Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

Category: Almonds

LandFlex Program Awards $16 Million in Farmer Contracts, Providing Immediate Well Protection for 34,000 Homes

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has announced the successful conclusion of LandFlex Phase 2, providing $16,775,162 in grants to support grower contracts within various Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) for the protection of rural at-risk water systems and advancements in groundwater sustainability.

The awarded funds will be allocated to three GSAs as follows:

Lower Tule Irrigation District GSA: Grant award in the amount of $7.7 million

Pixley Irrigation District GSA: Grant award in the amount of $ 5 million

Westlands Water District GSA: Grant award in the amount of $4 million

“At the heart of LandFlex‘s success is its proven effectiveness in addressing critical water resource challenges,” said Anja Raudabaugh, Chief Executive Officer of Western United Dairies. “Initially designed to combat drought conditions, the program has demonstrated remarkable versatility by also proving its mettle in flood protection and identifying active recharge potential. This adaptability has positioned LandFlex as an innovative and indispensable tool for growers to meet sustainability goals in both dry and wet periods.”

One of the program’s key achievements is the immediate protection it provides to drinking water wells serving 34,259 households in underserved communities. By swiftly reducing water demand, LandFlex alleviates pressure on these communities and overburdened water systems while simultaneously supporting the sustainability of both the communities and the agricultural industry.

Moreover, LandFlex plays a pivotal role in accelerating compliance with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). Growers who participate in the program can plan ahead and explore innovative farming methods that align with long-term sustainability goals, ensuring the resilience of water systems and critical water infrastructure.

“LandFlex owes its success to the voluntary participation of growers who are committed to supporting their communities and farming for the future,” said Aubrey Bettencourt, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Almond Alliance. “The program was oversubscribed, and their active involvement showcases their determination to find immediate solutions rather than waiting until 2040 to achieve sustainability goals. By participating in LandFlex, these growers contribute significantly to the well-being of underserved communities and the long-term resilience of at-risk water systems while investing in new farming practices to ensure California agriculture is leading and vibrant for the 21st century.”

The LandFlex program stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between growers, government entities, and local communities. By focusing on the protection of water resources and underserved communities, LandFlexexemplifies the importance of finding innovative, practical, and actionable solutions to address pressing water challenges.

For more information about LandFlex, please visit landflex.org.

About the Almond Alliance
Almond Alliance is the leading authority in state and national policy, championing American almond farmers, industry, and community for the continued global growth, innovation, and success of American almonds and agriculture. Established in 1980, the Almond Alliance is a non-profit trade association with a local and international network of almond processors, hullers/shellers, growers, and allied businesses. The Alliance is dedicated to providing resources and solutions for our members, ensuring industry success and growth opportunities. Learn more at almondalliance.org.

July 25, 2023
Almond Board of California Directors Announce Clarice Turner as Next CEO

The Almond Board of California Board of Directors selected Clarice Turner, an experienced global leader in consumer goods, food service and wine and spirits, as the next president and CEO.

Turner is joining the Almond Board of California (ABC) after most recently serving as president of iconic Napa Valley winery Joseph Phelps Vineyards. She has also held CEO and senior executive positions at Boudin Bakery, Starbucks Coffee Company, YUM! Brands, Papa Murphy’s International and PepsiCo.

The ABC Board is excited to welcome Clarice to the California almond industry,” said board chair Alexi Rodriguez. “A tremendous amount of thought and effort went into the search process and we couldn’t be more pleased with the result. Clarice brings extensive knowledge and experience that we believe will be a great benefit to the organization and the industry.

Turner is a ninth generation Californian and has a long history of serving on corporate and non-profit boards including the Culinary Institute of America, Delicato Family Wines, the National Restaurant Association, Washington State University School of Business and San Francisco State University Lam School of Business.

Along with her former global executive positions, Turner was also an international business major at Fudan University in China and understands the role different nationalities play in trade, business and culture.

“I am honored to lead the Almond Board of California,” Turner said. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to combine my California heritage, roots in generational farming and executive experience to build on the strong foundation established in 1950. I look forward to working collaboratively with the staff, board, growers, handlers and industry stakeholders in the coming years.

