California Ag Network

Tag: USDA NASS

  • CA Tomato Processors Expect To Contract 12.4 Million Tons In 2023

    As of January, California’s tomato processors reported they have, or will have, contracts for 12.4 million tons in 2023, which is an increase of 18% compared to 10.5 million contracted tons forecast in the August 2022 California Processing Tomato Report. Processors estimate that the contracted production for 2023 will come from 248,000 acres, generating an average yield of 50.0 tons per acre. The contracted planted acreage forecast is 8% higher than the 2022 acreage of 229,000 reported under contract in August.

    The USDA-NASS Pacific Regional Office surveyed California’s tomato processors for their intended contract acreage and tonnage for the upcoming 2023 season. The data reported by processors was either tonnage with derived acreage, or acreage with derived tonnage.

    This early processing tomato estimate is funded by the California League of Food Producers.

  • CA Almond Acreage Drops for the First Time in Decades

    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

  • Almond Acreage Increases in 2022 but Pace of Growth Slows

    Almond Board of California — California’s almond acreage continues to grow, but at a gradually slowing rate, according to two new reports. While the number of almond orchards removed also increased over the previous year, it was not enough to offset the overall acreage gains.

    According to an estimate from Land IQ, bearing almond orchards at harvest will cover 1.338 million acres across California, an increase of 29,000 acres – or about 2.2% – over last year. This estimate looks at orchards that will be productive and harvested in 2022. In addition, the report estimates 59,732 acres of orchards will be removed before harvest, nearly 12,000 acres more than last year.

    These estimates from Land IQ’s 2022 Standing Acreage Initial Estimate look at bearing acreage – orchards that have matured enough to produce a crop – for the current 2021-22 crop year. In addition, the U.S. Department of Agriculture-National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA-NASS) 2021 California Almond Acreage Report released today gives a comprehensive look at last year.

    The USDA-NASS report for the 2020-21 crop year estimated there were 1.32 million bearing acres in 2021, up 5.6 percent from 2020. Total almond acreage in 2021, which includes non-bearing trees, was estimated at 1.64 million, up 2.5 percent from the previous year. It also said the 320,000 non-bearing acres in 2021 is a total down 8.6% from 2020.

    The USDA-NASS report gave a preliminary estimate for bearing acreage in 2022 at 1.37 million acres, but cautioned that a major source of data for this estimate is a survey mailed to growers and is unlikely to be 100 percent accurate.

    USDA-NASS said nonpareil continued to be the leading variety, followed by Monterey, Butte, Carmel, and Independence.

    These reports are being issued side by side by the Almond Board of California (ABC) to provide a complete picture of California’s almond acreage.

    Neither of these reports offer any estimate on the actual almond yield this 2021-22 crop year. The first look at yield will come on May 12 with USDA-NASS’ Subjective Estimate. A fuller picture of crop size will come with USDA-NASS’ Objective Report in July.

    Bearing acres reflect plantings from 2019 or earlier. The removal estimates cover orchards taken out beginning in 2021 through March 31, 2022, added to acreage projected to be removed through Aug. 31, the end of the crop year. The projection uses historical data and present conditions.

    “These estimates show that California almond production will remain strong,” said ABC President and CEO Richard Waycott. “Demand for almonds in California, the U.S. and around the globe continues to grow and California almond growers are prepared to meet that demand.”

    Land IQ’s Initial Estimate and its 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 nearly a decade of research and has an accuracy of 98% or greater.

    Data for USDA-NASS’s acreage reports comes from a number of sources including voluntary responses from almond growers’ to mailed questionnaires with telephone and field follow-ups. USDA-NASS also uses Land IQ data to fine tune its reports.

  • California’s Vegetable Value Down 15% from 2020

    The value of California’s 2021 utilized vegetable production dropped 15% to $7.24 billion compared to 2020’s value of $8.55 billion according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, Pacific Regional Field Office.

    Despite the decrease in state’s overall total value of utilized production, crops showing an increase included asparagus, snap beans, cabbage, celery, cucumbers, garlic, honeydews, onions, chile peppers, pumpkins and tomatoes.

    California fresh market and processing vegetable growers harvested 920,800 acres of principal vegetable crops in 2021, up 1% from 2020. Utilized production totaled 404 million hundred weight down 6% from 2020’s 428 million hundred weight.

