California Ag Network

Category: Nut Industry

  • Identifying Insect Pest Damage Through Harvest Sampling

    With almond and walnut harvest underway, it is a good time to review harvest nut sampling strategy and protocols for the best estimation of field loss by common pests. It is a general understanding that the grade sheet from your processers only represents about half of what is  going on in the field. Also, the whole sum percent damage from the grade sheet does not identify which pest is causing the most economic loss. Insect population in orchards builds over time; therefore, knowing the history of damage helps to address potential risks and strategies to next  year’s pest management program.

    1. Harvest Sampling in Almonds

    Taking a minimum of 500-1000 sample nuts from an average-sized orchard, anytime between shaking and sweeping, is recommended. Infestation can vary among different sides of the tree, and between edges and interiors of the orchard. This is especially true for navel orangeworm damage. Use paper bags to collect samples from multiple spots (>10 sampling spots, if possible) within the orchard. Store the sample bags in a cold room or freezer until you  have time to do crack out. Look for damage signs associated with insect species described in the following paragraphs. Major insect pests for the damage evaluation are navel orangeworm (NOW), peach twig borer (PTB), oriental fruit moth (OFM), ants, leaffooted bugs (LFB), and brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB). BMSB is an invasive stink bug species, which is established and causing damage in almond orchards in the northern San Joaquin Valley.

    1.1. Worm Damage (NOW, PTB, OFM). NOW feed in the kernel (nutmeat) and create deep feeding tunnels. Feeding by NOW results in a significant amount of white frass, and webbings on the kernel (Fig. 1a). Since NOW and PTB often infest the same nut, NOW feeding damage often masks the PTB damage. Feeding damage signs by PTB and OFM on the nutmeat are similar (i.e., the presence of the shallow tunnels and surface grooves on the kernels, and no webbings) (Fig 1b & 1c), except OFM leaves a small amount of reddish frass on the hull, which is absent in PTB damaged nuts.

    Fig. 1. Almond kernels (nutmeat) damaged by: a) navel orangeworm, b) peach twig borer, c) Oriental fruit moth

    1.2. Ant Damage. The percentage of almond  damage by ants at harvest depends on the duration the nuts are on the ground after shaking. The longer almonds are left on the ground gives more time for ants to feed on them, results in more damage. Also, more damage is likely in orchards with drip or sprinkler irrigation compared to orchards with flood irrigation. Cover or vegetation in the orchards also favors ant activity. Nuts with tight shells or with narrower (<0.03-inch wide) hull split have less ant damage. Ants can completely hollow out the nutmeats and leave only thin skin (i.e., pellicle). Other signs of ant feeding damage include scraped or peeled pellicle and presence of “sawdust”, with the absence of webbings and frass (Fig 2a).

    1.3. Leaffooted Bug and Brown Marmorated  Stink Bug Damage. Most nuts infested by the leaffooted bug or BMSB, early in the season (mid- March to mid-May), abort and drop. A small percentage of those infested nuts do not drop but end up becoming shriveled and gummy kernels at harvest (Fig  2b).  Both  LFB  and  BMSB  feeding  after  the shell hardening can result in sunken dark spots on kernels (Fig. 2c), although the degree of damage tends to be higher with BMSB feeding than LFB. Late-season feeding (July-August) by BMSB, can cause dark stained kernels (Fig 2d). Varieties with soft shells such as Fritz, Sonora, Aldrich, Livingston, Monterey, and Peerless are more susceptible to bug damage and for a longer period during the season.

    Fig. 2. Almond kernels damaged by: a) ants, b-d) leaffooted bug and brown marmorated stink bug

    2. Harvest Sampling in Walnuts

    It is recommended to take a minimum of 1000 nuts at the harvest and evaluate for the damage caused by navel orangeworm , codling moth, ants, husk fly, and sunburn. It is important to have representative samples (>10 samples with a minimum of 100 nuts/sample) from the orchard for better estimation of the infestation. The damage signs associated with these specific insect pests and sunburn are described as follows:

    2.1. Worm Damage (NOW, CM). Navel Orangeworm damage can be identified by the presence of a large amount of frass and webbings (Fig 3a). NOW larvae are present in groups and can bore deeply into the kernel. Heavy infestation may give a nutshell an oily appearance. In contrast to NOW, a single codling moth larva infest the nut, and has a lot cleaner damaged area inside the nut. Frass is evident, but only at the entry  point  on  the  husk;  very  little  webbing present (Fig. 3b). If larva is present, look for crescent-shaped marking just behind the head to confirm navel orangeworm.