Rodriguez said that in September, Turner will begin working closely with the board, current President and CEO Richard Waycott and the ABC executive team to ensure a smooth transition over the coming months.

“We are thankful for Richard, not just for his commitment to the industry over the last 21 years, but also for his support during this transition period to make certain Clarice and the organization are set up for success moving forward,” Rodriguez said.

Waycott informed the board of directors in November 2022 that he planned to step away from his ABC responsibilities at the end of 2023 to pursue other interests.

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.

July 21, 2023
USDA Final Forecast Projects Slightly Larger 2023 Almond Crop

The 2023 California Almond Objective Measurement Report published Wednesday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA-NASS) estimates that the crop harvested in 2023 will come in at 2.6 billion meat pounds, 1% percent above last year’s 2.57 billion pounds.

The estimate is up 4 percent from USDA-NASS’s Subjective Forecast in May and comes after one of the wettest winters on record, limited bee flights because of rain and wind, and a cool spring. USDA’s Forecasted yield is 1,880 pounds per acre, down 20 pounds from 2022 and the lowest since 2009.

The slight increase comes partly because of larger nut size and despite difficult conditions, USDA-NASS said. “Record level rainfall and unprecedented stormy conditions hindered bee pollination activity in orchards across the state. Cooler than normal temperatures continued through early summer and delayed the maturity of the crop,” the report said.

“Almond farmers have faced a series of challenges in recent years, and this wet, cool winter and spring created different obstacles after three years of drought. Yet the forecast for a larger crop shows the resiliency of California almond orchards,” said Richard Waycott, president and CEO of the Almond Board of California (ABC). “Almond farmers have worked hard while dealing with higher production and financing costs and a bloom with highly compromised bee flight hours. They are very thankful, however, for the abundant rain and snow which vastly improved the water situation, at least for now, and for shipping logistics that continue to improve. The perseverance of California’s almond farmers is admirable as is their commitment to meet future growth in global demand with high quality California almonds.”

The forecast for the average nut set per tree is 3,953, 3 percent down from 2022. The Nonpareil average nut set of 4,004 is 1 percent more than last year. The average kernel weight for all varieties sampled was 1.67 grams, up 14% percent from the 2022 average weight. The Nonpareil average kernel weight was 1.69 grams, up 9 percent over from last year.

The 2023 Objective Report is based on actual almond counts using a statistically rigorous methodology. The survey was conducted from May 26 to July 3 and 1,824 trees were sampled in 912 orchards, 32 more orchards than in 2022. USDA-NASS conducts the annual Subjective Forecast, Objective Report and Acreage Report to provide the California almond industry with the data needed to make informed business decisions. — By the Almond Board of California

July 12, 2023
California Grower Concerns for Bees & Monarchs being Listed as Endangered Species

Native California bees and monarch butterflies may soon be listed as endangered species. While California farmers, and almond growers in particular, want to take care of and protect these important pollinators, listing them as endangered could prove problematic for farming as we know it. Watch this interview with Josette Lewis from the Almond Board of California as she explains.

Please thank this video’s sponsor Thunder Creek Equipment for their industry support.

July 12, 2023
Legendary Civic Leader, Philanthropist & Almond Grower Donnie Joe Huffman Passes

Donnie Joe Huffman of Vacaville,  a legendary volunteer and civic leader,  champion of agriculture, and a dedicated philanthropist, passed away peacefully at his home on June 17, 2023, surrounded by family. He was 83, but as a Leap Year baby–born Feb. 29, 1940 in Thayer, Mo.– he was 20.

A former governor of the Kiwanis Club, District 8, Donnie served as president of the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce and chaired both the Vacaville Fiesta Days Committee and the Vacaville Onion Festival. He founded and directed the Friends of the Solano County Fair, and the Friends of the Dixon May Fair, leading the two organizations to provide more than $270,000 in college scholarships for Solano County residents majoring in agriculture.

