Nematodes can be a headache for growers. Luckily, ways to manage them are being researched and developed. At the Malcolm Media Tree & Vine Expo and in an interview with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network, Andreas Westphal with UCCE Riverside discusses nematode management. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
Category: Almonds
-
Almond Board of California Gets Major Win in Japan Exports
The Almond Board of California has reached an alignment with the USDA and the Japanese government on a pre-test protocol for aflatoxin in almonds. This will allow for easier shipping of almonds to Japan. Julie Adams from the Almond Board of California speaks about it with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
-
Almond Industry Requests EPA Follow Sound Science in Essential Product Registration
The almond industry is has just received Section 18 emergency approval for the use of an essential bactericide for the sixth year. A product that has been fully registered in other commodities, Kasumin should be permanently registered for use in almonds, but the EPA is ignoring the sound science showing that it’s safe and beneficial for almonds under critical weather conditions. Watch this brief interview as Jim Adaskaveg from UC Riverside explains with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network and read more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
-
Secretary Rollins Announces $40M in Section 32 Purchases of Almonds & Pistachios
This week at the 107th American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, CA, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced expanded enrollment for 2026 Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program and new Section 32 commodity purchases that will result in more healthy, U.S. grown food in the hands of Americans. Following the convention, Secretary Rollins also met with specialty crop producers at a local strawberry farm to discuss workforce needs and the Trump Administration’s recent wins related to significantly cutting the cost of H-2A labor for California farmers.
Secretary Rollins and former California Ag Secretary A.G. Kawamura at his strawberry farm in Irving, California. “President Trump is making historic investments in the farm safety net and today’s announcement is one more action that supports our dairy producers by managing risk and strengthening markets so they can continue to provide wholesome nutrition for Americans,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “The Trump Administration will continue to stand with America’s farmers as the farm economy recovers from years of neglect under the last administration. Our mission to Make America Healthy Again continues after the recent release of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030 announcement, with the upcoming purchase of U.S. grown food that will reach those in need, all while benefitting American farmers facing unfair actions from foreign competitors.”
OBBBA Improves DMC Coverage and Premium Fees
Secretary Rollins announced the enrollment period for the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program for the 2026 coverage year, an important safety net program that provides producers with price support to help offset milk and feed price differences. Starting January 12, 2026, dairy producers can enroll in DMC. The enrollment period ends February 26, 2026. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed by President Donald J. Trump on July 4, 2025, reauthorized DMC for calendar years 2026 through 2031 and provided substantial program improvements, including establishing new production history and increasing Tier 1 coverage.
The OBBBA increased DMC’s Tier 1 coverage level increased from five million pounds to six million pounds. All dairy operations that elect to enroll in DMC for 2026 will establish a new production history. Existing dairy operations that started marketing milk on or before January 1, 2023, will use the higher of milk marketings for the years of 2021, 2022, or 2023. New dairy operations starting after January 1, 2023, will use their first year of monthly milk marketings, even for a partial year. Milk marketing statements or production evidence are required to establish a production history.
Dairy operations also have the option to lock-in coverage levels for six years (2026-2031) with premium fees discounted by 25%.
DMC offers different levels of coverage, including an option that is free to producers, minus a $100 administrative fee. To determine the appropriate level of DMC coverage for a specific dairy operation, producers can use the online dairy decision tool.
For more information visit the DMC webpage or contact your local USDA Service Center.
Agricultural Marketing Service Section 32 Purchases
Secretary Rollins also announced USDA’s intent to purchase up to $80 million in specialty crops from American farmers and producers to distribute to food banks and nutrition assistance programs across the country. These purchases are being made through USDA’s authority under Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935 and will assist producers and communities in need. With this action, the Trump Administration is bolstering American prosperity by supporting American agriculture, rural communities, and those in need of nutrition assistance.
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) continuously purchases a variety of domestically produced and processed agricultural products. These “USDA Foods” are provided to USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) nutrition assistance programs, including food banks that operate The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and are a vital component of the nation’s food safety net.
USDA AMS will purchase up to $80 million of the following commodities:
•Almonds: $20M
•Grape juice: $20M
•Pistachios: $20M
•Raisins: $20M
-
Almond Board Guides Industry Recovery with 3rd Largest Shipping Year
The California almond industry experienced its 3rd highest shipping year ever in conjunction with the Almond Board of California’s 75th anniversary as a Federal Marketing Order. At the Almond Conference in Sacramento, President/CEO Clarice Turner spoke with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to discuss current almond supply and demand dynamics and the Board’s role in creating a healthier future in the California almond industry. Watch this brief video and read more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
-
Five-Year Almond Forecast Bright with Stronger Prices
The future looks bright for the California almond industry with the release of a special five-year almond economic forecast. In an interview with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network during the Almond Conference in Sacramento, Roland Fumasi from RaboResearch at Rabobank discussed their five-year almond outlook and what growers can expect in the coming seasons. Watch this brief interview and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
-
Almond Board of Directors Vote to Discontinue USDA Objective Measurement Report
The Almond Board of California (ABC) Board of Directors has voted to cease funding for the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Objective Measurement Report, marking a change in California almond crop estimates going forward.
