The world is at war with California agriculture, and there never has been a more important time for the industry to be united and have a strong voice in Sacramento and Washington than now. That’s why we have lobbying trade organizations like the Almond Alliance of California to unite and support the needs and priorities of growers, hullers and processors. Watch this brief interview with Almond Alliance President Elaine Trevino as she explains at their annual convention. Read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
Tag: Almond Alliance of California
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Almond Board of CA Explores Options for Exporting Almond Biomass
With all the new almond acreage coming into production, that means more almond hulls and shells to find a home for? So what are some economical options? Watch this brief interview with Julie Adams from the Almond Board of California to discuss options for exporting these coproducts overseas. Read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
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Bill Lyons honored as Member of the Year by the Almond Alliance of California
The Almond Alliance of California has selected Bill Lyons, a third generation farmer from Modesto, as its Member of the Year. The award was announced at the Alliance’s annual convention held in Napa April 30-May 2.
“Bill played a leading role in helping transform the former Almond Hullers and Processors Association into the Almond Alliance with an increased emphasis on advocating for all sectors of the California almond industry,” explained Alliance President Elaine Trevino. “He has been a relentless advocate for the industry and was instrumental in forming the California Almond Industry Political Action Committee, helping to give the industry high visibility among state decision makers. He has also distinguished himself as chair of the Alliance’s Government Relations Committee which provides guidance to the board on critical legislative and regulatory issues impacting the California almond industry.”
Lyons was recently appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom as Agriculture Liaison in the Office of the Governor, responsible for reporting to the Newsom Administration on a wide range of agricultural and water policy issues. Under Gov. Gray Davis, he served as Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture from 1999 to 2004.
While Lyons has stepped down from his Alliance roles due to his appointment, he remains a strong voice for the California agriculture on issues ranging from water to foreign trade. “Bill understands the complexity of production, food safety, environmental, water and trade issues affecting California agriculture,” said Trevino. “He brings us a seat at the table and provides a much needed balanced perspective to critical policy discussions.” Bill understands the importance of including diversity of opinions in important policy discussions.
During the time he oversaw his family’s 95-year-old farming and cattle ranching operation in Stanislaus County, Lyons has received numerous national and state awards for his environmental stewardship and conservation efforts. The family farming operation produces a wide range of agricultural commodities, including almonds, walnuts, tomatoes, corn, wheat, oats, rye, alfalfa, beans and wine grapes, as well as beef cattle.
Lyons served from 1984-1993 as a director on the Modesto Irrigation District, which serves over 250,000 electrical urban and agricultural and water customers, providing him a unique perspective on the issues facing both agriculture and urban water and electrical customers.
As a conservationist, Lyons has been recognized by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for his conservation and environmental efforts, and has received the United States Department of Agriculture National Environmentalist Award. He was selected as the western regional finalist for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation 2010 Conservationist of the Year Award.
Bill’s alma mater, California State University at Chico, honored Bill in 2000 with the Distinguished Alumni Award. He and his wife, Suzy, live in Modesto and have four children and five grandchildren.
Read more about the proceedings of the Almond Alliance’s 2019 convention in the coming issue of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine. Subscribe for FREE today at:
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 are an economic powerhouse, generating more than $21 billion in economic revenue and directly contributing 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.
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FDA Announces Enforcement Discretion Policy for Almonds in Action Applauded by the Almond Alliance
We have goods news on the FSMA front. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has initiated the regulatory process to put almonds on the “rarely consumed raw” list. After years of discussions with the Almond Alliance and the Almond Board of California as to why almonds should be on the “rarely consumed raw” list given the self-imposed pasteurization rule, FDA moved to make this a reality.
The California almond industry is a leader in food safety and through education and FDAs understanding on industry practices and requirements, we have worked together to prevent unnecessary regulation for our industry.
The Almond Alliance President Elaine Trevino said the FDA action, “This is significant for the California almond industry. The leadership at FDA has accepted the information and evidence that almonds are in fact rarely consumed raw. The industry went through an exhaustive process many years ago to get its pasteurization rule approved. We are pleased the FDA listened to the science and evidence that we presented and took the appropriate action in placing almonds on the rarely consumed raw list.”
