California Ag Network

Tag: Almond Board of California

  • Almond Board Mummy Shake Video Contest

    Halloween will come and go, but mummy nuts are here to stay… unless you shake them away!

    To help remind growers to break the link between mummy nuts and overwintering navel orangeworm (NOW), the Almond Board of California (ABC) created a parody song that’s sure to be an “orchard smash,” just in time for the most spooky holiday of the year. It’s The Mummy Shake — listen now (lyrics here) and submit a video of your family dancing along to this “orchard smash” for a chance to win a $500 Amazon gift card!

    How to Enter: Video Specifications  

    • Create a video with family dancing – and, if desired, singing – to The Mummy Shake. You can film this video anywhere, though an orchard backdrop is encouraged.
      • Entry videos must be at least 30 seconds in length (approximately a verse and a chorus) and up to the duration of the full song.
      • Entries will be judged based on enthusiasm, creativity and composition.


    How to Upload Your Video

    • You have TWO OPTIONS when submitting your video:
      • Get Up and Dance: Don’t worry about singing; just get out in the orchard and show us your moves and/or lip-sync the lyrics. We’ll add the audio to your video!
      • Sing-Along Style: Get out in the orchard, play the Mummy Shake video and sing along with the lyrics!
    • Submit your entry in one of two ways:
      • Upload the video in .MP4 or .MOV format to this ABC webform.
        • MAKE SURE TO INCLUDE THE CONTESTANT’S NAME AND EMAIL ADDRESS IN THE FILE NAME
      • Post the video on the Almond Board of California Facebook page 
        • DON’T FORGET to include the hashtag #MummyShake in your post to ensure your video is considered for the $500 Amazon gift card!

    Read on below for complete contest eligibility guidelines.

    Mummy Shake Video Contest – OFFICIAL RULES

    NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. MAKING A PURCHASE OR CONTRIBUTION WILL NOT IMPROVE CHANCE OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

    1. Preliminary Information and Contest Period: The Mummy Shake Video Contest (Campaign) is open for entries starting October 26, 2020 at 12:01AM Daylight Pacific Time (PT). All entries must be submitted by the contest deadline: 11:59PM PT on November 20, 2020 (Contest deadline). Campaign is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws. This Campaign is sponsored by the Almond Board of California (Sponsor), 1150 9th St. #1500, Modesto, CA 95354.

    2. Agreement to Rules: By participating, the Contestant agrees to be fully and unconditionally bound by these Rules and decision of Sponsor, which shall be final and binding. Contestant represents and warrants that they meet the eligibility requirements. In addition, Contestant agrees to accept the decisions of Sponsor as final and binding as it relates to the content of this Campaign.

    3. Eligibility: Contestant may enter to win if he or she is a legal resident of the state of California, age 18 or older at the time of entry, and is a member of the California almond industry, which includes growers, handlers, hullers/shellers and allied industry members. Contestant’s submission may include family member and/or friend of a Contestant provided that such family member or friend consents to being featured in the submission. If Contestant chooses to feature his or her children under the age of 18 in his/her submission, Contestant grants Sponsor permission to display, broadcast and/or share video for promotional purposes of this Campaign or future Campaigns. Employees, officers, directors, agents, representatives and their immediate families (parents, children, siblings, spouse and each of their respective spouses, regardless of where they live) or members of the households of the Almond Board of California/Sponsor, their parent companies, subsidiaries, agencies and anyone connected with the production and distribution of this Campaign may submit an entry for use by Sponsor solely to promote the Campaign, but are not eligible to win or be awarded a prize.

    4. How to Enter: To enter, Contestants must create a video featuring themselves and/or family or friends dancing to the Almond Board of California’s “Mummy Shake” song, in an almond orchard or another setting of their choosing. Entry videos must be at least 30 seconds in length (approximately one verse and one chorus) and up to the duration of the full song. Entries will be judged based on enthusiasm, creativity, and composition. Judges will be comprised of employees of the Almond Board of California. Submit your video entry in one of two ways:

    • Upload the video in .MP4 or .MOV format to this ABC webform. 
      • MAKE SURE TO INCLUDE THE CONTESTANT’S NAME AND EMAIL ADDRESS IN THE FILE NAME.
    • Post video on Sponsor’s Almond Board of California Facebook page: http://facebook.com/AlmondBoardofCalifornia/
      • DON’T FORGET to include the hashtag #MummyShake in your post to ensure your video is considered for the $500 Amazon gift card!
    • Email industry@almondboard.com with questions

    Multiple entries per person or household will be accepted and judged, but only one (1) prize will be awarded per person or household. Entries that are incomplete or that contain errors, copyrighted images or inappropriate/derogatory/defamatory images or language, dogs in the orchard, guns/firearms, nudity, violence or profanity will be automatically disqualified in Sponsor’s sole discretion. Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, misdirected, altered or destroyed entries. The odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received and/or the number of contestants participating in the contest. If Contestant uses fraudulent methods or otherwise attempts to circumvent the rules, the submission may be removed from eligibility at the sole discretion of Sponsor. The Contestant may be asked to provide all appropriate clearances, permissions and releases for the submission.

    All entries become the property of Sponsor and will not be returned. Proof of sending will not be deemed proof of receipt by Sponsor. Sponsor reserves the right to edit or summarize the submission or any written description or picture prior to posting to Sponsor’s website and/or social media channels.

    5. Prize: The Winner of the Campaign (“Winner”) will receive a Grand Prize consisting of a $500 Amazon gift card.

    The prize will be sent to Winner’s provided email address within two (2) weeks of notification. Any applicable Federal, State or Local taxes are solely the responsibility of the winner and paying any expenses associated with any prize which are not expressly included as part of the prize. Prizes are not transferable. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize package with another prize of equal or greater value if advertised prize or any component thereof is not available.

    6. Winner Selection and Notification: Winner will be selected under the supervision of the Sponsor. Winner will be notified by email or by direct message on Facebook within five Sponsor business (5) days following selection of Winner. Sponsor shall have no liability for Winner’s failure to receive notices due to spam, junk email, or other security settings or for Winner’s provision of incorrect or otherwise non-functioning contact information. If Winner cannot be contacted, is ineligible, fails to claim the prize within seven (7) Sponsor business days from the time award notification was sent, or fails to timely return a completed and executed declaration and release as required, the prize may be forfeited, and an alternate Winner selected. Receipt by Winner of the prize offered in this Campaign is conditioned upon compliance with any and all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Any violation of these official rules by winner (at Sponsor’s sole discretion) will result in Winner’s disqualification as Winner of the Campaign, and all privileges as Winner will be immediately terminated.

    7. Rights Granted by Contestant: By entering this Campaign, Contestant understands and agrees that Sponsor, anyone acting on behalf of Sponsor, and Sponsor’s licensees, successors, and assigns, shall have the right, where permitted by law, to print, publish, broadcast, distribute, and use in any media now known or hereafter developed, in perpetuity and throughout the World, without limitation, Contestant’s entry, name, portrait, picture, voice, likeness, image, statements about the Campaign, and biographical information for news, publicity, information, trade, advertising, public relations, and promotional purposes, without any further compensation, notice, review, or consent. By entering this Campaign, Contestant represents and warrants that entry is an original work of authorship and does not violate any third party’s proprietary or intellectual property rights or right of publicity. If entry infringes upon the right of any third party including, without limitation, any intellectual property right or right of publicity, Contestant will be disqualified at the sole discretion of Sponsor. If the content of the entry is claimed to constitute infringement of any proprietary or intellectual proprietary rights or right of publicity of any third party, Contestant shall, at his or her sole expense, defend or settle against such claims. Contestant shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Sponsor from and against any suit, proceeding, claims, liability, loss, damage, costs or expense (including attorneys’ fees), which Sponsor may incur, suffer, or be required to pay arising out of such infringement or suspected infringement of any third party’s right.

    8. Terms & Conditions: Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Campaign should virus, bug, non-authorized human intervention, fraud, or other cause beyond Sponsor’s control corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, or proper conduct of the Campaign. In such case, Sponsor may select the Winner from all eligible entries received prior to and/or after (if appropriate) the action taken by Sponsor. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual who tampers or attempts to tamper with the entry process or the operation of the Campaign or website or violates these Terms & Conditions. Sponsor has the right, in its sole discretion, to maintain the integrity of the Campaign, to void entries for any reason. Any attempt by a Contestant to deliberately damage any website or undermine the legitimate operation of the Campaign may be a violation of criminal and civil laws. Should such attempt be made, Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages to the fullest extent permitted by law.

    9. Limitation of Liability: By entering, Contestant agrees to release and hold harmless Sponsor and its subsidiaries, affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies, partners, representatives, agents, successors, assigns, employees, officers, and directors from any liability, illness, injury, death, loss, litigation, claim, or damage that may occur, directly or indirectly, whether caused by negligence or not, from: (i) such Contestant’s participation in the Campaign and/or his/her acceptance, possession, use, or misuse of any prize or any portion thereof; (ii) technical failures of any kind, including but not limited to the malfunction of any computer, cable, network, hardware, or software, or other mechanical equipment; (iii) the unavailability or inaccessibility of any transmissions, telephone, or Internet service; (iv) unauthorized human intervention in any part of the entry process or the Promotion; (v) electronic or human error in the administration of the Promotion or the processing of entries.

    10. Disputes: This Campaign is governed by the laws of the United States of America and California, without respect to conflict of law doctrines. As a condition of participating in this Campaign, participant agrees that any and all disputes that cannot be resolved between the parties and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Campaign, shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, exclusively before a court located in California having jurisdiction. Further, in any such dispute, under no circumstances shall participant be permitted to obtain awards for, and hereby waives all rights to, punitive, incidental, or consequential damages, including reasonable attorney’s fees, other than participant’s actual out-of-pocket expenses (i.e. costs associated with entering this Campaign). Participant further waives all rights to have damages multiplied or increased.

    11. Privacy Policy: Information submitted with an entry is subject to the Privacy Policy stated on the Sponsor’s website. To read the Privacy Policy, click here.

  • Wildfire Impact on CA Almond Harvest & Crop Update

    Are California almond growers really going to reach their record 3 billion pound crop this year? How have the wildfires impacted the harvest season? What kind of pest pressure levels are growers experiencing this year? What should almond growers expect at the virtual Almond Board Conference this year?  Watch this brief interview with Richard Waycott from the Almond Board of California to find out and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • After a Hard-Working Harvest, Trees Need Water to Remain Healthy

    Almond Board of California — Growers have a lot to think about leading up to and during harvest – prepping the orchard floor, timing the first shake in relation to hull split and achieving optimum moisture content during drying are just a few of the many important factors growers will consider from July to October.

    Even as this season’s bounty is being harvested, the foundation for next year’s crop is already being developed through fruiting-bud differentiation. The period from July to October, in normal years, is when floral buds develop and the next year’s crop yield potential is set. The principle is simple: more buds = likely more flowers = likely more almonds. 