    California leads the nation in vegetable production, accounting for over 40% of the U.S. vegetable acreage.

    USDA NASS recently posted the Vegetables 2021 Summary for vegetables grown during the 2021 crop year in California and across the U.S. The report includes survey data collected for acreage, production, marketing year price and value collected on an annual basis for 26 vegetable and melon crops in the U.S. Questionnaire content, survey timetables, and survey administration are state specific. Data are gathered by telephone interviews, mail, faxed, and online reporting.

    For a copy of the full report, visit Vegetables 2021 Summary. Below are comments for crops where The Golden State is the largest producer.

    Artichokes: Total California production in 2021 totaled 833 thousand cwt, up 9% from 2020. Planted area was estimated at 4,900 acres, down 4% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 4,900 acres, was down 4% from 2020. The value of the crop totaled $57.5 million, 10% below the previous season. Utilized production totaled 833 thousand cwt, all of which was for the fresh market.

    Despite artichokes in the Coachella region getting off to a late start due to the desert heat, the plants flourished and were very productive. In the primary growing region of the Central Coast, cool winter weather and pest pressures reduced early supplies, but better spring weather allowed the crop to recover with good quality and excellent production.

    Broccoli: Total California production in 2021 totaled 12.3 million cwt, down 14% from 2020. Planted area was estimated at 95,000 acres, up 6% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 94,500 acres, was also up 6% from 2020. The value of the crop totaled $631 million, 19% less than the previous year. Utilized production totaled 12.3 million cwt, of which 11.8 million cwt was for the fresh market and 22.7 thousand tons for processing.

    Broccoli prices increased as cooler weather in growing areas limited supplies. Crown quality was very good. Brown bead, hollow core, and yellowing were reported to be minor issues.

    Cabbage: Total California production in 2021 totaled 5.40 million cwt, down 8% from 2020. Planted area was estimated at 14,800 acres, down 2 % from the previous year. Area harvested, at 14,600 acres, was up 2% from 2020. The value of the crop totaled $155 million, 5% more than the previous season. Utilized production totaled 5.40 million cwt.

    Weather during planting in the fall of 2020 and through head development in 2021 was favorable. No significant pathogen impact on the crop was reported. Demand for cabbage was on the rise with consumer interest in health benefits during the continuing pandemic. Weather conditions were a mixture of dry and wet conditions during the season in most of the cabbage producing areas.

    Cantaloupes: Total California production in 2021 totaled 6.90 million cwt, down 4% from 2020. Planted areas was estimated at 23,500 acres, up 7% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 23,400 acres, up 7% from 2020. The value of the crop total was $163 million, a decrease of 11% from previous year. The utilized production was 6.90 million cwt, all of which was for the fresh market.

    Production of cantaloupes was strongly impacted by higher input costs, including water.

    Carrots: Total California production in 2021 totaled 25.2 million cwt, up 2% from 2020. Planted area was estimated at 61,700 acres, an increase of 2% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 61,400 acres, is also up 2% from 2020. The value of the crop totaled $654 million, 5% less than the previous year. Utilized production totaled 25.1 million cwt.

    The rise in the pandemic led to a surge in carrot demand, resulting in an increase in prices and labor costs. The market was steady with good supplies; growers saw jumbo and cello size in the fields. In the southern San Joaquin and Cuyama Valleys, the top carrot producing counties in California, growers reported severe drought conditions, limiting water supplies in 2021.

    Cauliflower: Total California production in 2021 totaled 7.07 million cwt, down 11% from the previous year. Planted area was estimated at 39,400 acres, up 6% from 2020. Area harvested, at 39,300 acres, was up 7% from the previous year. The value of the crop totaled $266 million, 2% less than the previous season. Utilized production also totaled 7.07 million cwt.

    Prices received by growers improved. Cooler weather slowed growth, resulting in lighter volume, but quality remained strong with good sizing and color

    Celery: Total California production in 2021 totaled 15.3 million cwt, a decrease of 5% from 2020. Planted area was estimated at 28,000 acres, down 4% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 27,800 acres, showed a decrease of 3% from the previous year. The value of the crop totaled $375 million, up 5% from previous year. Utilized production for 2021 totaled 15.3 million cwt, down 5% from 2020.