Donnie was the second of five children born to James Elmer “Pete” and Minnie Swope Huffman. In 1942, his parents, grandfather James Thomas Swope, and his siblings Gertie and Virginia, left Thayer, Mo.,  in a flatbed truck to relocate to Solano County.  During the 2,000-mile trip, Donnie and Gertie sat cushioned between boxes in the truck bed, while the baby, Virginia, rode in front with the adults.  Two more children, Bobby and Sharon, would be born in California.

Donnie remembers that their first home, in Cordelia,  was a “one-bedroom home with dirt floors.” The Huffmans worked at the Monez, Oberti, and Lanza family ranches in Suisun Valley.

Donnie attended Armijo High School, Fairfield, and as a teenager growing up in the 1950s, enjoyed dancing, cruising and hot-rodding at M&M Skateway in Suisun, Sid’s Drive-In in  Fairfield, and Dream Bowl in Napa.

He was known as a diligent, industrious and “get-er-done” worker throughout his life. As a youngster, he shined shoes in downtown Fairfield, and labored in fruit orchards in Suisun Valley, giving half his wages to his then single mother. As a teenager, he worked at service stations owned by Rudy Ramirez and Joe Danboise, at Hyde’s Department Store, and at Hannigan Soda and Donut Shop, Fairfield.

Donnie began his automotive career in 1958 at Digerud Auto Parts in Fairfield and then Ghilotti Brothers in San Rafael before managing Digerud Auto Parts, 349 Merchant St., Vacaville, from 1965-1968.

Donnie married his sweetheart, Claudia “Tootie”  Bergmann in 1960. They raised two children, Shelli and Don Jr. The couple celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on April 16.

Donnie and Tootie purchased Digerud Auto Parts of Vacaville in 1968, renaming it Don’s Auto Parts. In 1972, they relocated the business to 749 Mason St, Vacaville, operating it until 1995. His employees fondly nicknamed him “The Whip.”

A genial leader, tireless volunteer and dedicated philanthropist, Donnie founded the Friends of the Solano County Fair in 1993, serving as its president until 2006; and founded the Friends of the Dixon May Fair in 2000, serving as its president until March 2023.   Donnie and Tootie spearheaded a college scholarship program at each of the fairs. Since 2000, the Friends of the Dixon May Fair alone has awarded a total of $248,750 to Solano County residents majoring in agriculture. In tribute to their work, the program was renamed the Donnie and Tootie Huffman Scholarship Program in 2022, and a $5000 scholarship to the top applicant bears his name.

With Donnie at the helm of the Friends of the Dixon May Fair, the service-oriented and fund-raising arm of the fair, the Friends raised thousands of dollars serving beverages to fair attendees. The Friends donated the funds for college scholarships, buckles to award-winning exhibitors, and funded building and grounds improvements. Among the projects, valued in the millions: paving the midway and building the RV park, the Pig Pavilion, the Wine Pavilion, and the Friends’ Plaza.

Donnie was a lifetime member of the Vacaville Museum (a bench in the courtyard memorializes the Huffmans’ 50th wedding anniversary). He was active in Vacaville Lodge 134 Masonic Temple, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, No. 83, as well as the 20-30 Club, Western Fairs Association, California Fairs Financing Authority, and the North Bay Stand Down

An agriculturist with 50 leased acres of almonds, Donnie was active in the Solano County Farm Bureau. He was a longtime swine leader for the Town and Countryt 4-H Club and emcee of the wildly popular Dixon May Fair Hogcalling Contest, urging the hogs to go “hamward bound” and the callers “to bring home the bacon.”

Like Will Rogers, who said “A stranger is just a friend I haven’t met yet,”  Donnie was known as “generous to a fault” and “someone who never tooted his own horn—he just got it done.” He enjoyed good times, laughter, traveling, crabbing, fishing, gardening, NASCAR races, and classic cars. His favorites included a ’52 Oldsmobile convertible and a ’56 Chevy.

Surrounded by the love of his family and friends, he considered himself “the luckiest man in the world.”