    Fig. 3. Walnut damaged by: a) navel orangeworm, b) codling moth

    2.2. Ant Damage. Similar to almonds, nut damage by ants increase as the duration of the harvested nuts on the ground increase. Ants enter the nuts from the soft tissues (i.e., stem end) and/ or through a codling moth injury. Ant damage on nuts is identified by the presence of deep chewing channels with clean kernels (i.e., no frass, no webbings, no deep boring) (Fig 4a).

    Fig. 4. Walnut damaged by: a) ants; b) walnut husk fly; c) sunburn
    Fig. 5. (Left) Brown Apical Necrosis is shown on the left, not to be confused with Walnut Blight, shown on the right, and caused by the bacterial pathogen, Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis (Figure provided by Themis Michailides).

    2.3. Husk Fly Damage. Walnut husk fly larvae (technical term: maggots) feed in groups by boring into the husk. Early season damage results in shriveling and darkening of the kernels, with  the increased potential for mold growth. Late- season infestation causes little kernel damage  (Fig. 4b), although it may stain the shell and make the husk removal process difficult.

    Fig. 6. (Right) Moldy, off color nuts which lead to economic loss due to downgrading (Figure provided by Themis Michailides).
    2.4. Sunburn Damage. Sunburn damage on nuts can be confused with husk fly damage. In the case of sunburn, nutmeat is shriveled and darkened on one side of the nut — no evidence of frass, webbings, or larval presence (Fig. 4c). Husks  from sunburn damaged nuts can be removed from the shell during processing, which is not the case for the nuts damaged by husk fly.
    — Article by Jhalendra Rijal, PhD, UCCE IPM Advisor, Stanislaus, Merced & San Joaquin Counties

  • Getting More Consistent Yields in Pistachios

    Pistachios are alternate bearing by nature, getting higher yields one year and then following with a short harvest.  The trees may enjoy the break every other year, but more consistent yields would be much more preferable to the grower and an expanding pistachio industry.  Watch this brief interview with UCCE Emeritus Farm Advisor Bob Beede as he shares about some trials that have been conducted to effectively reduce the volatility in pistachio yields from year to year and the effects of tree age and rootstock selection on its alternate bearing nature.  Read Bob’s monthly Pistachio Orchard Tasks column in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
    Special thanks to this video’s sponsor Suterra.

  • Turning Almond Shells into Plastics & Tires

    Here is a throwback video from a previous annual convention of the Almond Alliance of California as many were disappointed by the cancellation of the annual convention this year due to COVID-19 restrictions; however, very interesting research performed by USDA exploring alternative uses for almond hulls and shells — including plastics and vehicle tires through a process of torrefaction. Watch this brief interview Bill Orts Bioproducts Research Leader at USDA and read more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra by taking this brief Survey.

  • Pistachios Now Included in CFAP Direct Grower Payments

    American Pistachio Growers (APG) today announced to its members that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has now included pistachios in the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). The official notice, which is expected to be published in the Federal Register on or about August 14, 2020, states that pistachios are among 20 additional agricultural crops in the U.S. that will receive direct payments under CFAP Category 1 due to commodities experiencing a 5 percent or greater price decline between January 15, 2020 and April 15, 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    In addition to making pistachios eligible for direct payments under Category 1, USDA has also increased the payment rate under CFAP Category 2, which is for sales losses for pistachios due to product that spoiled in the marketing channel, or due to the loss of the marketing channel. Increased payments under Category 2 apply to product that was actually shipped from the point of origin.

    “As a grower, we know and feel the effects directly when prices decline. This program provides the support needed by farmers during this difficult time we are all currently experiencing,” said Brian Watte, Chair of APG’s Board of Directors. “

    American Pistachio Growers Chairman Brian Watte with his son Matthew Watte in their pistachio orchard

    Pistachios were not initially included in the CFAP direct grower payment program, but through the concerted efforts of APG’s Washington, D.C. lobbying firm and numerous conference calls placed by APG representatives to officials within USDA to provide them with accurate sales data, pistachios are now included in the Category 1 list.

    “We’re pleased that USDA took the effort to review all sales data on pistachios, particularly exports which have seen declines as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic experienced on a global basis,” said APG President Richard Matoian. 

