It appears that aflatoxin will not be the only naturally occurring mold sabotaging pistachio shipments destined for the European Union. The EU is proposing a new MRL regulation on Ochratoxin A in pistachio imports to go into effect January 1, 2023. But what is Ochratoxin A and what should the pistachio industry know about this? Watch this brief interview with Thomas Jones from the Safe Food Alliance as he explains. Read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Trece for their industry support.
As the US Pistachio industry continues to ramp up in production, global marketing efforts have never been more critical to keep demand ahead of supply. Watch this brief interview with Judy Hirigoyen from American Pistachio Growers as she shares how American Pistachio Growers is leading the charge.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Trece for their industry support.
American Pistachio Growers gathered in record numbers recently for their annual conference in Carlsbad, CA.
Watch this brief interview with Richard Matoian, President of American Pistachio Growers as he shares highlights, and how the record attendance is also a reflection of the growth of the industry and new heights in pistachio acreage and production being reached.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Trece for their industry support.
Despite drought conditions and other challenges facing California agriculture, pistachio growers delivered another record high crop — even with it being considered an ‘off year’ for production trends. Watch this brief interview with Richard Matoian, President of American Pistachio Growers as he explains.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.
Growers finally got to meet American Pistachio Growers’ (APG) new Director of Government Relations, Cadee Condit in-person at the recent APG Summer Luncheon in Visalia, CA. Watch this brief interview with Cadee as she introduces herself and talks about APG’s current priorities on the legislative front. Read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.
Despite continued pandemic, trade and logistical issues, American Pistachio Growers President Richard Matoian shared at their annual Summer Luncheon that pistachio shipments are up, which is critical for the success of this growing commodity. Watch this brief interview with Richard as he explains, and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.
Just how “off” of an off-year do we expect the California pistachio crop to be this season? Obviously factors of drought and increasing bearing acreage will play major roles in the outcome of this year’s harvest, but watch this brief interview with APG President Richard Matoian as he shares the crop forecast. Read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.
Traditional navel orangeworm monitoring tools have proven less effective in the presence of mating disruption technology in the orchard. Watch this brief video with UC IPM Advisor Jhalendra Rijal as he addresses the issue and shares about some new technology that can help growers more effectively monitor this tree nut pest. Read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Trece for their industry support.
American Pistachio Growers (APG) today announced to its members that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has now included pistachios in the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). The official notice, which is expected to be published in the Federal Register on or about August 14, 2020, states that pistachios are among 20 additional agricultural crops in the U.S. that will receive direct payments under CFAP Category 1 due to commodities experiencing a 5 percent or greater price decline between January 15, 2020 and April 15, 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to making pistachios eligible for direct payments under Category 1, USDA has also increased the payment rate under CFAP Category 2, which is for sales losses for pistachios due to product that spoiled in the marketing channel, or due to the loss of the marketing channel. Increased payments under Category 2 apply to product that was actually shipped from the point of origin.
“As a grower, we know and feel the effects directly when prices decline. This program provides the support needed by farmers during this difficult time we are all currently experiencing,” said Brian Watte, Chair of APG’s Board of Directors. “
American Pistachio Growers Chairman Brian Watte with his son Matthew Watte in their pistachio orchard
Pistachios were not initially included in the CFAP direct grower payment program, but through the concerted efforts of APG’s Washington, D.C. lobbying firm and numerous conference calls placed by APG representatives to officials within USDA to provide them with accurate sales data, pistachios are now included in the Category 1 list.
“We’re pleased that USDA took the effort to review all sales data on pistachios, particularly exports which have seen declines as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic experienced on a global basis,” said APG President Richard Matoian.
Pistachio growers can access the necessary forms at www.farmers.gov/CFAP. Matoian explained that growers will be working through their local Farm Service Agency office to submit the forms for direct payment. Growers are advised to call (877) 508-8364 to begin the application process. For growers who applied for and were paid for CFAP prior to Category 1 eligibility being granted should not submit a new application, but rather should contact their FSA office to amend the application. Importantly, USDA has announced that the application deadline has been extended to September 11, 2020.
Pistachio Bushy Top Syndrome, New Mexico State University
On May 31, the United States Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency (USDA-FSA) State Committee approved pistachio Bushy Top Syndrome as a natural disaster, thereby allowing pistachios to be included in USDA’s Tree Assistance Program (TAP).
This means that eligible growers affected by the Bushy Top Syndrome could receive government assistance for the replacement of their affected trees. The program will be implemented in Fall of 2018 and will be retroactive to 2012.
Growers from all states affected by Bushy Top Syndrome will be allowed to participate. Like a number of other Federal programs, TAP participation has a number of restrictions, including participation limited to entities with adjusted gross income below the federal cap of $900,000; and cost reimbursement only for the removal and replanting costs of the affected trees, not for the trees themselves.
American Pistachio Growers (APG) has been diligently working on this issue for over a year attempting to qualify pistachios for this Federal program. We will keep you updated as more details are released. This is a significant victory for our industry and it was accomplished through the perseverance of APG and our ongoing federal lobbying effort.
