California Ag Network

Tag: Almond Board of California

  • Almond Award Nominations Open

    The Almond Board of California honors two industry or allied industry members annually. The nomination deadline for the 2026 awards is October 9, 2026. The winner of the Almond Achievement Award and the Almond Technical Achievement Award will be announced at the Wednesday, Dec. 9 luncheon at The Almond Conference.

    Almond Achievement Award

    Beginning in 2011, the goal of the Almond Achievement Award is to recognize an industry member who has added value through long-term service for the betterment of the California almond industry. Award recipients are individuals with long-standing and direct involvement, who demonstrate lasting impact on, and commitment to, the California almond industry.

    Ross Blackburn received the 2025 Almond Achievement Award at The Almond Conference in December.

    Nominate someone for the Almond Achievement Award here.

    Almond Technical Achievement Award

    Beginning in 2021, the goal of the Almond Technical Achievement Award is to recognize an industry or allied industry member who has contributed a significant technical advancement for the betterment of the California almond industry through research, innovation or facilitated adoption of practices. Award recipients have contributed significant research, facilitated an innovative practice, or assisted in the adoption of a practice for the betterment of the industry.

    Christine Gemperle was awarded the 2025 Almond Technical Achievement Award at The Almond Conference in December.

    Nominate someone for the Almond Technical Achievement Award  here.

  • New Investment Aims to Give Growers Another Tool for NOW

    California almond growers know the challenge navel orangeworm brings every season. The pest can reduce crop quality, increase production costs and raise concerns around aflatoxin and marketability. Now, new additional funding is helping continue an industry-backed research effort to advance another tool growers may one day be able to use as part of an integrated pest management program.

    The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research, the Almond Board of California and Flyttr™ partnered on a nearly $5 million grant to advance development of a biological approach targeting navel orangeworm in almonds and pistachios. ABC is helping fund a portion of the project, reflecting the almond industry’s continued investment in research that supports long-term orchard productivity, crop quality and grower profitability.

    The project centers on Flyttr’s Friendly™ navel orangeworm technology. The concept is simple: release Friendly™ male moths into areas with pest pressure. When those males mate with wild females, no surviving offspring are produced. With continued releases over time, the goal is to reduce the pest population and lower damage pressure in orchards.

    For growers, the significance is not that this replaces today’s best practices. Sanitation, monitoring, mating disruption, timely harvest and well-timed treatments remain important parts of navel orangeworm management. Instead, this research is focused on developing a targeted biological tool that could complement existing programs and help reduce reliance on conventional insecticides over time.

    Navel orangeworm remains one of the costliest pests facing California tree nuts, with industry losses estimated at more than $800 million each year. Damage can affect yield, quality and food safety, which is why the pest continues to be a priority for research, industry collaboration and new technology development.

    Funding from FFAR and industry partners will support the continued work needed to move the technology closer to practical use, including large-scale production systems and field studies. That means the effort is still in development, but it represents an important step toward expanding the number of durable tools available to growers managing navel orangeworm pressure.

    ABC’s role in helping fund this work is part of a broader commitment to support practical, science-based solutions for almond growers. By investing alongside partners, the almond industry is helping advance research that could protect crop value, strengthen pest management options and support the long-term competitiveness of California almonds.

  • Start With the Conversation That Determines Your Orchard’s Future

    Planting an almond orchard has never been a simple decision. But in today’s margin-tight environment, the choice of rootstock and variety combination is more than an agronomic preference — it is a 20- to 25-year business decision that can shape profitability, harvest efficiency, marketability and long-term risk.

    That was the focus of a grower-facing discussion moderated by Almond Board of California’s Michael Roots, with perspectives from Dave Phippen of Travaille and Phippen, Duarte Nursery’s John Arellano and grower Brandon Ribiero, at the 2026 Almond Crack Out event.

    For growers, the main message was clear. Do not make a planting decision in isolation. A new orchard should begin with a practical, sometimes uncomfortable, conversation about water, soil, rootstock, variety, harvest timing, market demand and, most importantly, economics.

    “Know Your Breakeven Cost Per Pound”

    Ribiero put the economics plainly when he said growers should “know your breakeven cost per pound.”

    That calculation should sit at the center of every planting conversation. Ribiero described it as a simple equation of cost divided by yield. If a grower expects production costs of $3,500 per acre and assumes 2,500 pounds per acre, the breakeven is about $1.40 per pound. If debt, land costs or other obligations push total costs to $4,500 per acre at the same yield, that breakeven rises to $1.80 per pound.

    That difference matters. In a market where prices can move quickly and margins can narrow, the wrong yield assumption, or the wrong rootstock and variety combination for a site, can make an orchard difficult to carry through the low points of the price cycle.

    Ribiero also warned that growers cannot always “save their way to prosperity.” Trimming some costs may help at the margins, but yield is often what moves the breakeven number in a meaningful way. That makes variety performance, rootstock fit and realistic production expectations central to the decision.

    Start With Water, Soil and Site Limitations

    Before selecting a variety, Ribiero said growers should first understand “all things water” — supply, quality and rights. Without water, he noted, the rest of the planting plan loses its foundation.

    From there, the conversation moves to soil. The right rootstock depends on what the site needs most, including vigor, anchorage, salt tolerance, disease resistance, replant tolerance or other characteristics. Prior Almond Board coverage of rootstock selection has emphasized the same point. Growers should identify a site’s limitations first, then select a rootstock that helps address the biggest risks.

    That means soil tests, water quality information, local grower experience and advisor input should all be part of the planning process. Once trees are planted, growers can adjust irrigation and fertility programs, but they cannot easily redo rootstock selection, variety choice or pre-plant soil preparation.

    Bring the Right People Into the Conversation Early

    Roots framed the panel around a gap that often appears in orchard planning. Growers may talk with a nursery early, but the handler is sometimes brought in after planting decisions are already made, or never at all. The panelists encouraged growers to widen the conversation before committing to trees.

    That group should include the nursery, handler, pest control adviser, neighboring growers and other trusted advisors who understand the region. Arellano said a nursery representative should be prepared to answer questions across rootstock, variety, fit for the site and how the planting will work operationally. If he does not have an answer, he said, the next step is finding someone who does.

    Ribiero said he often asks similar questions of different people one-on-one, looking for patterns in the answers. Where the advice is consistent, growers gain confidence. Where there are outliers, that is where the next question should be asked.

    Marketability Should Not Be an Afterthought

    Phippen brought the handler perspective into sharp focus. A variety may look attractive on paper, and a nursery may be able to supply the trees, but the buying public ultimately determines how that almond is valued. Market classification, quality expectations, defects, customer preferences and regional demand all matter.

    For Phippen, that means the marketing team should be part of the decision-making process. They can help growers understand what is moving well, what may be oversupplied and what buyers are asking for. A grower may be able to produce a variety, but the better question is whether the market wants it, and at what price.

    That conversation is especially important because handlers may serve different customers and markets. Quality tolerance, product form, timing and buyer preference can vary. A variety that fits one handler’s program may not be the right fit for another.

    Do Not Overcomplicate the Orchard

    One of Ribiero’s lessons from experience was the value of simplicity. He described a planting with multiple varieties intended to hedge risk around bloom, pollination and market movement. In practice, that complexity created harvest inefficiency without delivering a better return.

    His takeaway for growers was direct. Do not overthink it. A planting plan that is efficient, repeatable and well-matched to the site may provide more long-term value than one built around too many assumptions. Simplicity can reduce operational headaches and make it easier to scale what works.

    Pre-Plant Work Is the Last Chance to Get Some Things Right

    The panel also emphasized the importance of pre-plant groundwork and amendments. Ribiero noted that once an orchard is planted, it is difficult to incorporate materials into the active root zone. If a site needs amendments such as lime, gypsum, sulfur or compost, pre-plant is often the best opportunity to get them where they need to be.

    That point ties directly back to economics. A grower may be tempted to trim development costs up front, but those savings can become expensive if poor preparation limits tree performance for the life of the orchard.

    A Grower’s Pre-Planting Checklist

    • Calculate your breakeven cost per pound using realistic cost and yield assumptions.
    • Confirm water supply, water quality and water rights before moving deeper into planning.
    • Match rootstock to soil conditions, site limitations and long-term orchard goals.
    • Ask your handler how the variety fits current and future market needs.
    • Talk with neighboring growers who have experience with similar soils, water and varieties.
    • Include your PCA, nursery representative, handler and trusted advisors early.
    • Review independent field data and regional trial information where available.
    • Keep the orchard design practical for harvest timing, equipment and labor efficiency.
    • Complete needed soil preparation and amendments before planting.

    The Bottom Line

    Choosing an almond rootstock and variety combination is not just a horticultural decision. It is a business plan, a risk-management strategy and a long-term commitment to a specific site. The most successful planting decisions begin before the nursery order is placed, with honest conversations about what the orchard must produce, what the market will reward and what the grower can afford.

    For growers considering a new planting, Ribiero’s advice is a practical place to start. Know your breakeven cost per pound. From there, every other decision — water, soil, rootstock, variety, marketability and orchard design — should help answer one question. Can this orchard make money through the full price cycle? — Story Contributed by the Almond Board of California

  • Precision Timing Critical for Managing Hull Rot

    With this season’s hull rot treatment window now behind growers, recent research shared by UCCE advisors offers timely guidance for evaluating disease pressure this year and planning more precise management decisions next season. Hull rot remains one of the more frustrating and yield-limiting diseases in California almonds, particularly because its full impact is not always visible in the year it occurs. The research is helping clarify where growers should focus their efforts, especially as the disease complex evolves and growing conditions continue to favor new pathogens.

    Mohammad Yaghmour, orchard systems advisor in Kern County, has been closely tracking changes in the organisms responsible for hull rot. While the disease has long been associated with Rhizopus stolonifer and Monilinia species, the increasing presence of Aspergillus niger is shifting both how the disease develops and how it needs to be managed in the orchard.

    Hull rot follows a classic disease triangle, requiring a susceptible host, a pathogen, and the right environmental conditions. What makes this disease particularly challenging is that all three components are often present at hull split, when almonds are physiologically vulnerable and environmental conditions can favor fungal growth. Infection begins in the hull, but the most damaging effects appear later as the fungus moves into the fruiting wood. Leaves surrounding infected nuts dry rapidly, and the spurs that would produce next year’s crop are killed. In severe cases, entire shoots can be lost.

    This delayed impact is critical. Yield losses are not just tied to visible infection but to the loss of next year’s bearing wood. Research conducted across multiple orchards showed that yield reductions become meaningful once strike levels reach roughly one hundred per tree. At that point, the cumulative loss of spurs begins to reduce the productive capacity of the tree in the following season.

    One of the most important takeaways from this work is that not all hull rot is the same. Each pathogen behaves differently and requires different management timing. Monilinia, which also causes brown rot during bloom, infects earlier and must be managed weeks before hull split. In contrast, both Rhizopus and Aspergillusare primarily driven by inoculum originating in the soil, and infections occur at or shortly after hull split.

    The rise of Aspergillus niger is particularly important for growers in warmer production areas. This pathogen thrives under higher temperatures and has become increasingly common in Kern County before spreading more broadly across the Central Valley. Its symptoms differ subtly from those of Rhizopus. Instead of the gray, fuzzy growth commonly associated with Rhizopus, Aspergillus produces darker, flatter, jet-black spores. It can also lead to internal damage, including black streaking in wood due to toxin production, which contributes to spur and shoot death.

    Understanding when infection occurs has helped refine management recommendations. Research shows that almonds are most susceptible during early hull opening, particularly when the split is still narrow. That window—when the hull has just begun to open—is where infection severity is often highest for Aspergillus. This underscores why spray timing is so critical. Missing that narrow window can significantly reduce the effectiveness of control measures.

    Variety also plays a role. Nonpareil, Butte, and Sonora have shown higher susceptibility, while Monterey and Fritz tend to be less affected under similar conditions. In mixed plantings, this means growers should expect greater risk in Nonpareil blocks and manage accordingly, prioritizing inputs where the return on protection is highest.

    Cultural practices continue to play an essential role in reducing disease pressure. Excess nitrogen has been shown to increase susceptibility, likely by promoting lush growth that favors infection. Careful nitrogen management can reduce that risk. You can learn more about nitrogen management at Almonds.org/NutrientManagement. Similarly, irrigation practices influence disease development. Strategic deficit irrigation has been linked to reduced incidence of Rhizopus, while excessive soil moisture during hull split can increase disease pressure.

    Dust management is another overlooked but important factor. Because Aspergillus and Rhizopus originate in the soil, any activity that creates dust can move spores into the canopy. Equipment traffic during hull split can unintentionally increase inoculum pressure at the exact time tissues are most vulnerable. Reducing dust during this period can help limit infection.

    Fungicides remain a valuable tool, but they are not a standalone solution. Their effectiveness depends heavily on correct timing and proper pathogen identification. Materials in several FRAC groups have shown strong performance when applied at the early stages of hull split. However, applying them too early or too late significantly reduces their value. In most cases, hull split sprays for disease management can be aligned with navel orangeworm treatments, helping to streamline operations.

    For growers, the message is clear: while the opportunity for in-season treatment may have passed, hull rot management is less about any single treatment and more about matching the right tool to the right moment. By using this season’s observations to scout for disease pressure, identify the pathogen involved and plan ahead for precise spray timing, balanced nitrogen, careful irrigation and dust reduction, growers can better protect the fruiting wood that supports next year’s crop and build more resilient orchard systems over time. — Story contributed by the Almond Board of California

  • Common Tree Disease May Contribute to Reduced Orchard Longevity

    Recent studies conducted by scientists at UCCE and CSU Bakersfield demonstrate that a common disease prevalent in vineyards and orchards may impact long-term orchard longevity of almonds in the southern San Joaquin Valley.  Almond orchards with a high incidence of crown gall, a disease caused by a ubiquitous soilborne pathogen, exhibit high rates of tree failure caused by a newly identified wood rotting disease.

    Crown gall is common in walnut and almond orchards and can be readily identified by the tumors it induces on the roots and crowns of trees. Unless severe, crown gall generally does not cause tree mortality, but may limit tree size, thus affecting overall yield.  Growers with crown gall-affected orchards often replant young trees that exhibit girdling by the tumors but leave mature trees untreated. Within the past decade, however, growers have noticed heightened prevalence of tree mortality due to butt rot in crown gall-affected almond orchards. The butt rot disease is caused by an introduced fungal pathogen, Ganoderma adspersum, that was first reported in California in 2016.

    From 2024 through 2026, UCCE researchers have surveyed over 23,000 almond trees in Kern and Tulare Counties, documenting prevalence of both butt rot and crown gall.  Molecular identification of the butt rot pathogen in each surveyed orchard was conducted by scientists at CSU Bakersfield. The study found that Ganoderma adspersum was the only species of Ganoderma isolated in all surveyed orchards. Additionally, the results indicated that orchards with crown gall were six times more likely to have butt rot disease. Trees with historic or active signs of butt rot also exhibited 1.5 times the mortality rate of healthy trees over a 26-month survey period.

    The results of this work demonstrate that the introduction of the new butt rot pathogen may elevate the importance of crown gall as a predictor of orchard longevity. The implication of this finding is that the planting of crown gall-free rootstocks during orchard establishment may be key to future reduction of risk from G. adspersum. Similarly, Mohammad Yaghmour and Elizabeth Fichtner, Farm Advisors in Kern and Tulare Counties, respectively, found that crown gall was also associated with increased incidence of thousand cankers disease on walnut.  Fichtner has also reported that crown gall is related to heightened root predation by ten-lined June beetle on walnut.

    The current study was conducted with support from the Almond Board of California and as a collaborative effort between UCCE scientists including Elizabeth Fichtner, Santosh Bhandari, Mohammad Yaghmour, and Raymond Mireles, and CSU Bakersfield Professor Isolde Francis and Chance Kophamer, graduate student. — Story by Elizabeth J. Fichtner, UC Ag and Natural Resources

  • Baking Innovations in Mexico Incentivize Almond Exports

    Mexico has been a market of interest for California almond growers for many years, importing 33.5 million pounds last year — up 8% from the year prior — with California almonds holding a 99% market share. Along the way, the strategy for reaching consumers and food professionals has evolved alongside the market itself.

    Earlier efforts focused on building awareness and familiarity among consumers through the ¡Ponte Almendra! campaign, introducing almonds as a nutritious and versatile food. Those programs helped establish a foundation for the category and positioned almonds as a recognizable ingredient among Mexican consumers.

    Today, the Almond Board of California’s (ABC) efforts in Mexico are centered on a different opportunity: the country’s bakery industry. That shift is grounded in market research and analysis commissioned by ABC, which identified Mexico’s bakery sector as a strong short-term growth opportunity for California almonds.

    The work extends beyond traditional marketing. ABC is also creating opportunities for bakery professionals to connect more closely with California almonds through educational programming, chef engagement and industry events. This includes participation in leading bakery trade shows such as ExpoPan and MexiPan, where bakers can see new applications for almonds and learn how the ingredient can be incorporated into a wide range of products. Planned activities also include bringing influential bakery professionals and industry partners closer to the California almond story through programs that highlight how almonds are grown and produced.

    At the heart of the strategy is a simple goal: helping make almonds a more frequent ingredient choice in one of Mexico’s largest food categories. Every time a bakery introduces an almond-filled pastry, a sweet bread topped with sliced almonds or a new premium product featuring almond ingredients, almonds become part of consumers’ everyday purchasing decisions. Those choices create opportunities for repeat use and long-term category growth.

    Across Mexico, bakery professionals are responding to changing consumer preferences, introducing more premium products, experimenting with new flavors and formats, and blending traditional Mexican bakery with influences from Europe and other global baking trends. As bakeries look for ways to elevate their offerings and differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive marketplace, almonds are well positioned to play a larger role.

    To support that opportunity, ABC has shifted its focus toward engaging directly with bakery professionals through trade marketing, industry partnerships and targeted outreach. Marketing efforts now include bakery-focused advertising, media relations and digital communications. The messaging centers on the role almonds can play in enhancing baked goods through flavor, texture, visual appeal and versatility, whether they are used as toppings, inclusions, fillings or ingredients in specialty formulations.

    Mexico’s bakery sector continues to innovate, and ABC sees an opportunity to ensure California almonds are part of that evolution. By staying engaged with the professionals developing new products, influencing ingredient decisions and shaping consumer trends, ABC is working to position almonds as a valued ingredient in the next generation of Mexican baked goods. The result is a strategy focused not only on increasing awareness, but on creating lasting demand by encouraging greater almond usage throughout the bakery category and strengthening the connection between California almonds and one of Mexico’s most important food industries. — Story contributed by the Almond Board of California

  • Regulators gain Insight at ABC’s Environmental Stewardship Tour

    Sixteen regulatory staff got a firsthand look at almond farming during the Almond Board of California’s (ABC) 18th annual Environmental Stewardship Tour on May 8 at Chamisal Creek Ranch in Arbuckle. Grower Mike Dougherty and his daughter Emma welcomed representatives from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, State Water Board and Central Valley Regional Water Board for an on-the-ground conversation about how almonds are grown and how stewardship practices play out in the field.

    Designed to help regulators have a better sense of what it takes to grow almonds; the annual tour gives regulators an opportunity to see the range of factors growers face throughout the season. Attendees spent more than four hours in the field engaging directly with growers and ABC staff through open dialogue and seeing almond trees up close.