    Pistachio growers can access the necessary forms at www.farmers.gov/CFAP. Matoian explained that growers will be working through their local Farm Service Agency office to submit the forms for direct payment. Growers are advised to call (877) 508-8364 to begin the application process. For growers who applied for and were paid for CFAP prior to Category 1 eligibility being granted should not submit a new application, but rather should contact their FSA office to amend the application. Importantly, USDA has announced that the application deadline has been extended to September 11, 2020. 

  • Pollinator Partnership Announces Three New Designations for Bee Friendly Farming

    Pollinator Partnership (P2) is proud to announce enhancements and improvements to its Bee Friendly Farming (BFF) program to better recognize engage and support BFF participants and pollinators everywhere. The new BFF program will have three categories that allow them to engage with all participants at a finer scale while addressing their goals: Bee Friendly Farming Certified, Bee Friendly Farming Partner and Bee Friendly Farming Garden.

    Bee Friendly Farming Certified designation will apply to large-scale commercial farms, ranches, wineries and other land-use businesses that grow food and other resources. This certification will require compliance at registration and every third year to be validated in the seven specific criteria required to qualify. “From habitat to cover crops to best management practices, the Bee Friendly Farming Certified mark will identify farms engaged in science-based Bee Friendly Farming practices,” said BFF Coordinator Miles Dakin. “This enables us to enhance grower and pollinator benefits through greater engagement in nutrition, habitat, biodiversity and other guidelines.”

    Bee Friendly Farming Partner includes sponsorship from individuals and companies, as well as apiarists, who do not actively manage their own landscapes but wish to support the BFF program. Multiple tiers of sponsorships are available to provide the resources necessary to build and maintain the BFF program.

    The third category of recognition, Bee Friendly Farming Garden, includes smaller landscapes, community gardens and homeowners who voluntarily adhere to the seven criteria of Bee Friendly Farming actions. By separating and reorganizing these distinct members, BFF can better recognize the different contributions by farmers, apiarists, home gardeners, community members and commercial sponsors to support vital pollinators.

    Photos courtesy of Geoffrey Thurner, California State University Fresno

    “After conversations with long-standing participants, environmental groups, grower associations and sponsors, we saw a clear need to further refine the BFF experience and to add a level of scrutiny and permanence to the certification aspects of Bee Friendly Farming,” said Laurie Davies Adams, President of Pollinator Partnership, parent organization of Bee Friendly Farming. “This new tri-level approach will still recognize existing affiliates as BFF Partners, while taking a great step forward for the dedicated agricultural community that seeks rigorous and validated certification of its adherence to best practices for pollinators. In all instances, BFF will provide excellent guidelines for all levels of BFF practitioners.”

    The three categories have slightly different criteria and benefits. Some currently certified historic BFF participants may fall into a different category and will be contacted about the changes.

    Visit www.beefriendlyfarming.org for more information on Bee Friendly Farming and to learn how you can participate.

    ABOUT POLLINATOR PARTNERSHIP (P2) Established in 1997, the Pollinator Partnership is the largest 501(c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to the health, protection, and conservation of all pollinating animals. P2’s actions for pollinators include education, conservation, restoration, policy, and research. P2’s financial support comes through grants, gifts, memberships and donations from any interested party. P2’s policies are science-based, set by its board of directors, and never influenced by any donor. To make a donation or for information on events during Pollinator Week visit www.pollinator.org.

  • PhD Grower Pushes the Limits on Salinity in Pistachios

    The pistachio market remains strong despite the COVID-19 impact on the global economy; however California pistachio growers are still limited on availability of quality water and soil to meet the growing demand for this valuable commodity.  There is hope though for growers on marginal land as this PhD grower has found a way to meet the needs of his crop amidst less than ideal soil/water conditions. Watch this brief interview with Muhammad Siddiqui and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra by taking this brief Survey.

  • USDA Section 32 Almond Purchase Announcement

    The Almond Alliance of California, with support from congressional representatives, lead the advocacy efforts to have California almonds included in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Section 32 food purchase program. The approval of up to $40 million of direct purchases to various domestic food nutrition assistance programs will provide much needed relief as the almond industry navigates through the impacts of COVID-19; while also providing a healthy food source to those in need.

    As grower prices continue to drop and there is an anticipated 3-billion-pound crop for 2020 it is clear that the assistance of a USDA commodity purchase came at a critical time.  As we recover from the damages of COVID-19 and market conditions the Almond Alliance will continue to advocate for and identify opportunities for the industry. We appreciate our relationship with USDA and know that the Section 32 purchase program will give more confidence to our buyers and sellers and supply those in need with a nutritious product we are extremely proud of.

