The Almond Board of California retained Russell Reynolds Associates, a leading global executive search and leadership advisory firm, as the exclusive search firm to aid the transition to a new president and CEO. Current President and CEO Richard Waycott informed the Almond Board of California (ABC) Board of Directors that after 21 years he plans to step away from his ABC responsibilities at the end of 2023 to pursue other interests.
An ABC search committee led by Board Chair Alexi Rodriguez retained Russell Reynolds Associates to help in the national CEO search. The firm has more than 50 years of experience working with public, private and nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and around the globe. Individuals interested in applying are invited to submit a curriculum vitae and brief explanation of interest in electronic form to almondboard@russellreynolds.com. Inquiries and nominations should also be sent to that email address.
“This is an exceptional leadership opportunity for the right executive to serve the more than 7,600 growers and 100-plus handlers who have made almonds one of California’s largest crops,” Rodriguez said. “We are excited to see where our search will lead.”
About the Almond Board of California
California almonds make life better by what we grow and how we grow. The Almond Board of California promotes natural, wholesome and quality almonds through leadership in strategic market development, innovative research and accelerated adoption of industry best practices on behalf of the more than 7,600 almond farmers and processors in California, most of whom are multi-generational family operations. The Almond Board of California is a non-profit organization that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It was established in 1950 and is based in Modesto, CA. For more about the Almond Board or California almonds, visit Almonds.com.
Two experts – one with a background in nutrition research; the other in pest management – have joined the Almond Board of California’s Research and Innovation team.
As the associate director of nutrition research, Elena Hemler has been working on a new process to prioritize which research projects the Almond Board funds based on the marketing potential and the nutrition relevance of the topics.
As a senior pest management specialist, Lauren Fann has been busy familiarizing herself on the research that has been conducted in the almond industry and looking beyond almonds for solutions to emerging problems such as plant bugs.
Elena Hemler will serve as associate director of nutrition research at the Almond Board of California (image courtesy of the Almond Board of California)
Hemler is based in Boston. She comes to the Almond Board after having worked in healthcare technology and conducting nutrition research at the Harvard School of Public Health. She was attracted to the Almond Board because of its long track record of investing in nutrition research studies in areas such as heart health, weight management, immunity and skin care.
“I’ve always been very interested in the large body of research on the health benefits of almonds,” Hemler said. “I was familiar with ABC when I worked in academia and was always impressed with ABC’s reputation for funding high-quality research.”
Hemler grew up in the Boston area. In her spare time, she and her partner Jacob enjoy hiking, biking and camping in the mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire.
Fann works out of the Almond Board’s Modesto office. Prior to the ABC, she was a graduate research assistant at the University of Kentucky, where she completed her PhD in Entomology. Her research was focused on integrated pest management strategies of the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, in small acreage and organic vegetable systems.
One of Fann’s goals at the Almond Board is to help develop effective new tactics that growers can use to expand their sustainable pest management options. She embraces the opportunity to help growers, PCAs and researchers meet the changing needs of the industry.
“In a similar way that insects are often misunderstood or underappreciated, I want to help growers find the tools that work and change the narrative, highlighting the positive impacts of the almond industry.”
Fann is a native of the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas. When she’s not at work, she enjoys traveling and hiking, often with her dog Dylan. — By the Almond Board of California
Two new research studies with almonds, one conducted over three days and the other over three months, demonstrated benefits to blood sugar control for Asian Indians with prediabetes and overweight/obesity – and the three-month almond intervention broke new ground, reversing prediabetes, or glucose intolerance, to normal blood sugar levels in nearly one quarter (23.3%) of the people studied.
Both studies were randomized controlled trials funded by the Almond Board of California. The researchers hypothesized that the almond snack before major meals, known as “preloading,” would reduce glucose and insulin fluctuations after meals and reduce overall hyperglycemia compared to the control diet. The findings complement the breadth of research on different populations on how almonds support healthy blood sugar as part of a balanced diet.
“Results from our studies indicate almonds might be a key differentiator in helping regulate blood glucose levels as part of a dietary strategy. These results showcase that the simple addition of a small portion of almonds before each meal can quickly and drastically improve glycemic control in Asian Indians in India with prediabetes in just three days. Eating 20 g of almonds 30 minutes before an oral glucose load showed a significant decrease in blood sugar and hormones. Almonds’ nutritional makeup of fiber, monounsaturated fats, zinc, and magnesium work together to help provide better glycemic control and reduce hunger,” said lead author Dr. Anoop Misra, Professor and Chairman, Fortis-C-DOC Centre of Excellence for Diabetes, Metabolic Diseases, and Endocrinology (New Delhi). “Our outcomes provide a promising dietary strategy for reducing prediabetes progression and returning people to normal glucose regulation.”
His collaborators agree. “In view of the increasing prevalence of diabetes, dietary strategies like consuming almonds 30 minutes before major meals offers a good option to decrease the spike in blood glucose levels after meals,” said Dr. Seema Gulati, head, Nutrition Research Group, National Diabetes, Obesity, and Cholesterol Foundation.
The longer-term study:
This three-month longer-term study was with overweight or obese Asian Indian adults who had prediabetes. Participants were randomized into either the almond treatment group or into the control group, and both were provided with diet and exercise counseling as well as home-use glucometers to measure their glucose levels, which were recorded in diaries along with dietary intake and exercise.
Study measures comprised a variety of anthropometrics: body weight; circumferences of waists, hips, and arms; skinfolds of customary locations of the body; and body fat estimates. Biochemical measures included insulin, blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, C-peptide, glucagon, proinsulin, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and lipids.
Eating 20 g (0.7 oz) almonds ahead of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, for three months resulted in first-of-its kind statistically significant reductions for the treatment group in body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, skinfold tests for shoulder and hip areas, as well as improved handgrip strength. Similarly, reductions were seen for fasting glucose, postprandial insulin, hemoglobin A1c, proinsulin, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and very low-density lipoprotein. Importantly, no changes occurred with beneficial HDL-cholesterol, meaning this cardioprotective lipid was maintained despite other observed biochemical alterations.
These substantial metabolic improvements led to nearly one-fourth (23.3%) of the prediabetes study participants returning to normal blood glucose regulation. These findings are meaningful for global public health given the prevalence of diabetes, the troubling rates of progression from prediabetes to diabetes, and are specifically relevant to Asian Indians in India who are disproportionately impacted because of their greater tendency to progress from prediabetes to diabetes.
Researchers think the nutrients in almonds may play a role in the observed health benefits from this study. “The natural combination of monounsaturated fatty acids and soluble fiber could be responsible for the positive metabolic outcomes,” Dr. Misra said. “Almonds may slow stomach emptying, which could help people ingest less food and fewer calories to promote weight management, which is important in helping reverse the course of prediabetes back to normal blood sugar regulation.”
While the results are extremely promising, the researchers noted some limitations, including the relatively small sample size and limited period of intervention. They also noted that the study included Asian Indians who had well-controlled prediabetes, and the researchers cannot extrapolate the same impact of a premeal load of almonds in participants with type 2 diabetes. Including participants with poorly controlled metabolic states as well as those with diabetes could be useful.
The short-term study:
Part 1: One Day Oral Glucose Tolerance Testing (OGTT): Participants were first divided into two groups of 30. The first group consumed a 20 g (0.7 oz) portion of almonds. The second group received no almonds and both groups were given an OGTT.
Part 2: Three-Day Blood Glucose Monitoring: Using a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS), researchers compared the glycemic effects of preloading three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) with 20 g (0.7 oz) of almonds for three consecutive days in 60 participants, with the participants who received no preloading of almonds.
Upon conclusion of the short-term study, researchers found that indicators for hyperglycemia, such as blood glucose, serum insulin, glucagon, and C-peptide (only OGTT results) were lower for the almond group versus the control group. There was an 18.05% decrease in PPBG levels, indicating improved regulation of glycemic responses among the almond consumers.
Results from the continual glucose monitoring system showed statistically significant improvement in glucose variability over the first 24 hours in the almond group, indicating appropriate glucose control. Specifically, PPHG levels were lowered by 10.07% in the almond group compared to control. Additionally, treatment with premeal almond loading significantly improved several indicators that reflect daily glycemic control compared to the control group: lower mean 24-hour blood glucose concentration, less time spent above an elevated blood glucose level of 140 mg/dL, lower peak 24-hour glucose levels, decreased post-prandial blood glucose levels, lower minimum glucose levels at night, and lower overall hyperglycemia.
Limitations of the short-term study include a limited period of intervention with a smaller sample size comprising people with prediabetes. Also, nutritional intervention studies can trigger behavioral changes in both groups as the participants are made aware of their risk during the recruitment process and were given dietary instruction prior to the study. Further research is needed to investigate the effects of almond preloading consumption on the same measures in different ethnicities and in individuals with diabetes and normal body weights to be able to provide broader recommendations.
In summary, with both studies, Dr. Misra and colleagues found that study participants who ate 20g (0.7oz) of almonds 30 minutes before a meal showed significant improvements in glycemic control compared to not eating almonds before meals over three months. Almonds can be part of a nutritious dietary solution offering good potential for the reversal of prediabetes to normal glucose regulation in some Asian Indians and therefore potentially prevent or delay the development of diabetes in people with prediabetes.
A one-ounce (28 g) serving of almonds provides 4 g (14% DV) fiber and 15 essential nutrients, including: 77 mg (20% DV) magnesium, 210 mg (4% DV) potassium, and 7.27 mg (50% DV) vitamin E, making them a perfect nutrient-rich snack for those with impaired glucose tolerance or type 2 diabetes. — Article by the Almond Board of California
In effort to improve area-wide management of navel orangeworm, the number one pest of the California tree nut industry, the Almond Board of California has launched a new website to help growers and PCAs coordinate/collaborate on mating disruption efforts. Funded by a grant from the California DPR, the Almond Board has created this new online tool with support from Land IQ, Blue Diamond Growers, and the UC Cooperative Extension. Watch this video interview with Jesse Roseman and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.
Elections for the Almond Board of California (ABC) Board of Directors have launched for the 2023-2024 crop year with the call to all candidates to file their petitions or declarations of candidacy by April 1, 2023.
The industry will choose for one independent grower position and two independent handler positions on the ABC Board of Directors in voting that starts April 21 and ends May 25. Alternate seats for those spots are also open, plus a second grower alternate seat, currently empty, is also up for election.
To be considered for an independent grower or alternate seat, candidates must be a grower and must submit a petition signed by at least 15 independent almond growers (as verified by ABC). Independent handler and alternate candidates must declare their intention in writing to ABC.
All details, documents, open positions, the election timeline and deadlines, and frequently asked questions can be found at Almonds.com/Elections. All petitions and declarations must state the position for which the candidate is running and be sent to abcbodelections@almondboard.com or printed and mailed to ABC, 1150 9th St., Suite 1500, Modesto, CA 95354. The deadline for all filings is April 1. Potential candidates who’d like more information can contact ABC at abcbodelections@almondboard.com.
“The ABC Board of Directors is tremendously important to the success of our industry,” said ABC President and CEO Richard Waycott. “More than 7,600 growers and 100 handlers count on them to guide the work of the Almond Board and to help the industry navigate these complicated times.”
The ABC board sets policy and recommends budgets in major areas, including marketing, production research, public relations and advertising, nutrition research, statistical reporting, quality control and food safety.
Getting involved provides an opportunity to help shape the future of the almond industry and to help guide ABC in its mission to promote California almonds to domestic and international audiences through marketing efforts, funding and promoting studies about almonds’ health benefits, and ensuring best-of-class agricultural practices and food safety.
ABC encourages eligible women, minorities and people with disabilities to consider running for a position on the Board of Directors to reflect the diversity of the industry it serves.
Are you considering fumigating your soil soon? California regulations are changing and there are some things growers should know about, and consider getting involved in the conversation. Watch this brief interview with Gabriele Ludwig from the Almond Board of California for more information.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.
Meeting with the Chair of the Almond Board of California, watch this brief interview with Alexi Rodriguez as she shares what they are doing to grow the worldwide demand for California almonds. Read more about it in the December issue of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.
The California almond industry relies heavily on the export market, and navigating logistical challenges and trade barriers has become quite complicated in recent years. Watch this brief interview with Julie Adams from the Almond Board of California as she shares their role and progress in keeping the exports flowing. Read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.
California’s almond acreage decreased for the first time in more than 25 years, according to a new report from Land IQ to the Almond Board of California (ABC). Total standing acreage as of Aug. 31 was estimated at 1.64 million acres, compared with 1.66 million acres at the same time in 2021. Bearing acres – orchards producing almonds and planted in 2019 or earlier – increased slightly to 1.34 million from 1.31 million last year. But non-bearing acres – new plantings going back to 2020 but not yet bearing almonds – dropped to 294,000 acres from 353,000 acres in 2021.
In addition, the Land IQ 2022 Standing Acreage and Removed Acreage Final Estimate said approximately 30,000 acres are either classified as stressed or abandoned. They were included in the standing acreage total because the orchards “may have the ability to recover,” Land IQ said.
Removed orchards contributed to the drop in total acreage and continued a trend from 2021. Total orchard acreage removed was about 60,400 acres as of Aug. 31 this year compared with 56,900 removed acres in 2021.
“Land IQ’s report may indicate a possible trend towards lower California almond acreage in the year ahead,” said Richard Waycott, ABC president and CEO. “This acreage estimate was based on data collected through Aug. 31, so it does not reflect any additional removals that may have occurred as the harvest and post-harvest seasons progressed this fall. Those data will be incorporated in the next acreage estimate to be published in April 2023.”
The estimate comes from multiple lines of evidence, including extensive examinations on the ground and advanced remote sensing analytics. Land IQ said the 2022 standing acreage estimate is 98.8 percent accurate.
Land IQ’s Final Acreage Estimate in November, along with USDA-NASS’s April Acreage Report, May’s Subjective Estimate and the Objective Report in July are all commissioned by ABC to provide statistical transparency and a robust picture of California almonds to industry stakeholders around the world.
In 2018, ABC first commissioned Land IQ, a Sacramento-based agricultural and environmental scientific research and consulting firm, to develop a comprehensive, living map of California almonds. The map is the result of more than a decade of research. — Caption: Photo Courtesy of the Almond Board of California
After undoubtedly one of the most difficult years almond growers have faced in decades, Almond Board of California (ABC) president and CEO, Richard Waycott, and Board of Directors chair, Alexi Rodriguez, discussed the reality of current industry challenges, while offering hope and a plan of action during the State of the Almond Industry presentation at the 50th annual Almond Conference.
Between water scarcity, high product carry-in, logistical and supply chain issues, and rising interest rates, the almond community’s resiliency was certainly tested over the past 12 months, and “the combination has created this perfect storm that’s really had a profound impact on our industry,” Rodriguez said.
To provide an overview of current supply and demand trends, David Magaña, senior analyst at RaboResearch Food and Agribusiness, reiterated that almonds are becoming an increasingly popular product among consumers. While this development is certainly welcomed, inflation is also the highest in four decades, pinching the pockets of consumers, driving up production costs for growers and increasing costs throughout the supply chain.
Reassuringly, experts predict demand-driven inflation will subside within the next two years, and because container shortages have diminished, transportation logistics are improving, Magaña explained.
Almond Acreage and Production Down
It’s no secret that production numbers for the current harvest year are estimated to decrease and acreage numbers have decreased for the first time in more than a quarter of a century. However, Bryce Spycher, ABC senior manager of marketing order services stated that as a whole, we continue to see massive increases by the millions about every nine years.
So, where are all these pounds going? Spycher explained that 70% of all production is exported to more than 100 different countries, while 30% is consumed domestically. In recent years, there’s been a spike in domestic consumption, he said, particularly in mechanically-altered almonds – sliced, diced, blanched or otherwise not in-shell.
Partnering to Combat Issues
The Almond Board is fortunate to have a unique partnership with the Almond Alliance of California, which advocates on behalf of the industry in public policy arenas. Under the leadership of president and CEO Aubrey Bettencourt, the Alliance’s commitment to supply chain issues has leveraged relationships with five major carriers in negotiating how product can move faster and more efficiently across all ports.
Almond Alliance CEO Aubrey Bettencourt and ABC Chair Alexi Rodriguez discuss the efforts to address challenges facing the industry.
Additionally, the Alliance has partnered with Western United Dairies and the California Department of Water Resources to roll out LandFlex, a drought relief program providing farmers with compliance resources related to the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA).
“We are not done as an industry, and we have a lot of room to grow,” Bettencourt said. “It’s a tough time but let me tell you, don’t confuse vision and direction to turn obstacles into opportunity and that’s what we’re going to do.”
Strategizing to Meet Challenges
With a changing industry comes a changing strategy, particularly in exploring untapped audiences. To be proactive, Rodriguez explained the newest cross-functional project in the works. Titled “Thea,” this tool will help predict, plan and strategize ABC’s foundation of activities over the next 10-15 years.
Waycott also introduced how the team at ABC shifted its focus to promote almonds in unconventional outlets including March Madness, Marvel Studios, Sanremo Music Festival, Tmall – a Chinese e-commerce website – the well-known gaming platform called Twitch, and they’ve even explored efforts within the Metaverse.
Other marketing campaigns designed to focus on the health and beauty benefits of almonds continue to be successful in India and Asia – two of ABC’s most profitable regions. The Almond Board has also made it a priority to tell all aspects of the industry’s story, with touchpoints in carbon, water and zero waste. In doing so, they’ve partnered with media outlets including the New York Times, Atlantic Magazine, Men’s Health and Women’s Healthto drive these messages to new audiences.
When it comes to developing relationships with the U.S. government and importers, it is not a “one size fits all” situation, as each importer has an individual set of technical, sustainable, and environmental expectations, explained Julie Adams, ABC vice president of technical and regulatory affairs, and Jonathan Hoff, chair of the Technical and Regulatory Affairs committee. As a result, Adams discussed the retooling of the California Almond Stewardship Platform, an integration of research, education and self-assessment resources to help growers and handlers address consumer demands.
ABC’s Vice President of Technical and Regulatory Affairs Julie Adams, and Chair of the Technical and Regulatory Affairs Committee Jonathan Hoff discuss the regulatory work going on behind the scenes in the almond industry.
The team at ABC also concepted new ways to be smart water users and utilize all four viable products coming from the orchard: the nut, shell, hull and woody biomass. From nutritional bars to coffee made from hulls, Lewis reiterated, “it isn’t just one gallon per nut; look at all the things you get with a handful of almonds.”
While hardships still loom over the industry, a silver lining lies in the struggle of it all – the opportunity to learn, grow and innovate from these experiences.
“While it’s going take a little bit of time, I’m confident that the work we’re currently engaged in will help aid the industry as we move through these difficult times,” Rodriguez concluded. — By the Almond Board of California