    Beyond giving regulators a firsthand look at almond production, the tour also provides ABC with an important opportunity to demonstrate the depth of knowledge, research and practical information it can offer as a resource on almonds. Through conversations throughout the day, ABC staff and growers can answer questions, share context and strengthen relationships with regulatory audiences who play a key role in shaping the environment in which California almonds are grown.

    “It’s really just time for them to ask in-depth questions,” said Danielle Veenstra, ABC Senior Manager of Global Stewardship. “These tours create space for candid conversations and help show that we’re open and we’re here to share the real-world realities of farming.”

    Throughout the morning, participants saw both young and mature orchards, providing an almond growing 101-education while learning how growers approach key decisions around irrigation, nutrient management and crop protection. ABC staff also highlighted the organization’s investment in research and the outreach efforts that help translate science into practical, on-farm solutions.

    Natalie Henderson, ABC Director of Global Communications, emphasized the value of bringing new regulatory staff to the farm each year. “They leave more educated and more knowledgeable,” Henderson said. “That understanding doesn’t stop there, it spreads across agencies. And these growers get to share their challenges directly with the people helping shape regulations.”

    Following the orchard visit, the group continued to Dunnigan Hills Huller & Sheller, where the focus shifted to what happens after harvest. There, attendees saw how almond hulls and shells are utilized, from traditional livestock feed to value-added products that extend the value of every part of the crop.

    “They had products we could actually touch and feel, which really helped bring the story to life,” said Dan Sonke, Environmental Stewardship Workgroup Chair. “The byproduct story came through clearly, showing the full picture of how nothing goes to waste.”

    The visit also highlighted how co-product innovation contributes to the industry’s overall environmental footprint, reinforcing the role almonds play in a circular, resource-efficient system. According to ABC staff, these conversations often provide new perspectives for regulators, particularly when they see how interconnected farming practices, economics and environmental outcomes can be.

    By the end of the tour, participants left with a deeper understanding of the complexities of almond production, and the continuous improvements being made through research, innovation and grower-led stewardship.

    As Veenstra noted, “These opportunities help close the gap between perception and reality. When regulators see it firsthand, it changes the conversation.”

    — Story contributed by the Almond Board of California

  • California Walnut Commission Voices Support for 0% EU Tariff

    The California Walnut Commission CWC voiced its support after the European Union reduced the tariff on U.S.-grown tree nuts — including walnuts — to 0%. This lowering of rates became effective as of July 1. In a public statement on the order, the CWC stated:

    “The California Walnut Commission (CWC) welcomes this positive development for the California walnut industry and European customers and consumers.

    “The quota basis tariff reduction provides access to an important market, which is the walnut industry’s largest export market, importing about 30% of global supply. Improved access allows European importers, distributors, retailers and consumers to have access to high-quality California walnuts, while supporting the long-term sustainability of California walnut growers.

    “The news comes at a critical time for California walnut growers, many of whom continue to face rising production costs, increasing supply and a competitive and uncertain global marketplace.

    “The CWC appreciates the efforts of U.S. and European policymakers, trade officials and industry stakeholders whose work contributed to this development.”

    The Almond Board of California also praised this development, saying it “brings welcome certainty after months of escalating trade tensions.”

  • Almond Board Seeks Volunteers for Industry Committees

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

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

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

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

    Almond Quality, and Food Safety and Services Committee

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

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

    Statement of Interest Form

    Biomass Workgroup

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

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

    Statement of Interest form

    Environmental Stewardship Workgroup

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

    Statement of Interest form

    Finance and Audit Committee

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

    Statement of Interest Form

    Global Communications Committee

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

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

    Statement of Interest form

    Global Market Development Committee

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

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

    Statement of Interest form

    Nutrition Research Committee

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

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

    Statement of Interest form

    Organic Advisory Panel

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

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

    Statement of Interest form

    Production Stewardship Workgroup

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

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

    Statement of Interest form

    Strategic Ag Innovation Committee

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

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

    Statement of Interest form

    Technical & Regulatory Affairs Committee

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

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

    Statement of Interest form

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

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

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

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

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

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