    If you have any questions related to this industry alert, please contact the Almond Alliance staff at staff@almondalliance.org. The Section 32 purchase solicitation will be coming soon.

    How to Become a Certified USDA Vendor:

    The Almond Alliance facilitated a webinar in May 2020 for almond industry handler members interested in becoming an approved vendor with USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service, Commodity Procurement Program. Click here, to view the PowerPoint presentation.  Contact information for the AMS new vendor coordinator is below.  We are in the process of scheduling a How to Become a Certified USDA Vendor webinar in mid August and we will provide those details shortly.

    Selling Food to USDA: Click Here.

    Becoming a USDA Foods Vendor: Click Here.

    Contact:  Andrea Lang, New Vendor Coordinator
    AMS Commodity Procurement Program
    Communications and Stakeholder Branch
    Email: NewVendor@usda.gov      
    Phone: 202-720-4237

    Background:
    The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) purchases a variety of 100% domestically produced and processed commodity food products, including dairy products, fruit, vegetables, meat, poultry and seafood. AMS issues solicitations and makes purchases for over 200 different USDA Foods on an ongoing basis.

    These purchases support American agriculture by providing an outlet for surplus products and encouraging consumption of domestically-produced foods. The wholesome, high-quality products purchased by USDA—collectively called USDA Foods—are delivered to schools, food banks and households in communities across the country, and are a vital component of our nation’s food safety net.

  • Heat Illness Prevention Education, Training Resources and Publications​​​​​​​

    Almond Alliance of California — Harvest is here and so is the heat!  Heat illness is deadly so prevention education is critical for protecting your employees. Make heat safety part of your overall safety program.

    Some essentials ALL employers should have are:

    • Plan – Develop and implement an effective written heat illness prevention plan that includes emergency response procedures (Almond Alliance provides a template if requested).
    • Training – Train all employees and supervisors on heat illness prevention (Almond Alliance provides pre-season trainings upon request).
    • Water – Provide drinking water that is fresh, pure, suitably cool and free of charge so that each worker can drink at least 1 quart per hour, and encourage workers to do so.
    • Shade – Provide shade when workers request it or when temperatures exceed 80 degrees. Encourage workers to take a cool-down rest in the shade for at least five minutes when they feel the need to do so to protect themselves from overheating. They should not wait until they feel sick to cool down.
    Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention protocols include enforcement of heat regulations as well as multilingual outreach and training programs for California’s employers and workers.

    Below are links to heat illness prevention online resources, materials and printable flyers to use in your workplace this season. If you have any questions, please contact staff@almondalliance.org. Keep your employees safe and hydrated!
    For Employers:
    For Workers:
    • Pocket Guide: Protect Yourself from Heat Illness (English/Spanish), Click Here.
    • Heat Safety Fact Sheet (English), Click Here.
    • File a Health & Safety Complaint (English), Click Here.
    • Additional Heat Illness Prevention Resources, Click Here.
    Training and Education:  
    Materials available for order by email at heat@dir.ca.gov to order copies of the below materials at no cost. (99 Calor campaign page) Material is also available for download, including Heat Illness Prevention videos and discussion guides in multiple languages.
    Additional Heat Illness Links: 
    • FedOSHA Quick Card: Protecting Workers from Heat Stress, Click Here.
    • National Weather Service: California Information, Click Here.
    • Centers for Disease Control: Heat Stress, Click Here.
    • Centers for Disease Control: Tips for Preventing Heat Related Illness, Click Here.

    Note: This document is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Almond Alliance of California does not advise on the application of law to an individual’s or company’s specific circumstances. Although we go to great lengths to make sure our information is accurate and useful, we recommend you consult a lawyer if you want professional assurance that our information, and your interpretation of it, is appropriate to your particular situation.

  • Driving Walnut Consumption Through Snacking

    California Walnut Board – Over 95% of Americans snack at some point throughout the day. When we saw snacking move into first place for the top usage for walnuts in our Attitude & Usage (A&U) study, we knew the time was right to capitalize on this trend. In May, we kicked off a campaign designed to showcase California walnuts as the ideal snack food.

    The campaign inspires consumers to snack better by focusing on the simplicity of snacking on a handful of walnuts. We aim to create further excitement around the campaign by engaging consumers and reminding them of the unique flavor profile walnuts offer for both sweet and savory snacking options by having them pick their snacking preference, Team Sweet or Team Savory.