    Cold and wet weather slowed production during the end of the year. Some growers in the Oxnard area reported crop damage due to flooding and a canal breach. Additionally, fusarium and insects caused reduced yields for some producers. The market was tight for organic celery during a portion of the 2021 growing season.

    Garlic: Total California production in 2021 totaled 4.19 million cwt, an increase of 18% from 2020. Planted area was estimated at 26,500 acres, up 12% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 26,200 acres, also showed an increase of 11% from 2020. The value of the crop totaled $244 million, up slightly from the 2020 value of $242 million. Utilized production also totaled 4.19 million cwt.

    Despite the minimal water availability and the extreme heat, the garlic crop was above average. Moisture received in April was beneficial and the crop was able to survive the hot temperatures

    Honeydew: Total California production in 2021 totaled 1.76 million cwt, down 20% from 2020. Planted area and harvested area were both estimated at 6,900 acres, down 4% from the previous year. The value of the crop totaled $48.9 million, up 7% from the previous season. All production was sold for the fresh market.

    Higher input costs, including water, reduced supply of honeydew melons. Consumer demand increased, which resulted in higher prices than the previous season.

    Head lettuce: Total California production in 2021 totaled 24.9 million cwt, down 11% from 2020. Planted area was estimated at 76,000 acres, up 3% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 75,400 acres, was also up 3% from 2020. The value of the crop totaled $728 million, 19% less than the previous season. All utilized production was sold for the fresh market.

    The head lettuce market was steady while supply remained low. Labor, weather, and quality were concerns throughout the growing season. High temperatures and humidity in the Salinas Valley during July and August caused stress for some of the crop, which resulted in internal burn and fog burn. There were also reports of below freezing temperatures causing harvesting and packing delays.

    Leaf lettuce: Total California production in 2021 totaled 10.2 million cwt, down 23% from 2020. Planted area was estimated at 50,000 acres, down 6% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 49,700 acres, was 4% lower than 2020. The value of the crop totaled $532 million, 44% less than the previous season. Utilized production was all sold for the fresh market.

    Production of leaf lettuce continued to trend downward as the market remained steady. Quality was fair, while pricing remained competitive. Extreme temperatures affected crop quality and harvest efforts. There were reports of below freezing temperatures, causing harvesting and packing delays.

    Romaine lettuce: Total California production in 2021 totaled 20.1 million cwt, down 12% from the 2020 total. Planted area was estimated at 71,300 acres, up 3% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 70,400 acres, was up 4% from 2020. The value of the crop totaled $768 million, 37% less than the previous season. All production was sold for the fresh market.

    The Romaine lettuce crop experienced some quality issues that affected yields and resulted in substantial price decreases compared to 2020.

    Onions: Total California production in 2021 totaled 19.0 million cwt, down slightly from 2020. Planted area was estimated at 45,800 acres, up 7% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 45,300 acres, was up 6% from 2020. The value of the crop totaled $297 million, 10% more than the previous year. Of the utilized production, 9.51 million cwt was sold for the fresh market and 475 thousand tons were for processing.

    Growers had low expectations early in the season, given the extreme heat challenges and limited water supply. Onions dried up too quickly and volumes were disappointing. Dryness and long periods of intense heat, led to expansion of wildfires and prolonged lack of sunlight, causing minimal damage to the crop. Widespread, Fusarium basal rot was reported on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley, causing some onions to decay and lower yields.

    Bell peppers: Total California production in 2021 totaled 3.83 million cwt, down 24% from 2020. Planted area was estimated at 9,200 acres, down 22% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 9,000 acres, was down 23% from 2020. The value of the crop totaled $185 million, 31% less than the previous year. Utilized production totaled 3.82 million cwt, of which 2.17 million cwt was for the fresh market and 82.2 thousand tons was for processing.

    Bell pepper growers were faced with rising production costs and transportation issues.

    Spinach: Total California production in 2021 totaled 5.17 million cwt, up 2% from 2020. Planted area was estimated at 40,300 acres, down 5% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 39,800 acres, was also down 5% from 2020. The value of the crop totaled $359 million, 11% less than the previous season.

    Water supply was an issue for spinach growers as they experienced severe drought conditions during the 2021 growing season.

    Tomatoes: Total California production in 2021 totaled 224 million cwt, down 4% from 2020. Planted area was estimated at 251,000 acres, down 2% from the previous year. Area harvested, estimated at 248,900 acres, was unchanged from the previous year. The value of the crop totaled $1.18 billion, 6% higher than 2020. Utilized production totaled 222 million cwt, of which 6.72 million cwt was for the fresh market and 10.8 million tons were for processing.

    Drought concerns impacted planting decisions for the 2021 processing tomato crop and planted acreage decreased significantly from early season contracted intentions. Extremely high temperatures in May and throughout the summer lowered expected yields and slowed down operations at the canneries. Harvest began the first week of July and continued through November, marking the longest harvest in recent years.

    For more agricultural statistics, visit www.nass.usda.gov. 

  • USDA-NASS Projects Smaller Crop for California Almonds

    Almond Board of California — The California Almond Objective Measurement Report, published Monday by the United States Department of Agriculture-National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA-NASS), estimates that the 2021 crop will come in at 2.8 billion meat pounds, 10 percent below last year’s record of 3.1 billion pounds. (Editor’s Note: The steep decline in production this year comes as a big surprise with the May subjective forecast suggesting a larger crop at 3.2 billion pounds)

    The drop comes during a very difficult water year across California and at a time when the almond industry is navigating a complex market with record shipments but with returns to growers down from recent years.

    “The report still forecasts a really large crop, and it’s further proof that California is an ideal place to grow almonds, even in difficult times,” said Kent Stenderup, Chair of the Almond Board of California (ABC) Board of Directors. “It’s also a testament to the hard work of growers and their efforts to improve stewardship practices and meet the demands of consumers despite the hurdles we’re facing this year.”

    The 2021 Objective Report’s forecast is 13 percent below the 2021 California Almond Subjective Forecast in May of 3.20 billion pounds. The forecast for the average nut set per tree is 4,619, down 18 percent from the 2020 almond crop. The Nonpareil average nut set is 4,512, down 20 percent from last year’s set. The average kernel weight for all varieties sampled was 1.46 grams, down 3 percent from the 2020 average weight.

    “Shipment numbers show that the demand for California almonds continues to increase both in the U.S. and around the world,” said Almond Board President and CEO Richard Waycott. “The strong forecast means the California almond industry will keep up with that growing global demand with a steady supply of high quality almonds. With such strong demand, competition for the 2021 crop could lead to a much needed increase in the return to growers, which is currently below the cost of production due to the recent record crop.”

    ABC’s June 2021 Position Report showed that both exports and total shipments increased the records set in May for a single crop year, while shipments within the U.S. are on pace for a record year. Through June, total shipments reached 2.67 billion pounds. The crop year ends July 31.

    USDA-NASS conducts the annual Objective Report, Subjective Forecast and Acreage Report to provide the California almond industry with the data needed to make informed business decisions and it thanks all farm operators, owners and management entities for their time providing the information necessary to create these reports. These reports are the official industry crop estimates.

    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 California almonds, visit Almonds.com.

  • CA Almond Acreage Continues on the Rise

    The Almond Board of California (ABC) is releasing two California almond industry acreage reports: USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA-NASS) 2020 California Almond Acreage Report including the 2021 preliminary bearing acreage, and Land IQ’s 2021 Standing Acreage Initial Estimate (bearing acres, only). These reports are being issued side by side to improve industry reporting methods and provide a more robust picture of California’s almond acreage.

    USDA-NASS reports a continued increase in California’s almond acreage in 2020. Bearing acres, or orchards that have matured enough to produce a crop, are estimated at 1.25 million acres, up 5.9 percent from 2019. Total almond acreage, including non-bearing trees, is estimated at 1.6 million, up 5.3 percent from the previous year.  Nonpareil continued to be the leading variety, followed by Monterey, Butte, Carmel, and Padre.

    Land IQ’s initial estimate for total bearing acreage in 2021 – which reflects standing acreage that will be productive during the 2021/2022 harvest – is 1,323,722 acres.  This estimate takes into account both young orchards coming into production and orchards removed or estimated to be removed.

    “California almond bearing and non-bearing acreage continues to increase indicating almond production will also rise in coming years. Demand has consistently been very strong during this crop year with global shipments YTD (August 2020 – March 2021) up 17.7%, as production crossed the 3 billion pound threshold for the first time,” said Richard Waycott, president and CEO of the Almond Board.

    All export regions of the world have reported strong numbers, with shipments to China/Hong Kong up 59% year to date (YTD), South Korea up 45% YTD, India up 51% YTD, and Western Europe up 12% YTD, as compared to a year ago.

    USDA-NASS’s acreage report is the first of three annual reports, including the Subjective Estimate released in May and Objective Report in July. These reports are commissioned by the Almond Board to provide statistical transparency to industry stakeholders around the world.

    Each USDA-NASS California Almond Acreage Report includes estimates on bearing, non-bearing and total acreage, in addition to data organized by variety, year planted and county. A major source of data for this survey is almond growers’ voluntary responses to mailed questionnaires distributed by USDA-NASS, with consecutive telephone and field follow-up. To arrive at the estimated almond acreage, USDA-NASS compares its almond acreage database with the 2017 Census of Agriculture, pesticide application data maintained by County Agricultural Commissioners and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, in addition to data collected on the 2020 Almond Nursery Sales Report, which this year USDA-NASS released in conjunction with the California Almond Acreage Report, and Land IQ assessment.

    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 nearly a decade of research, and because Land IQ’s approach does not rely on surveys or extrapolation, it has an accuracy of 98% or greater. Beginning in 2019, ABC began a mapping process with Land IQ in which two acreage estimates will be released annually: the initial estimate of bearing acreage in the spring and the final estimate, with both bearing and non-bearing acreage for the same production year, delivered in the fall. In addition to the acreage estimates, Land IQ will annually produce an estimate of removed acreage.

    This year, Land IQ’s spatial analysis shows that between September 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021, 44,303 acres were removed and estimates that an additional 3,500 acres will be removed from April 1 to August 31, 2021, for a total estimate of 47,803 acres removed.

    Starting in 2020, Land IQ annually provided its initial estimate to USDA-NASS to fine-tune the official California Almond Acreage Report and other forecasts. The USDA-NASS reports and estimates remain the official Almond Board statistics provided for the California almond industry.

    On Wednesday, May 12, 2021, USDA-NASS will release the 2021 Subjective Estimate, which provides an initial forecast of the upcoming crop. Data within the Subjective Estimate is based on opinions obtained from almond growers in a survey sent by USDA-NASS. Almond growers will soon receive the USDA-NASS survey and are encouraged to participate. On Monday, July 12, 2021, USDA-NASS will release the 2021 Objective Report. This report collects data later in the growing season, closer to harvest, and is based on an actual count of nuts on the trees. — Almond Board of California

  • California Walnut Industry Gears Up To Market Record Crop

    On August 28, USDA NASS released the Objective Measurement of the 2020 walnut crop at 780,000 short tons, an increase of 19% over the prior year. “The industry has been expecting increases given continued growth in new acreage, more densely planted orchards, and heavier yielding varieties and has planned accordingly,” stated grower Robert Driver, California Walnut Commission (CWC) Chairperson. “Demand creation for future crop utilization has been years in the making, with the industry’s strategic plan focused on growing sales in the U.S. domestic market and internationally.”

    To take advantage of the large crop and continued demand, a tremendous growth opportunity exists in the U.S. market to expand all sectors of the walnut business across retail, food manufacturing/industrial and foodservice. “We have been planning for these larger crops by expanding consumption through all sectors,” said Michelle Connelly, Executive Director/CEO of the California Walnut Board and Commission (CWB/CWC). “Despite what you might think, per capita consumption of walnuts is only 0.6 pounds per year in the U.S., leaving an exceptional opportunity to further develop consumers’ love of walnuts.”

    Efforts are underway to expand grocery retail presence through two national promotional campaigns, which include a program focused on growing the snacking segment. “While walnuts are not often thought of as a snack, our consumers are telling us otherwise with snacking becoming our top consumer use,” said Jennifer Olmstead, Marketing Director, Domestic PR at CWB/CWC. “Our goal is to make walnuts top-of-mind, not only for consumers, but for food manufacturers and foodservice as well. Not only are walnuts a versatile ingredient that can’t be overlooked, they are a powerhouse of nutrition – offering essential ALA omega-3 (2.5 g/oz.) and plant-based protein (4 g/oz.) – with benefits that are critical to consumers who are seeking healthy, clean, nutritious foods now more than ever.”

    The domestic market offers advantages to the industry: proximity, stability and risk prevention from some of the turbulent times that recent tariff issues have created. However, the industry’s export markets remain vital to the industry’s growth strategy, accounting for more than 60% of annual shipment volumes. The industry has continued to adapt to tariff market challenges, while pursuing new markets for walnuts. Export market diversification has been key to this strategy, and continuing to find and develop export markets is essential.

    “We know we can further diversify the segments of business – similar to the U.S. with growth in food manufacturing and foodservice – while propping up our retail channel. Interestingly, COVID-19 has actually helped increase sales in the retail segment. Retailers and consumers increasingly embrace e-commerce, opening new avenues for retail promotion, while also bolstering the importance of neighborhood grocery, in many countries like Spain and India,” said grower Todd Ramos, CWC Market Development Committee Chairperson.

    Core export markets in Europe and Asia remain critical to the industry and, despite their once-perceived mature status, present excellent opportunity. “But we aren’t stopping there,” stated Pamela Graviet, CWC Senior Marketing Director, International. “With expanded programs in the Middle East, the industry has identified untapped potential among markets that traditionally heavily consume nuts and dried fruits. Global population projections predict that 30% of the world’s population by 2050 will be new mouths to feed; therefore, market research will continue to identify opportunity in new and established markets.”

    To encourage handler investment to grow the walnut market through individual marketing activities, the industry pursued credit-back authority through a marketing order. “We know that the development of new walnut applications is critical to our expansion of the walnut market, and handlers are already making investments, but this program is poised to take that to the next level,” stated grower William (Bill) Tos, CWC Executive Committee Chairperson. The program authority, if approved by a vote of the growers, would come into effect this 2020/21 season.

    At a time when consumers globally are seeking healthy foods more than ever, walnuts offer a multitude of benefits further demonstrated by nutrition research. “Thirty years of research has established walnuts’ heart health benefits and more. But as with all things, the evolution of science is changing rapidly, and that change is also driven by what is important to consumers – gut health, sleep quality, mental health and obesity. Our health research program continues to identify how walnuts can play a role in these important consumer public health issues, while offering a simple, convenient way to potentially improve overall health,” stated Jack Mariani, CWB Market Development Committee Chairperson.

    Investment in production research remains foundational to helping growers produce a better crop, protect against disease and improve orchard management practices, ultimately enhancing the sustainability of the industry. Post-harvest research continues to identify potentially exciting means to improve shelf life, best practices to help manufacturers incorporate more walnuts, by-product utilization and food safety.

    “Our objective has been and continues to be to keep demand ahead of supply. The industry’s investment, careful planning and foresight have set the stage for continued success,” Tos went on to say. Walnut production has doubled in the last 15 years, with new acreage reaching 380,000 with an additional 75,000 acres set to come into production. California walnut growers’ investment in the future will allow more consumers worldwide to enjoy the benefits of consuming walnuts.

  • Grape Crush Report Rescheduled for April 10 Release

    The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) are rescheduling cooperatively funded reports that were affected by the lapse in federal funding. During the lapse, NASS was not able to collect data nor issue reports, including those funded by state and industry programs.

    The following reports have been rescheduled and others will be announced as soon as they are determined:

    • 2018 California Grape Crush Report will be released Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at Noon Pacific Time, providing that funding remains available for Fiscal Year 2019.
    • There will not be a Grape Crush Preliminary Report this year.
    • 2018 California Grape Acreage Report will be released Friday, April 19, 2019 at Noon Pacific Time, providing that funding remains available for Fiscal Year 2019.

    In order to expedite the rescheduled reports and give producers more time to complete their surveys, NASS requests that anyone who received a survey, please respond as quickly as possible:

    If you have received any of these surveys and have not responded, but no longer have the survey form, please call 800-851-1127 from 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Pacific Time. NASS representatives may call to collect information as well. NASS surveys provide critical data used by numerous different federal, state and local programs that benefit farmers and ranchers.

    These reports will be available in the May issue of American Vineyard Magazine.

  • Almond Objective Forecast Shared at Hilltop Ranch Luncheon

    The California Almond Objective Forecast for the 2018 crop year was released just after the Fourth of July at 2.45 billion pounds.  Growers listened in on the broadcasted announcement as they enjoyed a nice lunch at Hilltop Ranch in Ballico, CA.  Watch this brief interview with the Long family at Hilltop Ranch and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.