    Many factors can affect crop yield, such as pollination, weather, and nutrient management decisions. But this year, especially, with a record projected crop on the way, one key practice growers should implement to maximize yield potential is optimized post-harvest irrigation. Because growers typically stop irrigating in the weeks leading up to harvest, their trees can be rather dried out come late September and early October.

    “The sooner you can get water back on your trees, the more you’ll be able to support tree health,” said Sebastian Saa, Ph.D., associate director for Agricultural Research at the Almond Board of California (ABC). “We know next year’s buds already are on the tree – water reduces the stress on the tree and therefore allows those buds to further develop.”

    One way for growers to think of post-harvest and late-season irrigation is that they are “paying it forward” for next year’s crop. During this critical time, trees’ water needs are significant and severe water stress can drastically affect bloom, fruit set and yield.

    Saa said growers who have self-compatible varieties may have more flexibility when it comes to post-harvest irrigation. Because there will only be one harvest per block in self-compatible orchard configurations, growers will not necessarily need to wait for the harvest of the pollinizer to irrigate again. Similarly, Saa also said that off-ground harvest (catching the nuts and drying them outside of the orchard) or semi-off ground harvest (catching them and re-allocating them to the middle of the row) also may provide flexibility when it comes to post-harvest irrigation.

    One key resource available to help growers better understand irrigation management – both post-harvest and year-round – is ABC’s     Almond Irrigation Improvement Continuum. This resource, developed by the Almond Board in partnership with many trusted and respected technical experts, provides a wide-ranging look at a grower’s site-specific irrigation system with the goal of improved efficiency and effectiveness. In the Continuum, growers and irrigation experts will find a step-by-step explanation of irrigation management and scheduling practices related to the following concepts:

    • measuring irrigation system performance and efficiency,
    • estimating orchard water requirements based on evapotranspiration,
    • determining applied water,
    • evaluating soil moisture, and
    • evaluating plant water status.

    Tom Devol, ABC’s senior manager of Field Outreach and Education, is available to help almond growers reach their goals of increased water efficiency. Devol and his team can meet growers in-person for in-orchard consultations to discuss irrigation systems, address challenges, and share ABC’s print and online irrigation tools. To schedule your own irrigation consultation, email Devol at tdevol@almondboard.com or call (530) 570-5558.

    More post-harvest irrigation information
    More information about the impacts of water stress on fruit bud development in relation to growing regions and varieties is available in the University of California Agricultural and Natural Resources publication 8515, “Drought Tips: Drought Management for California Almonds,” found at Almonds.com.

  • Soil Compacted Post-Harvest? Look to Cover Crops

    Almond Board of California — For the third year in a row, Chris Rishwain is preparing to plant cover crops in the windrows of his 150-acre almond orchard near Manteca. Although his original intent was to provide forage for honey bees during pollination, Rishwain has discovered multiple additional benefits to cover crops, one of the most impactful being the positive effect they have on compacted soil.

    “Soil compaction has been a problem for us,” Rishwain explained. “My goal to reduce soil compaction is aimed at helping improve the orchard’s water retention, allowing the roots of our trees to penetrate deeper in the soil to obtain water and minerals, and also to allow for better soil aeration, which supports the microbes in the soil.”

    Like many other almond growers, Rishwain just completed harvest, a time when shakers, sweepers, tractors and other heavy equipment can contribute to pre-existing issues of soil compaction in orchards up and down the Central Valley. Compaction also can be a greater problem in soils that have more silt.

    Soil compaction – coupled with other contributing factors – can negatively affect tree development and subsequent tree productivity. While there is work that can be done to prevent or decrease the severity of soil compaction before trees are planted in an orchard, once an orchard is established those options become more limited. That’s where cover crops can help.

    The Almond Board of California (ABC) continues to fund research into the impacts of cover crops. Much of that scientific work has been conducted by a team led by Amélie Gaudin, Ph.D., an associate professor of agroecology in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences, as well as researchers from UC Riverside.

    Seed money available to growers

    One of the most enthusiastic promoters of cover crops in California is Project Apis m., which has managed the popular Seeds for Bees program for many years. Seeds for Bees encourages the use of cover crops to increase the density, diversity and duration of pollinator forage in California agriculture, while also improving soil health.

    “The seed mixes available through Seeds for Bees are designed to bloom at critical times of the year when natural forage is scarce but managed and native bees are active,” said Billy Synk, the organization’s director of pollination programs.

    Through the Almond Board’s Bee+ Scholarship Program, 100 almond growers can receive up to $2,000 each in FREE cover crop seed through the Seeds for Bees program. Funding provided by ABC’s Bee+ Scholarship will allow growers to plant an estimated 3,500 acres of quality pollinator forage statewide – that’s in addition to the cover crop seed Project Apis m. typically distributes directly to almond growers through their Seeds for Bees program each year. Applications are being accepted now, so growers are encouraged to visit Almonds.com/Pollinationto learn more.

    Rishwain started participating in the Seeds for Bees program two years ago. He planted Project Apis m.’s Soil Builder mix, which includes brassicas, legumes and grains. In addition to the cover crops’ positive impact on honey bees, he also likes this mix because of its combination of shallow hair-like roots that help prevent erosion in addition to strong tap roots that grow deep into the soil, breaking up compacted areas.

    “I will use this mix again this coming year. I liked how it has a diversity of species that can improve soil health in our orchard in many different ways,” said Rishwain, adding that the experts from Seeds for Bees make choosing the right seed mix easy for any orchard situation.