    In May, we also began our partnership with former Bachelorette, Ali Manno, to create content that highlights the versatility of walnuts as a snack. Ali shared her favorite sweet and savory walnut recipes in a blog post and on social media. Audience reception of Ali’s posts was overwhelmingly positive, and the inclusion of her daughter in the content amplified her relatability. Many commenters expressed intent to make her walnut spreads and contributed to the #WalnutsSweetOrSavory conversation by sharing their snacking preferences. Coverage of Ali’s snacking story was recently posted on Women’s Health and was syndicated through both Yahoo! and MSN.

    In order to give our snacking campaign a timely hook to help break through the COVID-19-dominated media landscape, we conducted a nationally representative survey to learn more about how Americans’ snacking habits had changed during shelter-in-place restrictions, so we could better understand how walnuts fit in. The survey, conducted in partnership with Kelton Global, revealed that Americans are snacking now more than ever, with 49% snacking more now than before the pandemic began.

    At the same time, many snackers are turning to indulgent snacks as a source of comfort, with 31% saying their new habits have led to recent weight gain. We leveraged these results in our outreach, with walnuts being the perfect snack ingredient that can pair with nearly any flavor, highlighting California Walnuts’ research that has shown walnuts may play an important role in maintaining a healthy weight. We also shipped mailers full of new and innovative walnut-packed snack products to media and health practitioner contacts.

    To capitalize on the increased use of digital media during this time, the campaign continues to be supported with snacking-themed digital ads and social media posts driving consumers to walnuts.org to engage with the campaign landing page, recipes, and blog content. The effort was further amplified via content marketing placements with print and digital partners, such as the Kitchn article “Berry Walnut Trail Mix Is the Afternoon Snack You’ve Been Waiting For” and Men’s Health “Make Walnut Energy Balls for a Snack”. Articles like “Summer Snack Hacks to Make the Long Days Simpler” on our blog rounded out the plan. Social media ads and polls encouraged consumers to join the conversation, resulting in high engagement levels.

    Editorial content from the blog and promotional landing pages have pulled visitors into the site with 70K+ clicks through the end of June, and more than 45K+ Recipe/Collection views.

    With consumers shopping for groceries online at record levels, California Walnuts launched an ecommerce digital advertising program on Kroger, Amazon, Instacart, Albertsons, Safeway and Ahold for the months of July and August. Additionally, traditional retail promotions will bring the campaign to life in September with snacking-themed promotions at Publix, Kroger, and Harris Teeter. Display shippers at 3,000 locations will encourage customers to “Grab a Handful of Nutrition” with California Walnuts.

    Looking ahead, we plan to continue building upon our campaign’s momentum by discovering new ways to reach consumers and share the many reasons California walnuts are not only the ideal snack food, but also the perfect ingredient for sweet and savory snack creations.

  • Kendall-Jackson Commits to Certified California Sustainable Wine Growing

    Kendall-Jackson, one of America’s most beloved family-owned and operated wineries, is proud to announce its commitment to Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW) and will add the CCSW logo to the Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay, the #1-selling wine in America. With this addition, Kendall-Jackson becomes one of the nation’s largest wine producers to make such a profound commitment to enhancing the sustainability of its winegrowing and supply chain. 

    “From the onset, my father, Jess Jackson, believed making great wine starts with respect for the land, the community and future generations,” said Katie Jackson, SVP of Corporate Social Responsibility. “We want to provide consumers with wine that they can feel good about drinking. The entire Kendall-Jackson family is committed to keeping my father’s legacy alive and leading California wineries in sustainable winemaking practices. We hope others will follow our path.”

    Kendall-Jackson was first certified sustainable in 2010. In 2017, the CCSW logo was introduced, and Kendall-Jackson promptly added it to the Grand Reserve tier wines. The winery is now making a substantial commitment in adding the logo to the Vintner’s Reserve wines, the largest production tier in the Kendall-Jackson portfolio. Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay, which has been a benchmark wine for California Chardonnay, and the top-selling Chardonnay in America for the past 28 years according to IRI data, will carry the CCSW logo starting with the 2018 vintage.

    “This wine has an extensive marketplace presence across America, so this is an exciting and significant endeavor that helps bring nationwide awareness to the California wine industry’s commitment to sustainable winegrowing,” said Allison Jordan, Executive Director of the

     California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, the governing body of the CCSW.