In 2015, FDA created the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). FSMA consists of seven regulations and one of which applies to almond growers, the Produce Safety Rule. The “Produce Safety Rule,” provides standards for the safe growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of fruits and vegetables for human consumption. Since 2015, the Almond Alliance has been advocating on behalf of the California almond industry, explaining the pasteurization rule and why California almonds should be included on the “rarely consumed raw” list.
Trevino thanked the Almond Board of California for its work in providing scientific research in support of the FDA’s action to place almonds on the “rarely consumed raw” list, singling out Tim Birmingham Director of Quality Assurance and Industry Services for the Almond Board, for his work.
The Produce Safety Rule establishes science-based minimum standards for the safe growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of fruits and vegetables for human consumption. The rule does not apply to produce that is considered to be rarely consumed raw (RCR), grown for personal or on-farm consumption, or not a raw agricultural commodity. Commodities considered to be RCR are those that the FDA has determined are typically cooked before consumption. Almond Alliance will continue to educate and encourage safe food and growing practices.
About the Almond Alliance of California
The Almond Alliance of California (AAC) was formerly the Almond Hullers and Processors Association and is a trusted non-profit organization with a mission of advocating on behalf of the Almond industry in California. AAC actively advocates for the positions of almond growers, hullers, shellers, handers and processors, while educating the industry about upcoming and existing regulatory changes. Through workshops, newsletters, conferences and meetings, AAC serves as a clearing house of information that informs the almond industry and continues to position the industry as an agricultural leader in the state.
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USDA Awards Agricultural Trade Promotion Program Funding
Almond Industry Receives $6,900,690 in Funding Allocations
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $200 million to 57 organizations through the Agricultural Trade Promotion Program (ATP) to help U.S. farmers and ranchers identify and access new export markets. The ATP is one of three USDA programs created to mitigate the effects of unjustified trade retaliation against U.S. farmers and exporters. USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) accepted ATP applications between September 4 and November 2 – totaling nearly $600 million – from U.S. trade associations, cooperatives, and other industry-affiliated organizations. The Almond Board of California will receive $3,185,690 and Blue Diamond will receive $3,715,000.
President Donald J. Trump authorized up to $12 billion in programs to provide assistance to U.S. agriculture through a trade mitigation package announced by Secretary Perdue on September 4, 2018. In addition to the $200 million allocated to the ATP, the package also included the Market Facilitation Program to provide payments to farmers harmed by retaliatory tariffs, and a food purchase and distribution program to assist producers of targeted commodities.
“At USDA, we are always looking to expand existing markets or open new ones, so we are proud to make good on the third leg of the President’s promise to America’s farmers,” said Secretary Perdue. “This infusion will help us develop other markets and move us away from being dependent on one large customer for our agricultural products. This is seed money, leveraged by hundreds of millions of dollars from the private sector, that will help to increase our agricultural exports.”All sectors of U.S. agriculture, including fish and forest product producers, were eligible to apply for cost-share assistance under the ATP. FAS evaluated applications according to criteria that included the potential for export growth in the target market, direct injury from the imposed retaliatory tariffs, and the likelihood that the proposed project or activity will have a near-term impact on agricultural exports.
“We were pleased to see the large demand for participation in the program, and truly got some out-of-the-box ideas that we are hopeful will expand our global footprint,” Perdue said. “We examined all applications carefully, considered our ranking criteria, and awarded the funds in order to make the best use of taxpayer dollars in growing agricultural trade.”
The Almond Alliance of California plans to continue to advocate for the $63.3 M in retaliatory trade damages assigned to the almond industry by USDA. We will keep you updated on our advocacy efforts and how you can be supportive.