    Synk said the most popular Seeds for Bees seeds mix that growers typically use to deal with compacted soils is the Mustard mix, which includes canola, white mustard, two kinds of yellow mustard and Diakon radish.  He also said 75% of Seeds for Bees participants list breaking up compacted soils as one of their primary reasons to plant cover crops.

    Similarly, Gaudin’s research shows that a mixture higher in legumes (such as clover and vetch) can boost nitrogen levels in the soil; conversely, grasses can help reduce nitrogen losses, decrease compaction and improve water infiltration.

    Typically, cover crops are planted in the fall – after harvest – and sprout naturally following the first rain of the new crop year. Their flowers provide additional forage for honey bees when almond trees are in bloom and their roots add organic material to the soil. The cover crops are then typically mowed down in late spring so orchard floors can be readied for harvest later in the year. Rishwain also uses a conditioner before harvest to filter out organic debris.

    Josette Lewis, Ph.D. , the Chief Scientific Officer for the Almond Board, said the organization expects to publish a practical guide on best management practices for cover crops at the start of 2021. In the meantime, growers are encouraged to participate in the Almond Board’s Bee+ Scholarship and visit the Seeds for Bees website to learn more about the benefits of planting cover crops in or near their orchards.

  • Report Provides Data on New Almond Varieties

    Almond Board of California—Innovation always has been part of the almond industry. That includes exciting research about new almond varieties intended to meet the changing needs of consumers, end buyers and fast-growing export markets.

    There are about 70 different varieties of almonds grown around the world. California orchards produce about 30 varieties, though 13 of them – with Nonpareil dominating – account for 98% of what is regularly grown. While other countries may grow multiple other varieties, when it comes to total production California remains on top, producing more than 80% of the world’s almonds and supplying millions of pounds annually to more than 90 export markets.

    Still, California growers and handlers must continue to adapt to provide almonds that satisfy shifting consumer appetites, end-buyer demands and other market forces. What a confectionery business or chocolatier wants in an almond can vary greatly from what someone snacking in India or China wants, which can differ largely from what a company producing almond milk in the U.S. wants.

    The diverse uses for almonds and ever-changing preferences continue to influence demand for specific kernel characteristics such as flavor, appearance, shape, texture and color. Similarly, to continue improving not only what we grow but how we grow, the industry is looking into almond varieties that check horticultural boxes, including the ability to produce more pounds per light intercepted and self-compatibility.

    Recognizing the need to constantly innovate and maintain high demand for California almonds, the Almond Board of California (ABC) began funding almond variety development research in the early 1970s and expanded that effort in the late 1980s to include rootstock breeding. Over the past 20 years, this research has delivered five new University of California (UC) varieties – Padre, Sonora, Kester, Winters and Sweetheart – and supported testing of most commercial varieties and rootstocks for overall performance, resistance to pests, diseases and abiotic stresses. The research has kept California on the cutting edge of almond production globally.

    Now, for the first time, decades of data and results from ABC’s first-ever Crack Out Day (an event held last November at which industry members tasted and compared more than 60 almond varieties from around the globe) have been pulled together in a comprehensive breeding report. For growers looking to replant their orchards as well as nurseries and private breeders, the report offers critical information about the performance and potential promise of different almond varieties.

    “The California almond industry is always looking for better and more sustainable almond varieties,” said Sebastian Saa, ABC’s associate director of Agricultural Research. “We’re convinced that through research and innovation, we’ll find varieties that produce not only more pounds of almonds, but also higher quality with reduced management costs and horticultural inputs in terms of water use, pest management and more. As technology and experience advance, it will allow us to discover better, more efficient varieties.”

    Saa listed the following as some of the key takeaways and learnings provided by the report:

    • The growing number of self-compatible varieties being developed globally.
    • Spanish varieties are mostly hard shell, but some new selections are soft shell and should be evaluated in California.
    •  Spanish breeding programs have mastered late-bloom varieties and self-compatibility traits.
    • The Australian breeding program has some varieties that scored very high during Crack-Out Day and should be evaluated in California.
    • Several varieties created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and UC breeding programs are performing quite well in ongoing trials in California.

    ‘Diversification is key’

    Breeding is an art of balancing improvements while accepting some trade-offs. To define this balance, experts must consider the various segments of the almond industry, starting with the growers, moving to the hullers and shellers, handlers, food companies and then, ultimately, the consumer. As Saa said, “Diversification is key.”

    “Different uses and different needs demand different varieties,” he explained. “When you think about an almond variety for snacking, for example, you think about crunch and strong flavor. But when you think about a variety for almond milk, you’re probably thinking about milder flavors. And if you’re looking for a variety to cover in chocolate, you’re looking for a short but round kernel shape.”

    Nonpareil and other soft-shell varieties dominate the snack segment because of their shape, smooth surface and light blonde color. Mission varieties like Marcona, Butte, Padre and Fritz typically are used for natural roasted and bulk purposes, as well as in candy and chocolate applications. And California varieties like Carmel, Monterey and Wood Colony often are roasted, salted and flavored. They also are good for slicing and slivering.

    Key varietal differences covered in the report include a summary of how many popular almonds grown in California are auto-incompatible, meaning they require cross-pollination between different varieties, and yet how some of the new varieties are self-compatible, requiring no cross-pollination. Another horticultural distinction covered in the report is crack-out percentage and double percentage. California varieties and some Australian varieties have a high crack-out percentage (kernel-to-shell ratio). In addition, the report discusses different varieties’ tendency to produce kernel “doubles,” and finally, maturity rate and its impact on harvest timing is also mentioned. Armed with this knowledge, said Saa, growers can be more flexible and have more operational diversification.