Donnie liked to joke about being a Leap Year baby. “I was three years old when I began working for Rudy Ramirez; 5 years old I when joined the Digerud Auto Parts and got hitched; 7 when I bought Digerud Auto Parts; 10 when I became a grandpa;18 when I became a great grandpa; and at 20 (in 2022), I’m almost of drinking age.”

Donnie is survived by wife Claudia “Tootie” Huffman of Vacaville; daughter Shelli Huffman Vasquez (John) of Vacaville; son Don Huffman (Jennifer) of Napa; and sister Sharon Hulse of Fairfield. He is also survived by seven grandchildren:  John Michael Vasquez (Pamela), Mary Vasquez (Rene Pimentel), Jacqueline “Kristy” Vasquez (Sean Fuller), Sarah Lincoln (Kevin), Annabelle Rosenthal (Sam), Allie Huffman and Ava Huffman; and seven great-grandchildren Ciana Vasquez Pimentel, Alejandro Vasquez Pimentel, Hunter Lincoln, Dionicio Vasquez Pimentel, Kensley Lincoln, Amelia Vasquez Fuller, Penelope Vasquez, with an eighth (Baby Lincoln) on the way.

Other family members include his brother-in-law Kenneth (Diane) Bergmann, sister-in- law Donna (Douglas) Moreau, brother-in-law Richard (Glynda) Bergmann, nieces and nephews; David (Renee) Palagi, Darien Bergmann, Karen Bergmann Purcell, Erin Stack, Sean Stack and Katy Bergmann, Erika Bergmann, great nieces and nephews; Megan Palagi, Chad Palagi, Amy Palagi and Amanda Purcell. Donnie also was a father figure and mentor to many, including David Bunge and Eric Baker.

Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, James Elmer  Huffman and Minnie Swope Huffman Mulcahy; his sisters Virginia Sue Huffman and Gertie Palagi;  brother Bobby Huffman;  brother-in-law Ben Hulse;  nephew Frank Palagi; cousin P.J. Huffman;  mother-in-law Claudia Nelda Chaney, father-in-law Elmer Ralph Bergmann, and many aunts and uncles.

In lieu of flowers, Donnie had asked that any memorial contributions be made to a favorite charity or to Friends of the Dixon May Fair, P.O. Box 6208, Vacaville, Calif. 95696.

A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 18 in the Rockville Stone Chapel, Rockville Cemetery, 4219 Suisun Valley Road, Fairfield, with burial to follow.

A celebration of life—commemorating what would have been his 21st birthday—is set for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 29 in Denverton Hall,  Dixon May Fair, 655 S. First St., Dixon.

July 5, 2023
Almond Board Simplifies CASP Process for Growers

A valuable industry assessment program has been streamlined to make it easier for almond growers to enter and update data. Changes to the CASP program – which now stands for the California Almond Stewardship Platform – were announced in December at The Almond Conference 2022 and came after feedback from some growers about the length of time it often took to fill out the online self-assessment.

The CASP program was developed by the Almond Board of California over a decade ago as a method for almond growers to share and compare data about their orchards and farming practices. That aggregated information in the self-assessment, in turn, is often used by handlers and others who market California’s multibillion-dollar annual almond crop to educate and reassure consumers that growers are implementing critical practices in areas such as water usage, air quality, soil health, pollinators and carbon recapture.

The original CASP online self-assessment process included 620 questions, which now have been cut in half after the update.

“It was really time to restructure it a little bit and put it on a diet,” said Tom Devol, Senior Manager of Field Outreach and Education at the Almond Board of California. “It had gotten a bit heavy. It was taking growers a lot of time to do and was a big commitment.”

Growers often spent five or six hours responding to the questions and sometimes had to enter the same information more than once. That is no longer the case, Devol said.

“I just worked with a grower who completed it in an hour and a half, from start to finish,” he said. “Now, we’ve grouped questions, so when you set up an orchard, you never look at those questions again. You put the information in for that orchard – how it was planted, when it was planted, those kinds of questions – and when you reassess in two or three years … you never have to look at that again. Those questions are pre-done.

“And we did the same thing with the farming operations. So the common practices that you use across the whole farming operation, you really only need to address those questions one time and then in future assessments, they’re already completed for you.”

Devol said rationale behind CASP has evolved since it was created.

“When CASP was first envisioned, it was predominantly an education tool,” he explained. “But over time, there’s been a lot more pressure from the market. ‘How are you growing your crops? Are you exhibiting good stewardship? Are you using current practices?’

“The handlers are the ones facing those questions. The growers aren’t selling the crop directly to the buyer; it’s the handler who’s doing it on their behalf. … By completing your grower self-assessment, you’re assisting your handler in marketing your product.”

Devol recommends that growers update their information at least every three years.

“It’s really a continuous improvement program if you think about it. We’re really trying to see where we’ve learned new practices that we’re starting to adopt into the orchard,” he said. “Not many people change their practices every year, but over time, you’re going to pick up a new thing – we’re going to try this, we’re going to change the way we do that.

“Handlers like to see that data done every year because they’re using the aggregate data to help demonstrate to their buyers what their group of growers are doing. So they have a different motivator.”

Devol reassured growers that no individual orchard information ever is shared.

“It’s aggregate data. It’s secure. Nobody can see your data,” he said. “These handlers just get an aggregate group of data about what their growers are doing.”

Growers who have participated in the past and want to update their data, as well as others who want to enroll in the CASP program, should go to www.almondstewardship.org. On the website, growers can set up an account or ask to have their password sent to them, if they’ve forgotten it.

Devol said he and the Field Outreach and Education team are available to answer any questions or provide help. They can be reached at fieldoutreach@almondboard.com.

“We really want you to succeed,” Devol said. “We want it to be simple to use. We don’t want it to be painful for you.” — Article & Image Courtesy of the Almond Board of California

June 26, 2023
California Almonds Take Over Mexico City

Mexico is one of ten markets in the Almond Board of California’s (ABC) diversified portfolio of countries focused on building global demand for California almonds. ABC marketing initiatives in Mexico began in 2018 and ABC is optimistic about the continued growth potential in the market with consumers looking for healthy food options. Position report numbers for the region strengthens that optimism as shipments to Mexico through May 2023 have increased 9% over the previous crop year.

During the first two months of 2023 and around National Almond Day efforts, California almonds took to the streets of Mexico by driving two mobile billboard trucks, covered with almond advertising creative, to top locations in Mexico City. “For the first time ever, the board hosted a special event-based activity in this market through a variety of in-person gatherings and by driving interactive mobile billboard trucks around the city”, said Becky Jeffers, ABC manager, North America marketing. The billboard trucks visited nine shopping malls, 20 supermarkets and 15 gyms. At each stop, ABC hosted interactive events like snack workshops, giveaways, and yoga and meditation classes. “This type of activity reinforces the relevancy of almonds to consumers and is a great complement to our year-long advertising and public relations efforts in the Mexico marketplace”, Jeffers added.

ABC partnered with popular influencers for the special events – which included podcast host Romina Sacre who has over 230K Instagram followers, Soulfood Luz Colsa who has over 630K Instagram followers, and fitness trainer Ceci Aguilera who has over 150K Instagram followers.

Colsa held a snack workshop showing how to add almonds into tasty foods that Mexican consumers are accustomed to enjoying. Aquilera hosted a fitness bootcamp and Sacre hosted a meditation workshop. Sacre also invited a select few lucky consumers to her podcast recording studio where she recorded an episode about almonds. Each of these influencers also posted on social media about why they love almonds and these special events. Through the different activities and mobile advertising, the campaign reached over 360 million impressions in the Mexico market. — Article & Image Courtesy of the Almond Board of California

June 26, 2023
Governor Newsom Unveils Infrastructure Package to Secure California’s Global Leadership and Promote Economic Prosperity

Urgent action is required to maintain California’s position as a global socio-economic leader. Governor Gavin Newsom has unveiled a comprehensive Infrastructure Package designed to address critical challenges, including meeting climate goals, improving the electric grid, enhancing water resilience, and modernizing transportation infrastructure.

