California Ag Network

Category: Nut Industry

  • 2017 Marks A Decade Of Protecting Public Health Through Mandatory Almond Pasteurization

    Modesto, Calif., (December 26, 2017) – A groundbreaking mandatory pasteurization program created by Almond Board of California (ABC) and its strategic partners has supported an enviable industry-wide food safety record over the last decade. Since the program’s launch, there have been zero outbreaks of foodborne illness attributed to California Almonds. Today, more than 200 treatment processes have been validated for use on almonds following specific guidelines and review by ABC’s Technical Expert Review panel.

    The almond industry initiated these efforts in the early 2000s, when Salmonella concerns were intensifying across the food industry. At the time, conventional wisdom suggested that low moisture foods, such as nuts and seeds, did not pose a threat, since the microorganisms of concern could not grow in these products. ABC engaged food safety experts, USDA and research partners to holistically identify potential risks and develop strategies for control. This collaboration ultimately resulted in themandatory pasteurization program for Salmonella reduction and implementation of best practices, including Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) for growers and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) for processors, as well as updated HACCP guidelines and Pathogen Environmental Monitoring (PEM) resources.

    “The health and wellbeing of almond consumers matters deeply to everyone in the California Almond industry. We’re not afraid to tackle food safety challenges head-on, aided by the expertise of our partners, and we’re proud of our pioneering best practices,” said Tim Birmingham, director, Quality Assurance and Industry Services, Almond Board of California. “In response to concerns about Salmonella, we conducted research and led extensive discussions with industry, university and government experts before adopting mandatory pasteurization. After 10 years with zero outbreaks, we’re grateful that we took action.”

    From 2007 to 2017, ABC invested more than $5 million in food quality and safety research. It remains firmly committed to educating industry members on how to produce the safest and highest quality almonds possible. All findings are translated into clear, practical guidance for growers and processors.

    “I find it especially gratifying to see research results put into action. Almond Board of California transforms their food safety and quality research into practical resources that growers and processors actually use,” said Dr. Linda Harris, chair and specialist in Cooperative Extension in the Department of Food Science and Technology at the University of California, Davis. Harris conducts laboratory research and provides extension education and practicable advice to growers and the almond processing and affiliated industry organizations.

    “I’m proud of the industry-wide steps we’ve taken to improve food safety. Those investments protect almond consumers and allow us to focus on delivering the quality, freshness and great taste they enjoy,” said Martin Pohl, a Central Valley almond grower and president of Hughson Nut. “As a result, we’ve seen tremendous industry growth over the last decade.”

    The California Almond industry will continue evolving its best practices as new scientific discoveries unfold. The industry also is well positioned to comply with FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) because it has proactively, voluntarily created and implemented so many programs that are already in line with FSMA requirements.

    The Produce Safety rule under FSMA goes into effect in January 2018 for large-scale orchards or huller/shellers considered farms. Preventive Controls compliance for larger businesses began September 2016 and mid-sized compliance started September of this year. To date, more than 100 industry members have completed the FDA recognized Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) training, hosted by ABC.

    As FSMA compliance periods take effect, ABC continues to help growers, processors and other stakeholders understand which FSMA rules apply, what actions to take to ensure compliance and when specific requirements come into effect for different operations.

  • How Farms can Donate Fresh Food for Tax Deductions

    Charitable Contributions for Farmers

    It is common for businesses to receive tax deductions for cash donations, but did you know that the agriculture community can donate fresh foods for a similar benefit? California farmers and agriculture businesses have the opportunity to donate fresh fruits and vegetables in return for some pretty hefty tax breaks.

    How much is the deduction? 

    In order to calculate the federal deduction and the California credit, your accountant will need to know the cost basis of the donated fruit as well as the fair market value (FMV) of that fruit as of the date it was contributed.

    Normally, the federal deduction for inventory contributions is limited to the FMV on the date of contribution or the cost basis of the inventory, whichever is lower. However, there is an enhanced deduction allowed for the contribution of food inventory to a qualified organization that allows for an “above-basis” deduction. This deduction equals the lesser of: (1) the basis of the contributed inventory plus one-half of the ordinary income that would have been recognized if the inventory had been sold for FMV on the contribution date, or (2) twice the basis of the property. As is often the case, there are special rules for certain taxpayers. If you are not using full absorption to account for your inventories, consult with your accountant as special rules will apply.

    For farm partnerships, the result of the above calculation would be passed through to the individual partners within the partnership. The deduction is then limited to 15% of their net income from all businesses that made food contributions. This means that their deduction would be limited to 15% of their net income from the farm entity that made the donation. If individual farmers who are also partners in farm partnerships made food contributions to qualified organizations, then the net income of both activities would be added together in determining the 15% limitation. Any unused deduction can be carried over and used in the five succeeding tax years.

    California law

    Under California tax law, a qualified taxpayer who donates fresh fruits or fresh vegetables to a food bank located in California is allowed a tax credit equal to 10% of the cost that would otherwise be included in inventory costs. In the case of farm partnerships, the credit would be passed through and used by the individual partners. Any unused credits may be carried forward for seven years. It’s important to note that this credit has expired, however, there is a possibility of extension, so speak with your accountant to learn more.

    Here’s an example

    Partnership A owns a farm that grows fruit.  The partnership donates unsold fruit to the local food bank.  A determines that the basis of the contributed property is $180,000.  A also determines that one-half of the ordinary income that would have been recognized if the inventory had been sold for FMV on the contribution date is $40,000.  The deduction would consist of the lesser of: (1) the basis of the property contributed plus one-half the profit = $180,000+$40,000 = $220,000, or (2) twice the basis of $180,000 = $360,000.  In this case, the lesser figure of $220,000 would be the enhanced deduction for the food inventory contributed.  That deduction would be passed along to the partners of the partnership. The charitable deduction on the partner’s tax returns would be limited to 15% of the income from the partnership that made the food donation.

    Please note that if the donated inventory was not included in the opening inventory, but rather was produced during the current year,the donated inventory would be considered to have zero basis. This means that the enhanced deduction for food inventory would only be $40,000 in the example above, as the $180,000 cost of that fruit would instead be included as part of the cost of goods sold deduction in the current year.

    If you have questions about charitable food donations or want to learn more about how to claim the deduction, please contact Sensiba San Filippo Partner, John Slater, at 559.437.0700 or at jslater@ssfllp.com.

  • Almond Board Celebrates Breakthroughs in Almond Quality & Food Safety

    MODESTO, Calif. – (Nov. 15, 2017) – A groundbreaking mandatory pasteurization program created by Almond Board of California (ABC) and its strategic partners has supported an enviable industry-wide food safety record over the last decade. Since the program’s launch, there have been zero outbreaks of foodborne illness attributed to California Almonds. Today, more than 200 treatment processes have been validated for use on almonds following specific guidelines and review by ABC’s Technical Expert Review panel.
     
    The almond industry initiated these efforts in the early 2000s, when Salmonella concerns were intensifying across the food industry. At the time, conventional wisdom suggested that low moisture foods, such as nuts and seeds, did not pose a threat, since the microorganisms of concern could not grow in these products. ABC engaged food safety experts, USDA and research partners to holistically identify potential risks and develop strategies for control. This collaboration ultimately resulted in the mandatory pasteurization program for Salmonella reduction and implementation of best practices, including Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) for growers and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) for processors, as well as updated HACCP guidelines and Pathogen Environmental Monitoring (PEM) resources.
     
    “The health and wellbeing of almond consumers matters deeply to everyone in the California Almond industry. We’re not afraid to tackle food safety challenges head-on, aided by the expertise of our partners, and we’re proud of our pioneering best practices,” said Tim Birmingham, director, Quality Assurance and Industry Services, Almond Board of California. “In response to concerns about Salmonella, we conducted research and led extensive discussions with industry, university and government experts before adopting mandatory pasteurization. After 10 years with zero outbreaks, we’re grateful that we took action.”
     
    From 2007 to 2017, ABC invested more than $5 million in food quality and safety research. It remains firmly committed to educating industry members on how to produce the safest and highest quality almonds possible. All findings are translated into clear, practical guidance for growers and processors.
     
    “I find it especially gratifying to see research results put into action. Almond Board of California transforms their food safety and quality research into practical resources that growers and processors actually use,” said Dr. Linda Harris, chair and specialist in Cooperative Extension in the Department of Food Science and Technology at the University of California, Davis. Harris conducts laboratory research and provides extension education and practicable advice to growers and the almond processing and affiliated industry organizations.
     
    “I’m proud of the industry-wide steps we’ve taken to improve food safety. Those investments protect almond consumers and allow us to focus on delivering the quality, freshness and great taste they enjoy,” said Martin Pohl, a Central Valley almond grower and president of Hughson Nut. “As a result, we’ve seen tremendous industry growth over the last decade.”
     
    The California Almond industry will continue evolving its best practices as new scientific discoveries unfold. The industry also is well positioned to comply with FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) because it has proactively, voluntarily created and implemented so many programs that are already in line with FSMA requirements.
     
    The Produce Safety rule under FSMA goes into effect in January 2018 for large-scale orchards or huller/shellers considered farms. Preventive Controls compliance for larger businesses began September 2016 and mid-sized compliance started September of this year. To date, more than 100 industry members have completed the FDA recognized Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) training, hosted by ABC.
     
    As FSMA compliance periods take effect, ABC continues to help growers, processors and other stakeholders understand which FSMA rules apply, what actions to take to ensure compliance and when specific requirements come into effect for different operations.
     
     

  • Tree & Vine Expo, Nov. 7th

    November has come and growers & PCAs are anticipating the annual Tree & Vine Expo on November 7th at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, held by American Vineyard, California Fresh Fruit, and Pacific Nut Producer Magazines.  The Expo will feature educational grower seminars, and state of the grape, nut, and tree fruit industry addresses by Jennifer Williams from the California Walnut Board, Kelly Covello from the Almond Alliance of California, Amy Uber for the California Department of Food & Agriculture, and Erica Moyer from Turrentine Brokerage.  A complimentary breakfast and lunch will be provided.  The expo provides a great environment for the industry to get together, celebrate the harvest, enjoy some good food, gain continuing education credits and network at an industry trade show with over 130 vendors. DPR has approved 4 hours of PCA credits for the expo, including 1 hr of Laws & Regs. Five hours of CCA credits have also been approved (1.5 hr Soil & Water Management, 1.5 hr IPM, 1.5 hr Crop Management, 1 hr Professional Development).  Registration is FREE and will begin at 7:00 a.m., and the meeting will conclude at 2 p.m.  Learn more about the Tree & Vine Expo and pre-register here.

  • Don’t Miss the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo at the Fresno Fairgrounds

    Don’t miss the annual Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo coming to the Big Fresno Fairgrounds on November 14th, put on by American Vineyard, California Fresh Fruit, and Pacific Nut Producer Magazines.  The Expo will feature educational grower seminars, and state of the grape, nut, and tree fruit industry addresses by Gary Schulz of the Citrus Research Board, Ian LeMay of the California Fresh Fruit Association, Cindy Plummer of the California Table Grape Commission, Nat DiBuduo of Allied Grape Growers, Barry Kriebel of Sun-Maid Growers, Richard Matoian of American Pistachio Growers, Jon Field of the Walnut Bargaining Association, Mark Hendrixson of the California Pecan Growers association and Kelly Covello of the Almond Alliance of California.  A complimentary breakfast and lunch will be provided.  These shows provide a great environment for the industry to get together, celebrate the harvest, enjoy some good food, get five hours of educational credits and have a great time.  Registration is FREE and will begin at 7:00 a.m., and the meeting will conclude at 2 p.m.  Learn more about the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo and pre-register at AgExpo.biz.

  • Side-By-Side Demonstrations Of Low-Dust Harvesting Equipment Draw Much Interest

    Modesto, Calif., (October 24, 2017) – Two side-by-side demonstrations of low-dust harvesting equipment from four almond equipment manufacturers were hailed as successful as scores of almond growers took time during harvest to attend.

    Manufacturers Exact Harvesting Systems of Modesto, Flory Industries of Salida, Weiss McNair of Chico and Jackrabbit of Ripon participated in the events, the first of their kind. Van Duyn Family Farms, Escalon, and Holtermann Farms, Wasco, hosted the demonstrations.

    “These demonstrations were a great opportunity to view the performance of harvesting equipment in the orchard and allowed growers to get a first-hand view of each machine’s effectiveness,” explained Dr. Gabriele Ludwig, director for sustainability and environmental affairs at Almond Board of California.

    The almond industry’s growth, along with increased attention from air quality regulatory agencies, sparked a heightened effort by Almond Board of California (ABC) to address harvest dust concerns.

    “As the industry has grown and there is so much more acreage, the dust that is there is becoming much more noticeable to the residents of the Central Valley,” said Ludwig. “These demonstrations are another example of the commitment Almond Board has made to working with the industry to reduce dust at harvest.”

    The dust generated by harvest activities includes significant PM10 emissions and some PM2.5 emissions, both regulated and connected to air quality issues, particularly in the San Joaquin Valley. While the Valley is in compliance with PM10, it is not in compliance with PM2.5.

    “Because all the low hanging fruit with 2.5 has already been taken care of or regulated, the air board is going after the things that are harder, and in that process, ag dust has come up, including that from almond harvesting,” Ludwig explained.

    A decade of dust research funded by ABC and its partnerships with equipment manufacturers and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has resulted in methods, resources and incentives to help reduce dust generated at harvest and to keep dust created in the orchard away from neighbors.

    Ludwig pointed out, “As a result of our greater understanding about how dust is generated at almond harvest, many equipment manufacturers have made changes to sweepers and pickup machines to reduce dust emissions.”

    Almond Board offers some practical tips to lower dust at harvest, including reducing the harvester’s ground speed. Cutting ground speeds by half will reduce dust by 50%. ABC recommends growers and harvesters gauge the speed reduction to match orchard conditions. In orchards with loose soils, slower ground speed allows gravity to drop dirt, reducing the reliance on fans. Growers and harvesters are also advised to reduce the separator fan speed to the lowest setting possible.

    NRCS representatives attended the events to discuss funding incentives available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for almond growers wishing to use clean harvest technology. NRCS more than tripled reimbursements – up to $37.50 per acre – for a maximum of three years for almond growers who use harvest equipment shown to reduce particulate matter. The incentive payments apply to growers who use equipment they purchased or who hire custom harvesters with approved lower-emission equipment. Growers interested in incentive funds should visit their county NRCS office. The San Joaquin Valley Air District is working on an incentive program, as well – stay tuned.

    Almond Board offers practical guides and videos for growers and workers to encourage the adoption of good management practices for reducing dust at harvest. Visit www.almonds.com/harvestdust.

     

  • Update on Yellow Monterey Almond Trees

    Sacramento, Calif., (October 18, 2017) – Farm Advisors and PCAs have fielded calls this season concerning Monterey on Krymsk 86 or Rootpac-R showing unique foliar symptoms – yellowing, rolling leaves with marginal necrosis and poor growth. Occasionally Nonpareil or Butte trees may be affected, but based on planting preferences and symptoms, Monterey generates the most concern. Most of the trees show these symptoms in the second leaf, but in some situations, first and third leaf trees are also affected.

    Both Krymsk 86 (K86) and Rootpac-R are Myrobalan plum (Prunus cerasifera) hybrids – peach x Myrobalan plum (Krymsk 86) and almond x Myrobalan plum (Rootpac-R). The foliar symptoms are very similar to the condition called Union Mild Etch on some almond varieties (Butte, Monterey, etc.) grafted on Marianna 2624 plum (Myrobalan plum x wild goose plum) rootstock. Research on Union Mild Etch found symptoms occurred more often when soils were too wet either due to excessive rainfall or over-irrigation. Trees may look water stressed, but that does not mean more irrigation will help the problem. While there is no etching reported at the bud union on Monterey on K86 or Rootpac-R, the symptoms and recommended treatment have been the same: don’t over irrigate, limit fertilizer, and let the trees recover naturally. While the most seriously affected trees may not recover – a few die – the majority appear to recover.

    For years, Butte and Monterey were listed in tables as partially incompatible on Marianna 2624 plum rootstock. Research by Jerry Uyemoto (USDA, retired) and Joe Connell (UCCE Butte Co, emeritus) conducted over 15 years, found the problem was more related to excess soil moisture than genetic incompatibility. When soils were too wet during the warmer part of the growing season, weak pathogens (Fusarium, Cylindrocarpon) in the soil would attack the fine feeder roots usually without harming the larger more permanent root structure. The problem occurred when wet winter/late spring rain kept the soil too wet or when growers over-irrigated young trees. These researchers produced the problem (yellowing, curled leaves with reduced growth) by over-irrigating previously healthy Butte/M2624. The problem is not a nitrogen deficiency; and, since the larger more permanent roots were healthy, when excessive soil moisture was corrected the trees would normally recover. By the time the orchard is 4-5 years old the problem seldom occurs since growers are less likely to over-irrigate at that age.

    Bottom-line, the yellowing of Monterey on K86 or Rootpac R looks to be related to excess soil moisture, not incompatibility. The good news is that water can be managed, incompatibility can’t be. True graft incompatibility usually manifests as gumming at the graft union, weak growth of the scion, and suckering from the rootstock.

  • Donald Norene Honored with UC Davis Award of Distinction

    Davis, Calif., (October 16 2017) – Donald Norene, a third-generation walnut farmer from Rio Oso, was recently honored with an Award of Distinction from the UC Davis College of Agricultural

    Donald Norene Honored with UC Davis Award of Distinction

    and Environmental Sciences (CA&ES). The award is presented annually to individuals whose contributions and achievements enhance the college’s ability to provide cutting-edge research, top-notch education and innovative outreach. Norene is a CA&ES alumnus who has held many leadership posts and who has been instrumental in rallying industry support for UC Davis research.

    Norene earned his bachelor of science in agricultural science and management in 1973. He joined with his father, Roy, and brother, Jerry, to farm peaches, walnuts and rice, and to raise beef cattle north of Sacramento. Twenty years later, as the cling peach industry was losing profitability, Norene made the bold and successful move to replace all the family’s peach trees with walnuts.

    He is a member of the California Walnut Board, which has invested millions of dollars in walnut breeding and improvement at UC Davis. Norene is a past chairman of the California Walnut Commission and a founding member and chairman of the Walnut Bargaining Association. Norene Ranches is an early adopter of research to improve walnut production and irrigation. Donald Norene and son Davin cooperate with the university on research into variety development, rootstocks, nematode control, integrated pest management and other areas. With that said, Norene is well deserving the recognition and praise offered by UC Davis and the walnut industry.

  • Advances in Pistachio Production Short Course Offered Nov. 14-16

    Visalia, Calif., (October 13, 2017) – UC Agriculture and Natural Resources will be offering a three-day, multi-topic Pistachio Production Short Course on Nov. 14-16, 2017. Held in Visalia, this course will provide participants with the latest information and research from several UC experts on pistachio orchard production, field preparation, planting, pruning, economics, diseases, integrated pest management, and harvesting. The course is designed for orchard decision makers, and covers the latest scientific research that supports current and developing pistachio production practices, including regional differences.

    The short course will take place at the Visalia Convention Center at 303 E Acequia Ave in Visalia. Registration is open and offers at a three-day package that includes a light breakfast and lunch each day. Discounted early registration ends Oct. 23, 2017. Register at http://ucanr.edu/registration2017pistachio.

    Visit our website to see the latest information and to sign up to receive email notices http://ucanr.edu/sites/PistachioShortCourse/.

    If you have any questions, please contact Kellie McFarland at (530) 750-1259 or anrprogramsupport@ucanr.edu.

  • Almond Yield Monitoring Field Day, Oct. 13

    Join AGERpoint for an almond yield monitoring field day on Friday, October 13, 2017.  Growers are invited to view a live demonstration of how the combination of yield monitoring, mapping, geospatial technology can enable more accurate management decisions.  The event is free and will begin at 10 a.m. just off of Lerdo Hyw, 1 mile east of I-5 Buttonwillow, California.  For more information, email sales@agerpoint.com.