    “If you have only one variety that you need to harvest within a narrow window, you put a lot of demand on your resources at one critical point in time. However, when you have multiple varieties that you can harvest sequentially, you can leverage your equipment and maximize your resources,” Saa said. 

    Looking ahead to the future of breeding

    Creating new almond varieties is a slow and complex process. It can take as long as 15 years to develop a new breed and then another 10 to 15 years to truly test it.

    “Once you develop a variety, you need to see how it performs under differing weather and environmental conditions — and there’s only one harvest per year,” Saa said. “So in order to be confident in a new variety, we need to test during multiple harvests across the valley. Today, we’re trying to do that more efficiently than ever before.”

    To provide a mechanism to evaluate new varieties across the diverse almond-growing regions in the state, the Almond Board began funding long-term and multi-locational Regional Varietal Trials (RVTs) almost 50 years ago. The first trial ran from 1974-1981 and the second from 1993-2006.

    The current RVT – involving orchards in Butte, Stanislaus and Madera counties, all planted with 30 identical varieties – began in 2014. Saa expects the study to last until 2025. ABC coordinates with the UC’s research system on the RVT, and the UC provides important contributions from the leading plant nurseries and private breeders in the state.

    Saa said some important characteristics that researchers will evaluate in RVTs moving forward include:

    • a bloom period that begins no earlier than Nonpareil,
    • self-compatibility,
    • crack-out percentage equal to or more than 40%,
    • percentage of kernel “doubles” equal to or less than 10%, and 
    • increased yield potential.

    Growers interested in ABC’s RVT are encouraged to check out UC Davis’ Fruit & Nut Research & Information Center, as updated information from the ongoing RVT is expected to be published on the center’s website in early 2021.

  • CA Almonds: Global Shipments & Trends

    Almond Board of the California — As California almond growers consistently produce yields at record or near-record levels year after year, it is important that those nuts find a home. Increasingly, that means expanding existing export markets and continuing to grow demand in those regions, while always keeping an eye on new opportunities globally.

    In the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented a temporary challenge in moving nuts from California ports to export markets, a challenge coupled by situations like China’s continued tariffs. Still, the Almond Board of California (ABC) continues to strongly support the California almond industry through key marketing initiatives, education and negotiation with foreign trade officials, and frequent discussions with regulators in the U.S. and abroad.

    Take a deeper dive into how last year’s crop performed in terms of global shipments and hear from ABC program leads on market and trade trends, as well as ways that Almond Board staff are continuing to grow demand and support trade worldwide.

    Production: 2.55 Billion Pounds

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has a challenging task in forecasting California almond production. Each July, USDA-NASS releases the Objective Measurement Report, which is based on samples of orchards gathered from throughout the state and measuring/weighing of kernels in order to estimate that year’s production. The production forecast reflects a range, which USDA-NASS has been within nine points of in the last 13 years. However, the 2018 report was narrowly outside the range and the 2019 report missed the mark by quite a bit.

    To address this issue, in the fall of 2019 ABC convened an Almond Forecasting Task Force made up of industry members, USDA-NASS officials and ABC staff to review almond forecasting procedures and identify potential changes to sampling methodologies to improve future crop estimates. To help USDA-NASS refine its production estimates, the task force recommended leveraging almond acreage information from Land IQ, a Sacramento-based agricultural and environmental scientific research and consulting firm that developed and maintains a comprehensive living map of California almonds. Implementing that and other changes, USDA-NASS has improved its data collection process, and hopes remain high that future Objective Reports will be closer to actual crop yields.

    Total Shipments: Domestic and Export

    This past year, the industry saw nearly parallel growth between domestic shipments (which grew 4.5%) and exports (which grew 5.0%). This growth comes despite the current challenging trade environment. The California almond industry’s investment in nutrition research and global market development has helped lay a strong foundation for demand around the world that has helped the almond community navigate through tougher times.

    And the work continues. In the past year, the Almond Board expanded its areas of nutrition research with its first study in the area of beauty. To ensure consumers are keeping almonds top of mind, the Almond Board is also continuing its efforts to build demand through consumer marketing programs in 11 countries, from India and Japan to the U.S. and Mexico. The past year’s programs included launching new advertising campaigns in multiple markets, including in the United Kingdom and India to continue building demand globally for California almonds.

    “One of the things that I first noticed when I joined the Almond Board four years ago was the passion and pride staff have in helping grow this industry,” said Vice President of Global Market Development Emily Fleischmann, “and that fire continues. It’s what has helped our teams launch innovative new campaigns like ‘Do You Almond’ in the UK this past year and what helps almonds remain the number one nut in new product introductions for 10 years running.”

    Fleischmann said ABC’s marketing staff will continue to create additional ways to spread the nutritional and health message associated with almonds.

    “Our teams keep pushing harder to make our programs stronger year over year,” she said. “In the year ahead, stay tuned for more on our U.S. partnership with Olympian Kerri Walsh Jennings as she works toward the Tokyo Olympics, as well as a brand new campaign in France and our first digital program in India.”

    Export Shipments: Top 10 Destinations

    Global trade tensions with China have changed the landscape of priority markets.

    “Five years ago, China was our second-largest export destination. It stayed as the third-largest market for several years, surpassed only by the strong growth of the Indian market,” said Julie Adams, vice president of Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs for the Almond Board.

    With an increasing middle class and economic growth, China was on track to expand, and ABC’s marketing investments helped spur that growth. But retaliatory tariffs implemented two years ago changed that momentum.

    “Starting in April 2018, we saw the impact of the trade war, which took almonds from a 10% tariff to the current 55% tariff,” Adams said. “Over the last two years, shipments to China/Hong Kong dropped 25% in crop year 2018-19 and another 23% in crop year 2019-20, with Australia benefiting.”

    The situation has resulted in China dropping to fourth in the line of U.S. export destinations. Taking a long-term view, however, China still is key to building demand for expanded crop production.

    “Many of the trade issues we face in our markets – from import controls to food safety standards or pesticide MRLs – take a long time to resolve,” Adams explained. “It is essential that we build good relationships with trade and regulatory authorities in these markets so we can engage quickly to find a solution that will allow almonds to continue to flow freely into consumer channels.”

    ABC is widely respected by authorities worldwide for being proactive in understanding market needs and its ability to provide technical, fact-based information across a wide range of issues.

    Export Shipments: Regional Breakdown

    Global appeal among customers and consumers worldwide is clearly reflected in the almond industry’s regional shipments. Being well diversified helps counteract trade disruptions that can unexpectedly come up in one market or another.

    “There are so many growth opportunities around the globe,” Adams said. “For years, the Middle East and Africa were a small share of exports, but now they represent almost 20%.”

    While acknowledging the many challenges facing California almonds, Adams also believes “the opportunities are limitless.”

    Export Shipments: Product Type

    India remains the number one export market for U.S. almonds and the largest importer of in-shell almonds. Historically, India and China have been the primary destination for in-shell markets, but given the recent trade situation with China, India has absorbed much of those shipments.

    U.S. Agricultural Exports by Value

    Value Breakdown:

    • European Union (EU-27 + UK): Almonds are the number two export, at $1.8 billion, behind soybeans at $1.95 billion.
    • India: Almonds are the number one ag export at $732 million, accounting for 40% of all U.S. ag exports to India.
    • China and Hong Kong: Almonds are the second-largest tree nut export at $374 million and the seventh-largest ag product, overall.
    • Japan: Almonds are the ninth-largest ag export.
    • United Arab Emirates: Almonds are the number one ag export and account for around 23% of total U.S. ag exports.
    • South Korea: Almonds are the ninth-largest ag export.
    • Mexico: Tree nuts are a small-sector category for exports to Mexico at $342 million total and $99 million for almonds.

    Do you want to learn more about ABC’s global marketing and trade and regulatory work in countries across the world? Mark your calendar for Dec. 8-10 to attend The Almond Conference 2020. Held virtually for the first time this year, this ABC-hosted event will allow maximum global participation while offering the same quality information and engagement as past conferences. Learn more at almondconference.com.

  • Tracking Almond Irrigation Improvement

    Almond Board of the California — For almond growers, better understanding your irrigation options and learning small ways to improve your practices has never been easier, thanks to the Almond Board of California’s (ABC’s) new Pathway to Irrigation Improvement guide.

    The guide – which can be downloaded or printed from ABC’s website – aims to help growers track their progress in implementing irrigation best practices, and is something growers can keep in their truck or office and to reference regularly. It is divided into four sections: Irrigation Systems, Water Use, Monitoring Soil and Plant Water Status, and Management. Each section has specific practices associated with it that are rated as Levels 1.0 (fundamental), 2.0 (intermediate) and 3.0 (advanced).

    For instance, under Irrigation Systems, a grower at level 1.0 would regularly record the pressure variation in his or her system and calculate an average application rate while irrigating. A 2.0 grower would employ more sophisticated practices – such as measuring distribution uniformity – to achieve “more crop per drop” of water, and then a 3.0 grower would be even more advanced as he or she would look to employ those efficient practices more regularly.

    Tom Devol, ABC’s senior manager of Field Outreach and Education, noted that all the information in the guide is culled from the 149-page Almond Irrigation Improvement Continuum, created by the Almond Board and the University of California’s Agriculture and Natural Resources team.

    “For this guide, we took the incredibly detailed Irrigation Continuum and restructured it with simplified visual cues,” Devol explained. “This way, when growers approach the Continuum and want to refer to specific sections that will help them reach the next level of efficiency, they can reference this guide to quickly understand where in the Continuum they should look.

    How to achieve ‘more crop per drop’

    To be most efficient in optimizing your irrigation practices, Devol said the first step for any grower is to “know how your irrigation system uses water and evaluate how well your system performs.”

    Next, growers need to focus on understanding water use.

    “How much do your trees need?” Devol asked. “We walk you through three levels to determine that. Then you need to determine second part, which is to understand how much water you’re using.”

    From there, growers are encouraged to gain a stronger grasp of their soil moisture and then learn how to best manage it, which especially helps growers in times when the trees may be experiencing more stress.

    The final element of optimal practices is the execution of learnings and best practices so growers can best set themselves up for success.

    “When you know what you’re doing, you will know how to manage it,” Devol said. “You have to first know your need, how much water your system is putting out and how to measure it, and then you’ll determine how to manage it.”

    Devol and his team work closely with growers up and down the state on irrigation practices. They use the feedback they receive face-to-face as well as information provided by growers who participate in the California Almond Sustainability Program (CASP) to determine the focus of their outreach.

    “For instance, from information pulled in aggregate from the CASP database, I can see where California almond growers (as a whole) are excelling and where an increase in improved practices could be achieved – where I have more work to do,” Devol said.

    As an example, Devol said that about 75% of growers still use visual means to determine tree stress instead of using a pressure chamber, which can provide a more accurate analysis of stem water potential (how much water moves through a leaf).