The Infrastructure Package is not merely about building infrastructure; it is about fostering progress and economic prosperity in our communities,” said Aubrey Bettencourt, President and CEO of the Almond Alliance. “By investing in sustainable water supply and efficient supply chains, the Infrastructure Package aims to ensure a thriving future for California.

“California’s water infrastructure was constructed 55 years ago when the population was less than half of what it is today. Unfortunately, the repercussions of this outdated system are evident today, with one million Californians lacking access to clean drinking water, hundreds of thousands of agricultural acres lying fallow, and specific fish populations dwindling.”

Bettencourt continued, “The Infrastructure Package presents an opportunity to establish a resilient water management system that benefits everyone, people, farmers, and the environment.

“The transportation infrastructure plays a crucial role in facilitating the movement of agricultural products, such as almonds, for export. Improving highways, roads, rail transportation, intermodal facilities, and port infrastructure will enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance California’s competitiveness in global markets.

“Streamlining permitting processes and reducing red tape is a key aspects of the Infrastructure Package. These reforms will save time and money for taxpayers, businesses, and local governments, creating a more efficient project planning and approval system.”

About the Almond Alliance
Almond Alliance is the leading authority in state and national policy, championing American almond farmers, industry, and community for the continued global growth, innovation, and success of American almonds and agriculture. As the voice of almonds, the Alliance represents the fourth-largest commodity in the United States and the third-largest American export.

Established in 1980, the Almond Alliance is a non-profit trade association with a local and international network of almond processors, hullers/shellers, growers, and allied businesses. The Alliance is dedicated to providing resources and solutions for our members, ensuring industry success and growth opportunities. Learn more at almondalliance.org

June 22, 2023
California Almond Shipments Make Record Comeback

Following record production years, pandemic and logistical issues slowed California almond shipments considerably, creating record carryover inventory and pricing issues for the industry. Coming off a shorter crop year in 2022 and what appears to be another short crop in 2023, almond growers are hoping to see prices moving up again. Watch this brief interview with Almond Board of California President Richard Waycott as he shares details of some record almond shipping months this year that is moving the industry back on track to greater prosperity.

June 14, 2023
Blue Diamond Introduces NEW Chocolate “Thin Dipped Almonds”

Blue Diamond Growers is kicking off the spring season with a fresh new product line that is hitting the snack nuts aisle in May: Thin Dipped Almonds. These delicious, better-for-you option of chocolate-dipped almonds will be available at Walmart in convenient, four-ounce bags.

“We are so excited to present our customers with yet another incredible innovation within Blue Diamond’s iconic snack almond portfolio,” said Raj Joshi, Sr. Vice President of Global Consumer Division, Blue Diamond Growers. “Whether you’re a health nut or not, Thin Dipped Almonds offer a smart choice when it comes to sweet snacking. The thin layer of chocolate enhances the almond’s natural crunch while allowing snackers to enjoy a delicious, sweet treat – without the guilt!”

Thin Dipped Almonds come in two irresistible flavors: Double Dark Chocolate and Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel. Both products contain 50% less sugar than the average chocolate-covered almonds. One serving (about 19 almonds) has 170 calories and five grams of protein. Thin Dipped Almonds are free of cholesterol, high in Vitamin E, contain no artificial colors or flavors, and do not have a shiny wax or gloss finish.

Blue Diamond is a world-class leader in consumer trend analysis and flavor forecasting that leads to new products like Thin Dipped Almonds and many other unique flavors within the Blue Diamond Growers snack almond line up. Check out all the Blue Diamond snack almond flavors on the website at www.bluediamond.com.

About Blue Diamond

Blue Diamond Growers, a grower-owned cooperative representing approximately 3,000 of California’s almond growers, is the world’s leading almond marketer and processor. Established in 1910, it created the California almond industry and opened world markets for almonds. Blue Diamond is dedicated to delivering the benefits of almonds around the world and does so by providing high-quality almonds, almond ingredients, and branded products. Headquartered in Sacramento, the company employs more than 1,800 people throughout its processing plants, receiving stations and gift shops. To learn more about Blue Diamond Growers, visit www.bluediamond.com and follow the company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

June 12, 2023