California Ag Network

Tag: Almond Alliance of California

  • Vaccination Update for Agriculture Workers

    The Almond Alliance has been in touch with County Health Officers about the number of vaccinations available in each county and to gather information on how the vaccinations are being distributed.  As you have heard and read, the process of vaccination has differed in each region and in many cases has been confusing.  

    Vaccinations are being distributed categorically as defined by the California Department of Public Health with input from the Community Vaccine Advisory Committee. Given the limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines, CDPH recommends balancing the prioritization of these scarce resources to maximize the goal of achieving community immunity for all Californians. 

    Vaccine Supply is Limited, But Preparations Are Underway for Phase 1B

    Preparations are underway to begin rolling out vaccines to those eligible in Phase 1B as soon as possible but that is dependent on vaccine availability.  For those eligible in Phase 1B, including educators, public safety, social services and food and agriculture workers some counties are evaluating and/or planning for worksite vaccinations, so you should expect that employees may start making inquiries.  The next phases of COVID Vaccine Distribution are as follows:

    Both federal and state distribution of vaccines has been delayed. As of January 13, a total of 971,829 vaccine doses have been administered statewide. As of January 13, a total of 2,948,350 vaccine doses, which includes the first and second dose, have been shipped to local health departments and health care systems that have facilities in multiple counties.

    Vaccination plans for each county are available at county websites. Find your county’s COVID-19 website, Click Here.

    It has also been reported that Phase 1B may be divided into two tiers. The first could include 1.4 million education and child-care workers including teachers, 1.1 million emergency services workers, 3.4 million food and agriculture workers including grocery store workers and 2.6 million people who are 75 or older.

    Recommendations from the Almond Alliance in preparation for food and agriculture vaccinations.

    1. Know your County Health Officer and Ag Commissioner (we can provide contact information and introduction). We are strengthening those relationships for our industry and are happy to share what we know. It will be critically important to familiarize yourself with your county’s vaccination plan and you should expect it to evolve as we move through initial phases of vaccine roll-out, e.g. the recent move-up in priority of those 65 and older.  It is likely there will be multiple vaccination pathways for you and your staff including worksites (mentioned above), community vaccination sites (e.g. schools, churches or fairgrounds), community clinics, pharmacies and healthcare providers

    2. Offer you site and a location to administer the vaccination if it makes sense.

    3. Provide your workforce educational materials about the vaccination.

    4. Make sure your workers understand what information they will need to receive the vaccination. No officials’ instructions have been provided, but we recommend the following:

    Staff should be prepared to show one or more of the following four pieces of identification to prove they are food and agriculture workers:

    • Employee badge with photo, OR
    • Professional license AND a photo ID, OR
    • Signed letter from employer on facility letterhead AND a photo ID, OR
    • Payment stub from employer with your name AND a photo ID.

  • State Farm Service Agency Director named Almond Champion of the Year

    Connie Conway, Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency in California, has been honored as the Almond Alliance of California’s 2020 Almond Champion of the Year for the agency’s outstanding efforts in assisting almond growers with the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP.)

    The Almond Champion of the Year Award is presented annually to those who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in education, coalition building, partnerships and promoting legislation and policies that encourage the advancement and protection of California agriculture and the California almond industry.

    The CFAP consists of direct payments to almond growers for losses suffered as a result of COVID-19 as well as disruptions to the supply chain. The Almond Alliance advocated for federal funding for the original program and the subsequent program known as CFAP 2. To date, the California almond community has received over $125 million through the programs.

    The Farm Service Agency (FSA) administers the funding and provides technical assistance to potential applicants. Almond Alliance Chair Mike Curry praised Conway for her leadership in providing access to the program. “Some of these programs can be incredibly technical and complex. Connie and her team have been very attentive and worked with our industry members above and beyond what would normally be expected,” he explained. “Her team has conducted numerous educational webinars for our members and addressed literally hundreds of questions about the program and how it works. Her leadership and commitment to excellence in providing this assistance during these unprecedented times is truly appreciated.”

    Prior to her appointment, Conway ran her own consulting business, focusing on strategic planning, business development, and government relations services. She also served as an assemblywoman for the California State Legislature where she served as Minority Leader and on the Agriculture, Transportation, Labor and Health Committees. She also served as a member of the Tulare County Board of Supervisors.

    About the Almond Alliance of California

    The Almond Alliance of California (AAC) is a trusted non-profit organization dedicated to advocating on behalf of the California almond community. California almonds generate more than $21 billion in economic revenue and directly contribute more than $11 billion to the state’s total economy. California’s top agricultural export, almonds create approximately 104,000 jobs statewide, over 97,000 in the Central Valley, which suffers from chronic unemployment. The AAC is dedicated to educating state legislators, policy makers and regulatory officials about the California almond community. As a membership-based organization, our members include almond processors, hullers/shellers, growers and allied businesses. Through workshops, newsletters, conferences, social media and personal meetings, AAC works to raise awareness, knowledge and provide a better understanding about the scope, size, value and sustainability of the California almond community.


    For more information on the Almond Alliance, visit https://almondalliance.org/ or check out the Almond Alliance on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

  • Industry Input Needed: Aluminum Phosphide, Magnesium Phosphide & Phosphine Proposed US EPA Interim Registration Review Decision

    In September of 2020, the US EPA released their Proposed Interim Registration Review Decision on Aluminum Phosphide, Magnesium Phosphide, and Phosphine. There is a 60-day comment period on this decision with a deadline of Tuesday, December 22, 2020.

    In the review, the EPA has proposed mandatory buffer zones based on computer modeling. The proposed actions for phosphine and the metal phosphides would establish mandatory buffer zones around fumigation facilities into which bystanders may not enter during treatment or aeration of commodities post treatment. EPA is proposing a minimum of 10 feet for all fumigations and proposed buffers of 10 feet to 500 feet depending on application rate, facility, container size and other impacts of the fumigation procedures. These buffer zones could restrict your current uses of phosphine drastically, some to the point where you may no longer be able to use the fumigant.

    How does this impact the almond industry?  This decision impacts almonds, barley, grains, avocados, corn, cotton, lettuce, peanuts, pistachios, rice and more. Phosphine is a colorless gas used on commodities in storage and shipping to prevent losses due to insect and vertebrate (mainly rodent) pests. Phosphine is formulated as a pressurized gas stored in cylinders. It is the active component of the metal phosphides, released when pellets of metal phosphide interact with moisture in the air. Phosphine and metal phosphide products are registered for use on dried foods (e.g.: nuts, dried fruits, grains), on animal feed, and on processed foods (e.g.: candy, baking mixes, crackers, meats, dairy). Phosphine gas products are registered for use on non-food commodities, such as tobacco, clothing fibers, hair, wood, paper, tires, and beehives. Metal phosphide products are also registered for in-field (i.e.: greater than 100 feet from occupied buildings), in-burrow rodent control. Phosphine and the metal phosphides are applied as structural or space fumigants (e.g.: under tarps, in grain mills, in warehouses), vehicle fumigants (e.g.: railcars, trucks, containers), grain fumigants (e.g.: silos, farm storage, flat storage), and vessel/ship fumigants.

    Data from California for the years 2013 to 2017 indicate that an average of 19,900 lbs phosphine, 160,600 lbs aluminum phosphide, and 13,200 lbs magnesium phosphide were applied annually in California. The applications for all three active ingredients (a.i.s) were made to nuts (6,900 lbs phosphine, 50,200 lbs aluminum phosphide, and 67,000 lbs magnesium phosphide). Structural use including storage facilities and processing equipment (14,900 lbs aluminum phosphide, 300 lbs magnesium phosphide) was also reported. The remaining usage data do not specify a specific commodity. Similar records of usage data are not required by other states and are not available.

    Please take the time to read the below attachments and click the link to fill out the questionnaire which was developed by the manufacturer Degesch. This questionnaire should only take a few minutes to complete but is extremely valuable in responding to public comments and advocating on behalf of the industry. Time is of the essence, so we are asking for your assistance by November 30th.

    Questionnaire: Click Here.

    EPA Proposed Interim Registration Review Letter: Click Here.

    Proposed Interim Registration Review Decision Case Document: Click Here.

    Again, the industry has a deadline of December 22, 2020, to respond to the PID. Please complete your responses to the questionnaire by Monday, November 30, 2020.

    Feel free to distribute this link within your organization or to others who may be able to provide feedback on the PID proposals.

    If you have any questions, please call, Elaine Trevino at 209-300-7140 or Ed Hosoda at Cardinal Professional Products at 916-997-6045.

    For additional information please go to the EPA website at the following link: http://www.epa.gov/pesticide-reevaluation.

  • CA Court Rules Insects Not Protected by Endangered Species Act

    The California Superior Court in Sacramento has ruled the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) does not cover insects and that bees cannot be classified as fish. The Court issued its final ruling on Nov. 19, 2020.

    The Almond Alliance of California, in collaboration with seven other agricultural groups, filed suit with California Fish and Game Commission in response to a vote to grant candidacy status to four subspecies of bumble bees under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA).

    The California almond industry recognizes that pollinators are integral to many natural habitats and are crucial for the production success of our industry.  The Almond Alliance of California is pleased with the ruling and reiterates that the California almond industry continues to be committed to protecting the health and well-being of bees.

    Ruling in Almond Alliance of California v. California Fish and Game Commission, Judge James P. Arguelles agreed with a group of petitioners including the Almond Alliance of California. The petitioners argued that the California Fish and Game Commission (the Commission) was not authorized by the CESA to give four species of bumble bees candidate-species status because the California Legislature was clear in the CESA that insects were not protected.

    The Commission and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife unsuccessfully argued that bees and other insects and invertebrates are covered under the CESA because “invertebrates” are included within the definition of “fish” in Section 45 of the Fish and Game Code (FGC).

    The case follows a 2018 petition from the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, Defenders of Wildlife, and the Center for Food Safety to the Commission to add the four bumble bee species to the list of endangered species under the CESA. The four species of bumble bee were the Crotch, Franklin’s, Suckley cuckoo, and Western bumble bee. The bumble bees became candidate species, meaning “a native species or subspecies of a bird, mammal, fish, amphibian, reptile or plant that the Commission has formally noticed as being under review”, when the Commission accepted the petition in June 2019. The court’s Thursday ruling set aside the Commission’s decision.

    The Almond Alliance in conjunction with our trade organization partners argued that this consideration is not justified based on the following facts:

      • Presently, no insects are listed as threatened or endangered under CESA.
      • Both the California Office of Administrative Law and the California Office of the Attorney General have previously taken the position that insects cannot be listed under CESA.
      • CESA defines candidate, threatened, and endangered species as “native species or subspecies of a bird, mammal, fish, amphibian, reptile, or plant.” The list does not include insects.

    If listed under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA), the bees would have been the first insects added. Pesticide restrictions, grazing rules, and other habitat protections could then be imposed.  While the bees are “candidates” for listing, they have the same protections as species listed as threatened or endangered.  This means prohibitions on killing them, which the Department of Fish and Wildlife routinely interprets to extend to harm to the bees or their habitat.  That could lead to uncertainty if bumble bees are present on fields or in other areas where agriculture is happening. This type of ambiguity would be disruptive to the almond industry.  For example, ripping or other soil movement could be claimed to disturb potential nesting sites.  The petitioners specifically list honey bees as a threat to the bumble bees, thus a listing could regulate placement of or reduce the number of honey bee hives.  Listing bumble bees as threatened or endangered is setting the stage for how other insect pollinators will be defined, regulated, and protected.The Almond Alliance thanks Nossaman, LLP for effectively representing the coalition and appreciates those in our industry who contributed to the legal fund to support this effort.

  • Port of Oakland Update on Container Availability and Shipping Line Disruption

    The Almond Alliance hosted a zoom call with the Port of Oakland this morning to discuss issues with shipping lines and container availability at the Port of Oakland.  Through October 2020, Oakland sent out 18% fewer empty containers compared to the same time period in 2019.  Empty container exports dropped 30% between September 2020 and October 2020 (41,440 TEU vs 29,000 TEU respectively).  As you know most container shipping lines are foreign owned and are urging importers to return empty containers as quickly as possible, since it is having impacts throughout the supply chain. Ships are coming in late and berthing late and are cancelling many bookings. A significant number of chassis are being used to store full import containers, resulting in increased dwell times. The return of empty containers to free up chassis and improve operational velocity in terminals and storage yards is needed to help improve the situation.

    While efforts of many trade  associations (including Agriculture Transportation Coalition) are reaching out to the Administration and congressional representatives to request assistance, the goal of the Almond Alliance is to contact all of the carriers and get their message on what is happening with their containers and let them know the position and concerns of the almond industry.

    We requested that the Port of Oakland provide and recommendations to our membership to help them get through this situation. Below are some recommendations for consideration.  The Almond Alliance continues to work on this issue and will keep you updated.

    Recommendations to address this issue temporarily until the larger situation is handled:

    • Talk to your carriers and ask them if their book of business has changed.
    • Talk to your carriers and request that they take more export cargo. 
    • Based on your carriers’ book of business, you may need to spread the risk and consider working with other carriers. If your carrier does not have imports coming in, that is something you should consider in your decision in the next 3 months. 
    • Look at the terms of the conditions of your contract with your carrier. Certain contracts you can change your terms of conditions and temporarily give them up so carriers have incentive to work you.  We need to find ways to put pressure on carriers. 
    • Be flexible with equipment – better off shipping something than nothing and lose the sale. 

    Important note:

    Hapag Lloyd informed the Port of Oakland that in addition to the current delays of vessels employed in the AL5 service and the various recovery measures such as port omissions, speed-up, and rotation changes we unfortunately did not succeed to bring the service back on schedule since new delays have jeopardized those efforts.

    Ongoing adverse weather on the Atlantic is preventing us to do the necessary speed-up and even forces us to reduce the speed for safety reasons. In addition, port congestions caused by weather related port closures and labor shortages have caused additional delays.

    In order to recover the AL5 schedule and bring vessels back into the proforma long term schedule position, H/L has proactively decided to let all vessels slide by one week as per week 48 MV “NYK Rumina” 053W. All vessels sailing until then will remain in their delayed position with some slight schedule adjustments.

    For any questions, please email Elaine Trevino at etrevino@almondalliance.org.

  • Help Needed: Identifying Telone Application Sites this Fall/Late Winter

    The Almond Alliance has been meeting with Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) on their initiated 1,3-D pilot programs in three areas of the state:  Shafter, Kern County; Parlier, Fresno County; Delhi, Merced County. The objective of the pilot programs is to evaluate growers and applicators with alternative methods of achieving emission reductions of 1,3-D comparable to tarping. DPR put forth 13 proposed mitigation measures including buffer zones, TIF tarping, soil moisture depth, water seals, amended injection depths and more.

    The Almond Alliance has been engaged in numerous discussions with DPR on this issue and has mobilized our membership to provide feedback and have detailed discussions on why several of the proposed options are not procedurally and economically feasible. We have been clear that our industry needs this fumigant for treatment of nematodes during the replanting of almond trees.

    In August of this year, the Almond Alliance submitted a detailed letter to DPR summarizing the almond industry’s concern about the proposed pilot options and why several should not be considered at all.  To review letter, CLICK HERE.

    DPR has asked that we identify 2 to 3 orchards to evaluate during replanting this fall/spring and will be applying Telone as a soil fumigant. Would you be willing to have your site be a part of an assessment of some fumigant off-gassing reduction measures that DPR would like to assess? If yes, or even if you think your site might not meet the DPR criteria, you should speak with the Almond Alliance and DPR. An ideal orchard is one with no other surrounding orchards, specifically upwind/downwind as DPR needs to have space for the equipment to measure what is emitted into the air.

    While some wanted DPR to move to additional regulation of Telone right away based on the air monitoring data, DPR decided to do some “pilot studies”, partially buying a bit of time. In the process, DPR realized that they needed additional field monitoring data on the off gassing of Telone under different conditions to improve their models, as well to assess the off-gassing if some new mitigation measures were employed. Thus, the hunt for appropriate sites with good grower cooperators.  However, if additional sites with growers willing to cooperate cannot be found, DPR will move forward regulating based on the limited data they already have. That will lead to a significant increase in locations where Telone cannot be used and/or only with the use expensive TIF tarps.

    The proposed emissions mitigation measures include:

    • Getting soil moisture in the top 6-9 inches to 70% water holding capacity as a water seal.
    • Injection the fumigant at 24-28 inches rather than at 18 inches.
    • Mixture of one of the above and strip TIF tarps.

    ​​​​​​​If your site meets the desired conditions – particularly no orchard immediately adjacent to the location and you are willing, we are asking that you discuss the possibility with your soil fumigant applicator company and contact Elaine Trevino at 209-300-7140.

  • New Export Opportunities for Almond Hulls

    As California almond production continues to increase, so does the amount of coproducts such as hulls and shells.  Traditionally, much of these coproducts have been sold to California dairies as cattle feed and bedding amendments; however, the increase in production has led the industry to pursue further marketing opportunities and uses for these coproducts.  Watch this brief interview with Elaine Trevino from the Almond Alliance of California as she shares some exciting news regarding export opportunities and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • 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.

  • 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.