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US Trade Mitigation Package Direct Payments for Almonds
The Almond Alliance of California appreciates the efforts by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to establish the procedures required to provide direct payments to almond growers to help offset some of the damage being incurred due to the retaliatory tariffs imposed by China and Turkey. As announced today by Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, growers of California almonds are now eligible to apply for direct payments of $.03 per pound as part of the $12 billion mitigation package announced earlier this month. The damage assessment figure assigned to almonds is $63.3 million.The announcement is a result of the industry coming together and advocating through the Almond Alliance of California (AAC). Elaine Trevino, President/CEO of AAC said “Industry members should be proud that through a unified effort they were able to have their voices heard and be acknowledged for their contribution to the national economy, along with the significant role they play in the international market place.”The almond industry has been significantly impacted by retaliatory tariffs and the inclusion of the commodity in the USDA trade mitigation package is a result of a vocal industry and the support and hard work of California’s congressional delegation. Trevino noted, “The direct payment program reflects the hard work of Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Chairman Jeff Denham who led the congressional effort including Congressmen Costa, Valadao, Nunes, LaMalfa, Pannetta and Senators Harris and Feinstein. Their combined efforts and leadership helped ensure that the California almond industry received direct payments within the specific program guidelines. We are thankful that our congressional delegation worked hard for our industry and acknowledged the importance of almonds to the California and U.S. economy.”Producers of almonds can sign up for the Market Facilitation Program (MFP), which is a direct payment program for eligible almond growers who have been directly impacted by retaliatory tariffs, resulting in significant export losses. The MFP is established under the statutory authority of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Charter Act and is under the administration of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA). There are specific eligibility requirements that must be met by an applicant and the maximum payment per applicant is $125,000. Eligible almond growers may apply for MFP September 24, 2018 through January 15, 2019.Almonds are one of California’s top three valued commodities and the leading agricultural export. The California almond industry exports 67% of what it produces. With exports of nearly $4.5 billion in 2017, the California almond industry contributes significantly to the longstanding trade surplus generated by American agriculture. While the mitigation initiatives are helpful, they will not begin to approach the anticipated economic losses and long-term impact these retaliatory tariffs will have on the industry’s trade relationships and the considerable investments made over the years to create market demand in China and Turkey. Trevino pointed out, “We remain hopeful for a quick resolution to the broader trade disputes with these trading partners to ensure open and fair trade so consumers around the globe can continue to enjoy California almonds.”For more Information:
For more information about the MFP program, visit www.farmers.gov/MFP or contact your local FSA office. To find your local FSA office, visit www.farmers.gov.
About the Almond Alliance of California
The Almond Alliance of California (AAC) is a trusted non-profit organization with a mission of advocating on behalf of the Almond industry in California. AAC actively advocates for the positions of almond growers, hullers, shellers, handers and processors, while educating the industry about upcoming and existing regulatory changes. Through workshops, newsletters, conferences and meetings, AAC serves as a clearing house of information that informs the almond industry and continues to position the industry as an agricultural leader in the state. -
What to do When ICE or OSHA Shows Up
California farmers have become quite the target for Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Cal/OSHA visits. Whether these visits are warranted or come by surprise, farmers should be prepared for them, based on the following suggestions offered by labor law attorney Stacy Henderson at the recent Almond Alliance Convention, presented in this video. Read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
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Minimizing Risks for Food Recalls & What to do During Them
Special Thanks to This Video’s Sponsor Any grower or packer that has experienced a food recall knows how stressful things can get and all that is at stake; yet those who have never experienced them tend to be the least prepared for a recall when it occurs. Watch this brief video interview with Rachael Dettmann Spiegel as she addressed growers, hullers and processors at the recent Almond Alliance Convention on how to prevent recalls from happening — but also how to deal with them in the event that a food recall does occur, like the one that has been all over the news recently with romaine lettuce.
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SB 623 to Protect CA Farmers from Water Board & Provide Safe Drinking Water
Special Thanks to This Video’s Sponsor Farmers in multiple regions of California have been receiving threatening letters from the State Water Board, imposing enormous fines and demanding them to provide clean drinking water to their communities. The Water Board is preparing to send out hundreds more of these letters to farmers throughout the state. This is not just; and to protect farmers from receiving these letters, all the while helping to provide clean drinking water to disadvantaged communities, agricultural organizations throughout the state are uniting in support of a new bill SB 623 to accomplish this. Learn more by watching this brief video interview with Tricia Geringer from Ag Council of California, based on her recent presentation at the Almond Alliance Annual Convention in Monterey.
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Introducing New Almond Alliance CEO & Upcoming Convention
Special Thanks to This Video’s Sponsor The Almond Alliance of California recently announced new President and CEO Elaine Trevino, who just started on the job at the beginning of this month. It was sad to lose former CEO Kelly Covello, who made tremendous contributions to the association and the almond industry, but the Board is excited to embark on a new era with Elaine, who introduces herself in this video and will address the industry at their upcoming annual convention, May 1-3. Watch this brief video and read more it in the April issue of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
Enjoy our Ag video news? Be sure to let our sponsor Duarte Nursery know & thank them for their industry support!