    “That tells me I need to do more training,” he said, adding that grower understanding of soil physics and plant stress are two of the most challenging and complicated areas with which he deals.

    Recognizing that pressure chambers are expensive tools – costing as much as $4,000 each – Devol and his team have developed what he calls a “lending library.” Growers can “check out” a pressure chamber for a couple of weeks and use it in their orchard before making a commitment to buy one. Growers interested in “checking out” a pressure chamber should email fieldoutreach@almondboard.com for more information.

    Ultimately, the purpose behind this guide and the larger Irrigation Continuum is to give growers useful information they can act on and provide support along their growing journey, striving to help the industry as a whole achieve the Almond Orchard 2025 Goals, one of which is to reduce water use by an additional 20%.

    “We have a really diverse grower population,” Devol explained. “With some practices, it’s hard to get to Level 3.0, and some practices simply don’t work well for certain growers’ orchard systems. We’re therefore just trying meet everyone where they’re at and help them make improvements to ultimately help them ensure a more healthy, productive orchard.”

  • Incentive Programs Make New Equipment Affordable

    Almond harvest 2020 is upon us in all its hectic glory. As growers in the southern San Joaquin Valley start shaking this week, equipment that has been largely resting for an entire year will be put to work in furious fashion to safely bring in this year’s crop. And while harvest 2020 is understandably the key focus of this time of year, it’s not too early for growers and their equipment operators and custom harvesters to begin considering what old equipment may need to be upgraded or replaced entirely before the following harvest.

    The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (air district) and the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) both provide a range of financial incentives that make the cost of replacing not only shakers, sweepers and harvesters, but also tractors, sprayers and irrigation pumps more affordable. Given the high cost of purchasing new equipment and implementing certain new orchard management practices, these incentives can help growers stretch their budgets and get the most machine for their money.

    By design, there are also important environmental improvement objectives behind each incentive program – objectives that are consistent with the almond industry’s Almond Orchard 2025 Goals that include reducing harvest dust by 25% and achieving zero waste in orchards by putting everything grown to optimal use by 2025.

    “I think these programs are important, and increasing grower applications can play a role in helping the industry achieve all four 2025 goals,” said Jesse Roseman, principal analyst for Environmental and Regulatory Affairs at the Almond Board of California (ABC). “Growers who participate in these programs reduce their out-of-pocket costs for new equipment and cutting-edge practices that act as benchmarks in the industry’s goals.”

    In a recent ABC California Almond Sustainability Program webinar, officials from the air district and NRCS discussed what machinery and practices their programs cover, how the programs work and how growers can apply.

    Covering up to 60% of the cost of a new tractor

    Since 2009, the air district has awarded more than $406 million in funding to growers and ranchers in the San Joaquin Valley to promote healthy air quality, according to Aaron Tarango, the district’s grant supervisor. That investment has been matched by more than $466 million in spending by growers to replace 7,550 tractors as well as thousands of pieces of older equipment and pumps. Tarango estimated that noxious emissions have been reduced by 50,819 tons in the past 11 years through district incentives matched by funds from Central Valley farmers. 

    The air district prioritizes replacing older, lower-tier equipment through their programs. Growers are encouraged to replace tractors and other machinery in tiers 0, 1 or 2 (purchased in or before 2006) with tier 4 equipment, that is, “the latest and greatest technology” available, according to Tarango.

    Funds received are based on the horsepower (hp) of the engine being replaced. Here’s how it works: If a tier 0, 1 or 2 piece of equipment is 100hp, the district will help fund the purchase of replacement equipment with up to 25% more hp. Depending on the piece of equipment and the size of its engine, payments will range from $300 to $650 per hp and can cover up to 60% of the cost of a new model. 

    In 2019, the district piloted the Low Dust Harvester Replacement Program, which will cover 50% of a grower’s cost to replace older harvesting equipment with newer, low-dust models. That year, the air district funded 29 projects worth $1.9 million, Tarango said. The program was so popular that in June 2020 the Environmental Protection Agency set aside another $10.3 million to extend the program into 2021.

    Tarango said that money “might not help [growers] with this year’s harvest, but it will be available for subsequent harvests down the road.”

    Beyond harvest itself, another air district incentive program – the Alternative to Agricultural Open Burning Incentive Program – offers funds to growers who grind up old orchards, rather than burning their trees, and then incorporate that woody biomass back into the soil (a.k.a., Whole Orchard Recycling). Growers participating in this program are eligible to receive $300-$600 per acre, with a maximum of $60,000 per grower. Incentive recipients are typically paid four-to-six weeks after their completion of Whole Orchard Recycling, and after an invoice has been sent to the air district.1

    Tarango strongly encourages growers with older equipment or older orchards to take advantage of the district’s incentive programs.

    “We’re still going,” he said. “The money is still there.”

    More information is available at www.valleyair.org/grants/ and applications can be submitted at grants@valleyair.org. Growers who would like to speak with Tarango directly may contact him at aaron.tarango@valleyair.org or (559) 230-5873.

    NRCS programs have broad reach

    Similar to the District, NRCS offers two programs to help growers achieve and maintain their growing goals. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) helps participants cover the cost of planning and installing conservation practices. The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) offers additional opportunities for those already meeting a baseline level of stewardship. Projects might include improving irrigation systems, planting a cover crop for bees or soil health, or integrating better pest management systems. Growers can apply at any time of the year for either program.

    In addition, growers who have participated in the Market Facilitation Program or in the new Coronavirus Food Assistance Program – both of which are provided via USDA’s Farm Service Agency – have a leg up in filling out NRCS applications as their confidential information is accessible to the NRCS. This means that during the application process, growers have already completed the first step in qualifying for the NRCS incentive program because of the eligibility for other USDA programs.

    Ted Strauss is NRCS’s air quality resource conservationist for California. He said the NRCS programs target a range of environmental issues, from air to soil health to water quality.

    “Our primary role is conservation planning,” he said. “Participation is totally voluntary and always confidential. We’re not a regulatory body.”

    For growers, EQIP funding can be used to help replace a diesel-powered piece of equipment, with incentives based off horsepower and ranging from $325.61 to $507.17 per horsepower. That amount translates to $32,000 for a 100hp tractor or $114,000 for a 200hp tractor, Strauss said. The same rates apply to all self-propelled equipment.

    In addition, almond growers who hire out their harvesting each year can collect $39.98 per acre for up to three years if low-dust harvesting equipment is used.

    “Some producers have used those funds to purchase their own equipment, which is great because it helps with permanent reduction of emissions,” Strauss said. “So even if you don’t own the equipment currently being replaced, you’re still a good candidate for this program.”

    Like the air district, NRCS offers CSP incentive funds to growers who find alternatives to burning old trees, providing $238.36 per acre if the chips are sent to a biomass power plant or $766.94 per acre if the chips are recycled back into the soil, used for animal bedding or applied as mulch on another piece of ag land.

    NRCS also provides EQIP incentives ranging from $3,238.13 to $39,734 to replace motors on pumps. Funds are also available to help treat unpaved roads with lignin derivatives, oil or polymer emulsions.

    More information on NRCS’s CSP may be found on this handout and growers can submit applications year-round at local USDA service centers. Those looking to speak with Strauss may reach him at ted.strauss@usda.gov or (559) 490-5129. — Article Courtesy of the Almond Board of California

  • Almond Board of California 2020 Election Results

    The Almond Board of California has released election results for the Board of Directors positions whose terms of office will run from August 1, 2020 through July 31, 2021. The names of the following nominees have been submitted to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture for selection:

    Independent Grower:

    Member Position One (one-year term):          

    Paul Ewing, Los Banos

    Alternate Position One:

    Joe Gardiner, Earlimart                                 

    Independent Handler:

    Member Position One (three-year term):

    Alexi Rodriguez, Caruthers

    Alternate Position One:

    Ron Fisher, Modesto

    Member Position Three (one-year term):           

    Darren Rigg, Le Grand            

    Alternate Position Two:

    Chad DeRose, McFarland

    Cooperative Grower:

    Member Position One (three-year term):

    George Goshgarian Jr., Fowler

    Alternate Position One:

    Christine Gemperle, Ceres

    Cooperative Handler:

    Member Position Two (three-year term):

    Bill Morecraft, Sacramento

    Alternate Position Two:

    Alicia Rockwell, Sacramento

    ABOUT THE ALMOND BOARD OF CALIFORNIA

    Almonds from California are a healthy, natural, wholesome and quality food. The Almond Board of California promotes almonds with a research-based approach to responsible farming, production and marketing on behalf of the more than 7,600 almond growers and processors in California, many of whom have third- and fourth-generation family operations. Established in 1950 and based in Modesto, California, the Almond Board of California is a non-profit organization that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture. For more information on the Almond Board of California or almonds, visit Almonds.com or check out California Almonds on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the California Almonds blog.

  • Almond Board of California 2020 Election Underway

    Voting will begin April 29 to select one independent grower member and alternate position and two independent handler member and alternate positions on the Almond Board of California (ABC) Board of Directors. These positions will serve terms beginning on August 1, 2020.

    Candidates for the independent grower position are:

    Position One, Member (One-year term): Position One, Alternate:

    Paul Ewing, Los Banos (petitioner) Joe Gardiner, Earlimart (petitioner)

    Louie Ott, Modesto (petitioner) Brad Klump, Escalon (petitioner)

    Mike Mason, Wasco (petitioner)

    Candidates for the independent handler positions are:

    Position One, Member (Three-year term): Position One, Alternate:

    Terry Boone, Modesto (petitioner) Ron Fisher, Modesto (incumbent)

    Alexi Rodriguez, Caruthers (petitioner)

    Micah Zeff, Modesto (petitioner)

    Position Three, Member (One-year term): Position Three, Alternate:

    Jonathan Hoff, Denair (petitioner) Chad DeRose, McFarland (petitioner)

    Darren Rigg, Le Grand (petitioner) Dave Phippen, Manteca (petitioner)

    Ballots and instructions have been mailed to all independent growers whose names are on file with ABC. The Almond Board must receive ballots by May 27, 2020, for them to be counted. If an independent grower or a handler does not receive a ballot, one may be obtained by contacting ABC’s Bunnie Ibrahim, senior analyst, Government Affairs, at (209) 343-3228.

    As a governing body for the industry, the ABC Board of Directors is comprised of five handler and five grower representatives who set policy and recommend budgets in several major areas including production research, public relations and advertising, nutrition research, statistical reporting, quality control and food safety.

    About the Almond Board of California
    Almonds from California are a healthy, natural, wholesome and quality food. The Almond Board of California promotes almonds with a research-based approach to responsible farming, production and marketing on behalf of the more than 7,600 almond growers and processors in California, many of whom have third- and fourth-generation family operations. Established in 1950 and based in Modesto, California, the Almond Board of California is a non-profit organization that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture. For more information on the Almond Board of California or almonds, visit Almonds.com or check out California Almonds on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the California Almonds blog. – Article and photo courtesy of the Almond Board of California