    Kendall-Jackson’s commitment spans the entire portfolio. The ’17 Vintner’s Reserve Merlot, the ’19 Rosé, and the ‘19 Avant Unoaked Chardonnay will also carry the logo, with other varietals following as they are bottled. Consumers will also notice it on the winery’s elevated tier of single vineyard and small-production wines, the Estates Collection.

    As the industry sees a continued increase in wine purchasing for at home consumption, there is a greater consumer desire to understand how wine is made and make choices that support sound environmental and social business practices. A January 2020 Wine Intelligence survey showed 71% of U.S. consumer and trade respondents indicating that they would consider buying sustainably produced wine in the future.

    A sustainable wine goes well beyond the boundaries of the farm, with a need to look at multiple facets of the winemaking process. This puts a stronger onus on responsibility, which is a major facet of Kendall-Jackson’s desire to seek this type of certification. The CCSW sustainable winegrowing concept results in a three-pronged approach relating to the natural environment, quality of grapes and wine, and social responsibility to employees and communities.

    The CCSW certification consists of 140 vineyard and 104 winery best practices that are third-party audited each year. In order for an individual wine to be certified sustainable, at least 85% of the grapes in each bottle must come from a certified sustainable vineyard and the wine must be produced in a certified winery, with 100% of the grapes coming from California vineyards. For the past three decades, the Jackson family has cultivated many of California’s greatest cool, coastal mountains, ridges and benchland vineyards, allowing them a broad perspective of terroir to showcase some of California’s finest growing regions. The Jackson family considers themselves farmers first, and believes the better the soil, the better the wine. The same passion that led the family to acquire the best vineyards throughout coastal California also drives them to care for the land and employ certified sustainable farming practices. One hundred percent of Kendall-Jackson’s more than 14,000 acres of estate vineyards throughout cool, coastal California are third-party Certified Sustainable. No other winery can boast this breadth of sustainably farmed vineyards.

    The benefits of sustainable winegrowing are immense. Winemaking that supports environmental concerns as it conserves natural resources, improves air and water quality, and protects ecosystems and wildlife habitat. For the workforce, sustainable winemaking means stewardship of natural and human resources, with growers and vintners contributing to their communities both economically and culturally. Kendall-Jackson’s final product of higher quality grapes and wine is a testament to the in-depth attention to detail and continuous improvement needed to achieve this rigorous annual certification. By choosing Kendall-Jackson and other California wines with the CCSW logo, consumers can support an industry dedicated to environmental stewardship and socially equitable business practices.

    ABOUT CERTIFIED CALIFORNIA SUSTAINABLE WINEGROWING / CALIFORNIA SUSTAINABLE WINEGROWING ALLIANCE (CSWA)

    CSWA is a nonprofit organization created in 2003 by Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers to promote the benefits of sustainable winegrowing practices, enlist industry commitment and implement the Sustainable Winegrowing Program. In 2010, CSWA introduced Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing, a third-party certification program for California vineyards and wineries that adheres to international sustainability standards. Through annual audits, this certification provides independent verification of stringent requirements that ensure key sustainability areas such as soil health, water and energy, habitat, human resources and more are addressed. Certified vineyards and wineries must also measure resources and performance and improve year after year. The logo on wine labels indicates that the wine is made in a Certified California Sustainable winery with grapes from California certified vineyards.

    ABOUT KENDALL-JACKSON

    Kendall-Jackson is one of America’s most beloved family-owned and operated wineries. The winery’s flagship wine, the Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay, has been America’s favorite Chardonnay for over 28 years. Founded by entrepreneur and visionary Jess Jackson in 1982, and now led by his wife Barbara Banke and the Jackson family, Kendall-Jackson is based in Sonoma County and offers a range of acclaimed wines grown on the family’s estate vineyards along the coastal ridges of California. Kendall-Jackson is the benchmark for sustainable wine endeavors, setting the precedent for advancement in solar, water, and vineyard practices. Wine Enthusiast Magazine recently named Kendall-Jackson the 2017 winery of the year, one of the wine industry’s most notable accolades. Recognized as a leader in the industry for more than three decades, Kendall-Jackson has built a reputation centered around consistent, high-quality wines that are available nationwide in grocery stores, boutique wine retailers, and restaurants throughout America and globally in Europe, Central America, and Asia. Learn more online at www.kj.com, and follow Kendall-Jackson on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram