the organization’s annual programs and budgets. F&AC is comprised of five members and five alternates. The ABC Treasurer is the committee chair.

    Statement of Interest Form

    Global Communications Committee

    Mission Statement: Fosters, supports, and steers strategy for industry and external communications about California almonds, the almond industry, and the Almond Board of California (ABC) in support of driving global demand.

    The Global Communications Committee guides and informs strategy for industry and external communications about California almonds, the almond industry and the Almond Board of California. The committee will provide stakeholders and consumers with information about the almond industry and its practices, anticipate and provide counsel on various issues and potential crises, and disseminate industry-funded research findings to a variety of audiences. This group also engages members of the almond community by creating programs and events that motivate industry members to become more efficient in and out of the orchard.

    Statement of Interest form

    Global Market Development Committee

    Mission Statement: To deliver the Almond board of California’s #1 strategic objective, Driving Global Demand, the mission of the Global Market Development committee is to guide the marketing investments of ABC with a strategic lens. This includes utilizing consumer market research, in-market results, and macro-economic trends to align on markets to prioritize for investment, address key issues/opportunities in each market (across marketing, trade stewardship and market access) and approve the strategies and key tactics to execute upon. The GMDC strives to make decisions for short-, mid- and long-term that will lead to the optimal long-term outcome for the entire industry.

    The Global Market Development Committee evaluates growth opportunities available to the almond industry and makes recommendations to the Board. These recommendations include a worldwide market research and market development program for each crop year. The committee also administers government-funded marketing and research programs and may also recommend to the Board changes in the marketing order rules and regulations, granting credit to handlers for qualified promotional activities. These credits are granted based on the proportion of assessment credit determined to be granted for each type of promotional activity.

    Statement of Interest form

    Nutrition Research Committee

    Mission Statement: Guide ABC’s nutrition research investments to advance the science on the impact of almond consumption on human health and enhance ABC’s ability to communicate almond’s health benefits globally.

    The Nutrition Research Committee focuses on ongoing nutrition research which adds to the existing body of almond science and is utilized by the Board in global marketing outreach programs to promote the consumption of almonds. Current strategic research areas focus on the relationship between consumption of almonds and heart health, diabetes/prediabetes, weight management, gut health, cognition, skin health, exercise recovery and other areas.This committee is comprised of seven members and three alternates, consisting of food scientists, nutritionists, almond growers and other almond industry representatives.

    Statement of Interest form

    Organic Advisory Panel

    Mission Statement:To address issues impacting organic almond production, trade, and consumer awareness.

    The mission of the Organic Advisory Panel is to address issues impacting organic almond production, trade and consumer awareness. This panel will direct staff on areas of focus including research, marketing, national and local organic initiatives, and other areas.

    Statement of Interest form

    Production Stewardship Workgroup

    Mission Statement: Support and identify innovative production research and technology to support Almond Board’s vision and mission to make life better by what we grow, how we grow, and accelerate adoption of industry best practices.

    Our Production Stewardship Workgroup identifies innovative production research and technology to support Almond Board’s vision and mission to make life better by what we grow, how we grow, and accelerate adoption of industry best practices. Areas of research and extension that this group advise include orchard configuration, tree growth, breeding, pest management, irrigation, nutrient management, soils, harvest, precision ag. technology, environmental sustainability, and others.

    Statement of Interest form

    Strategic Ag Innovation Committee

    Mission Statement: This committee focuses on how almonds are grown, providing strategic direction on research to provide information and tools that will improve industry efficiency. This spans not only on-farm practices but also post-harvest, regulatory and market implications around almond production. The committee is supported by workgroups with specific technical expertise. The committee guides a broad-based research program, addressing agricultural and environmental challenges, that will ultimately ensure the long-term sustainability and profitability of almond growing, meeting the needs and expectations of stakeholders globally.

    The Strategic Ag Innovation Committee is the “strategic forward thinker” for the almond industry and is supported by specialty-area research working groups. This committee shall consider and recommend projects that maintain the almond industry’s leadership role as a “Crop of Choice” for California, and which reflect the overall production and environmental research needs of the almond industry. This committee consists of ten members and oversees the six specialty-area research working groups listed below. All of the working groups review research proposals and make funding recommendations to the Strategic Ag Innovation Committee.

    Statement of Interest form

    Technical & Regulatory Affairs Committee

    Mission Statement: Provide support and leadership in identifying, monitoring, and resolving those regulatory and/or market access issues impacting the production and unimpeded global trade of California almonds.

    The Technical & Regulatory Affairs Committee provides support to and cooperates with almond industry stakeholders and other Almond Board committees, focusing on those issues that impact the production and worldwide marketing of California Almonds. This synergy will enable greater integration and contribute to the overall success of the industry.

    Statement of Interest form

  • EU Opens New 0% Tariff Rate Quota for U.S. Almonds

    California almond exporters have a new opportunity in one of the world’s largest premium food markets following the European Union’s approval of a new duty-free tariff rate quota (TRQ) for U.S. almonds.

    The measure is part of the recently finalized EU-U.S. trade agreement, which expands market access for several U.S. agricultural products through zero-duty tariff rate quotas. For almonds, qualifying shipments can now enter the European Union at a 0% tariff until the quota is filled, providing a more competitive position for U.S. almonds in the marketplace. The new regulations are scheduled to remain in effect through the end of 2029.

    The announcement brings welcome certainty after months of escalating trade tensions. Earlier this year, the European Union had proposed a 25% retaliatory tariff on a range of U.S. products in response to broader U.S. trade actions. While almonds were discussed as part of those potential countermeasures, the tariffs were repeatedly delayed as negotiations continued, creating uncertainty for exporters serving European customers.

    Prior to the new agreement, U.S. almonds generally entered the EU under the bloc’s existing tariff structure, including limited tariff-rate quotas that offered reduced-duty access for specified volumes. The new agreement expands preferential access by establishing a dedicated 0% tariff rate quota for eligible U.S. almond exports, improving market access and helping maintain the competitiveness of California almonds in Europe.

    For California’s almond industry, the development reinforces the value of stable trade relationships. The European Union remains an important destination for California almonds, where demand for nutritious snack foods and food ingredients continues to support long-term consumption. Lower import costs under the new quota can help strengthen the industry’s position with European manufacturers, retailers and consumers while reducing the uncertainty that has surrounded transatlantic trade discussions over the past year. — Story provided by the Almond Board of California

  • Hot March Results in a Lighter Pistachio Crop

    Hot March temperatures are leading to a lighter pistachio crop this year. However, growers and processors remain optimistic that the 2026 growing season is a fluke, and that the industry will have an excellent yield in 2027. Jeff Gibbons with Setton Farms and Joe Coelho with American Pistachio Growers discussed this anomalous year in the pistachio industry with Matthew Malcolm from California Ag Network. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Legal Compliance in the Almond Industry

    California can feel like a legal minefield with the potential lawsuits that almond growers can face. Knowing the latest laws and regulations, and how to be compliant with them, is more important than ever. Henderson Arreola Partner Stacy Henderson spoke with Matthew Malcolm to discuss some tactics for how growers can stay ahead of regulations. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Almond Hulls Receive GRAS Status from FDA

    Almond hulls were recently given Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status by the FDA. This designation opens the door for them to be used in a variety of different food products, as they are high in fiber and phytonutrients. Almond Board of California CEO and President Clarice Turner spoke with Matthew Malcolm at California Ag Network to discuss this recent breakthrough and what it means for the almond industry. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Roof Rat Bait Stations Available for Pistachio Growers

    American Pistachio Growers (APG) is offering free roof rat bait stations to all grower members.

    There is no limit on the number of bait stations growers may receive. Bait stations can be picked up at the APG office, or by contacting Joe Coelho to inquire about delivery options that may be available in the grower’s area.

    Roof rats can cause significant damage in orchards, and proper bait station placement is an important part of an effective management program. To help get the most from this resource, APG included links to a roof rat bait station guide, instructional video tutorials, and informational article below.

    If you have questions or would like to arrange pickup or discuss delivery options, please contact Joe Coelho at JCoelho@americanpistachios.org.

  • Almond Board of California Looks to Improve India Marketing Strategy

    India remains the most important export market for California almonds, making it central to the industry’s long-term outlook. After reviewing how the market is changing, the Almond Board of California (ABC) concluded that past approaches alone will not be enough to fuel future growth. To meet long-term demand goals, the industry must reposition almonds for a new generation of Indian consumers.

    A High-Value Market with More Room to Grow

    India already has a strong almond consumption base. Almonds are widely recognized, associated with nutrition and consumed by more than half of households in some form.

    But that strength does not mean the market is saturated. Consumption varies sharply by region, with lower penetration in parts of the country, especially in the South. That gap points to opportunity. Future growth will come from reaching new consumers, new regions and new occasions.

    For growers, expanding total demand matters because broader consumption helps support long-term market stability and value.

    Identifying the Barriers to Continued Growth

    ABC research shows that almonds still hold a strong position in India, but perception challenges are beginning to limit growth. Among non-users and light users, three barriers stood out: low excitement, weak differentiation and limited understanding of why almonds deserve a place in everyday diets.

    Many consumers see almonds as dependable but somewhat dated. Some view them as interchangeable with other nuts, while others are unclear on how almonds fit into modern daily routines, especially in newer markets.

    That makes this a critical moment. A product that is widely known can still lose relevance with younger consumers if the industry does not actively refresh how it is positioned.

    A Rapidly Changing Consumer Landscape

    India’s consumer landscape is evolving. It is home to a young population, rising digital engagement and increasingly urban lifestyles that are reshaping how people discover and buy food.

    Younger consumers are influenced by health goals, personal ambition and digital culture. They are less responsive to traditional messages and more drawn to brands that feel modern, useful and relevant to everyday life.

    For almonds, that creates both risk and opportunity. Legacy messaging is losing strength, but a large, increasingly affluent population still offers major growth potential if almonds are positioned in a way that resonates now. — Story contributed by the Almond Board of California

  • Researchers Requesting the Help of Pistachio Growers

    California pistachios now cover more than 600,000 acres and generate over $2.5 billion annually. As demand for pistachios continues to grow worldwide, production remains concentrated in the Central Valley with some acreage in coastal counties. However, a changing climate is creating new challenges for growers.

    Although the 2025–2026 winter felt “normal” with cold, foggy days, a closer look at the data shows that some pistachio orchards may not have received adequate winter chill. The March heatwave, which coincided with bloom, further intensified bloom and nut-set irregularities, issues many growers have already reported. However, some orchards were severely affected while others showed little or no impact, pointing to underlying factors that are not yet fully understood.

    This situation presents a valuable opportunity to better understand how unseasonable weather affects bloom, fertilization and set. To this end, the University of California, Davis (UCD) and the California Pistachio Research Board (CPRB) have developed a short grower survey. The information collected will help researchers evaluate the impacts of climate variability during this critical developmental stage. Several CPRB-funded research trials focused on improving yield and quality may also benefit from the survey data. These findings will help researchers develop strategies to prevent or mitigate similar impacts in the future and identify priority areas for targeted research. Grower participation is essential: the more orchards represented, the clearer the picture will be for guiding future research and management decisions.

    The California Pistachio Research Board encourages growers to complete the survey and share observations from their orchards this season. Growers with multiple orchards showing different performance under the same cultural practices (e.g. irrigation, fertilization) are welcome to submit separate responses for each site. The survey takes only a few minutes to

    complete but will provide valuable insights for future research.

    All responses are anonymous unless you choose to provide contact information. Growers can use the link or QR code below to access the survey.

    Pistachio Survey: https://forms.gle/vyeXgnoGfYG3aDDQ9

  • Hillari Bynum Promoted to Senior Position at DFA of California and Safe Food Alliance

    DFA of California and Safe Food Alliance recently announced the promotion of Hillari Bynum to Senior Director, Growth and Innovation. In this newly expanded leadership role, Hillari will oversee the organization’s growth-focused functions, including business development, marketing, customer experience, technology enablement and innovation initiatives.

    “Hillari has consistently demonstrated the ability to look beyond traditional marketing and identify opportunities to strengthen our organization. From relaunching Safe Food California to leading technology initiatives, she has helped modernize how we serve our members and customers,” said Brendan O’Donnell, President and CEO of DFA of California and Safe Food Alliance.

    Reflecting on her new role, Hillari shared, “By combining three teams into one cohesive organization with two clear mandates, we’re creating a stronger, more aligned team that can move faster, innovate more effectively, and deliver greater value to our customers and
    members.”

    — Story contributed by the DFA of California and Safe Food Alliance

  • Blue Diamond Releases Early June Crop Report

    California’s Central Valley experienced variable weather conditions during May, with wide temperature swings serving as the norm for the period, punctuated by a few days of rain.

    Daily maximum temperatures ranged from the lower 60’s to nearly 100 degrees during the month, while minimum temperatures exhibited more stability, ranging from the lower 40’s on the chilliest mornings to mid-50’s under “balmier” conditions. Brisk winds also blew through the orchards on several days during the month, with sustained speeds at double digit levels and gusts reaching over 20 mph. While skies were clear and dry on the majority of days, late season storms in the opening and closing days of the period brought measurable rain to much of the Central Valley. Rainfall totals were generally limited to a few hundredths of an inch. However, the final storm of the month proved more vigorous. While most areas reported receiving from .25 to .60 inch of rain, a particularly strong cell passing over Yolo County dropped over an inch of rain near the community of Davis.

    May 2026 continued the pattern of late-spring storm systems that began in April. Grower activities were largely focused on vegetation management, fertilization, and irrigation, which was offset by adequate rainfall in some cases. While the wet conditions have increased concerns for fungal infections on the foliage and developing nuts, most growers feel that they have adequate protection provided by previous treatments. The rain events have limited the expansion of web-spinning mites and observers are reporting that the orchards are in generally good condition in all areas of the valley. Areas with the strongest winds experienced some blown-over trees, broken branches, and nut loss. However, losses have been minimal.

    Kernels in all varieties became fully solidified during the month, providing the first confirmation of the crop maturity since the completion of the bloom. There is now strong solidarity that the crop is running approximately 10 days ahead of “normal” in all areas. While June temperatures can influence exact timing, many believe the hull split will follow the current advanced timing, with the split in advanced examples of early maturing varieties expected during the week of June 21.

    As May concludes, many growers were winding down applications of fertilizer materials, and mowing vegetation in the orchard middles to manage the orchard floor in advance of the upcoming harvest. Growers whose orchards have high populations of almond feeding ants have begun the earliest treatments using bait formulations to target them. Some of these materials require several weeks to effectively reduce the ant populations and need to be applied as much as eight weeks prior to harvest.

    Growers and their pest control advisers, (PCAs), have been monitoring orchards for signs of leaffooted plant bugs and stink bugs. Brown spot, the damage resulting from the feeding of these insects on the developing nuts has been increasing for several years. Pheromones have been developed and are being tested in orchards to combat leaffooted plant bugs as PCAs work with university researchers to develop protocols for implementation. Growers have treated increasing populations of these insects where warranted.

    Growers have also begun preparations for hull split treatments to control navel orangeworm (NOW). In anticipation of the advanced timing this year, growers are shifting their attention to spotting the discoloration and splitting of blank nuts at the top of the orchard canopy and along the tree rows at the edge of the orchards. These blanks (nuts that formed a hull and shell but were not fertilized during the bloom and have no kernel) split approximately ten days ahead of the sound nuts that contain almond kernels. These serve as a signal of the approaching hull split. By monitoring the split of blank nuts, growers and their pest control advisers can fine tune treatment timing during the split to optimize control.

    Low and minimal care orchards, as well as abandoned plantings, are present in all areas. Pest management programs have grown complicated for many growers managing plantings near abandoned/low care orchards due to adult NOW moths moving into their orchards to lay eggs on the splitting hulls. Orchard sanitation (the reduction of NOW residing within the orchards) is the foundation of NOW management. NOW adults migrating from nearby sources have created significant financial hardship and mounting frustration for growers in recent years. — Story contributed by Blue Diamond Growers