This decision follows extensive consultation with growers, handlers, and other industry stakeholders, as well as a thorough review by the Almond Forecast Task Force, comprised of industry members, who compiled recommendations for the Almond Quality and Food Safety Services (AQFSS) Committee. After further review and discussion, AQFSS provided their recommendation to the Board of Directors. The Board’s goal is to ensure crop estimates remain factual, unbiased, and responsive to the evolving needs of the industry.
Since the 1960’s, ABC has contracted with USDA NASS to produce the Objective Measurement Report in July. However, industry feedback has highlighted ongoing challenges in accurately capturing variables such as larger crop sizes, diverse grower practices, and weather events across California’s production regions.
While funding for the Objective Measurement Report will end, the California Almond Subjective Forecast, published annually in May by NASS, will continue. ABC remains committed to providing accurate and timely information to support the California almond industry and will continue collaborating with USDA and industry partners to refine crop estimation methods.
For further information, please contact the Almond Board of California.
-
Commercializing Almond Hulls as Food Ingredients
Almond Board of California — Historically used for dairy cattle feed, almond hulls have had a consistent place in the animal nutrition space. However, a declining dairy herd, in combination with hulls being traded below their production cost, has propelled the industry and the Almond Board of California (ABC) to think about alternative revenue-generating opportunities.
Helping lead this charge is ABC’s Biomass Working Group, formed in 2017 to explore new applications for almond co-products.
“This biomass working group is where business meets science,” said Michael Kelley, chairman of the committee and president of Central California Almond Growers Association (CCAGA). “We have become exceedingly appreciative of the ideas and the potential for the commercialization of products using almond hulls.”
Nutrition Potential
One area almond hulls have shown strong potential for is human food products. Because of their high fiber content, natural sugars, phytochemicals, minerals, and processing versatility, they offer multiple benefits in the value-added ingredients food space.
Being that they make up 50% of the almond fruit, they are also abundant in California, creating a reliable and readily available supply for large-scale product development.
While some may question their safety for human consumption, there are positive indicators that prove almond hulls can meet food-grade quality standards. ABC Associate Director of Food Research and Technology, Guangwei Huang, noted that almond hulls have long been used safely in livestock feed, with no negative effects on animal health or performance. Studies have also shown that pesticide residue and toxicity exposure are not a concern.
To explore these possibilities further, ABC partnered with Mattson, a product innovation firm, to develop samples of what could be done with hulls.
These included a high-fiber bar made with 15% almond hulls, delivering five grams of fiber per serving, and a coffee beverage crafted from coarse-ground, roasted hulls. When added to coffee, almond hull powder helped reduce bitterness and enhanced sweetness. In baked goods like bread, it boosted both fiber and phytochemical content.
Opportunity in “Upcycled” Markets
Another advantage almond hulls offer is that by adding just 10% or more of almond hull powder to a product, it can qualify for a new third-party “upcycled” certification. While “upcycling” is a relatively new term, it’s become increasingly important to consumers concerned about food waste, noted Daniel Kurzrock, founder and CEO of Upcycled Foods.
After working with upcycled ingredients across various commodities, Kurzrock said he’s seen firsthand the wide-ranging benefits. These include improved sustainability and circularity, the creation of new revenue streams, reduced disposal costs and stronger alignment with shifting consumer values.
“The almond industry is not alone in seeing this potential,” he said. “There’s profit potential for every aspect of the stakeholder chain if we’re able to create uses that are solving problems for companies that buy ingredients.”
Because the end-market for almond hulls is still being widely explored, he also suggested that at this stage in development, it’s important to initiate customer conversations before deciding what to invest in.
“An approach that we find to be working with other materials is doing a pilot to produce some quantity of viable hulls that can go to a miller or a secondary processor to start those customer conversations,” he said.
Steps for Commercialization
While it’s not realistic to expect the hulls to be process-ready when leaving the huller/sheller, Huang said efforts to clean and improve their quality can still make a significant impact.
“When the time comes, the industry needs to set minimal specifications or quality requirements for almond hulls for food uses,” Huang said. “We are trying to minimize foreign material, and most importantly, we need the involvement and attention of stakeholders. We’re not expecting the huller/seller to get hulls to the ready-to-process stage, but they can minimize those foreign materials down to less than 5%.”
The industry must also complete a GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) assessment for human consumption, a requirement mandated by the Food and Drug Administration since hulls haven’t previously been used as a food ingredient. This assessment is expected to be completed by late 2025, Huang said.
Innovations in Processing
Several companies in the almond industry are already investing in hull-cleaning systems to ensure they are ready for when almond hulls receive food-safe approval. One of those pioneer companies is Cortez Growers Association.
Recognizing almond hulls as a potential revenue stream, Cortez implemented a cleaning system to remove unwanted materials – sticks, shells, and almond meats – that typically end up in the hull pile. By separating these components, they could sell the almond meats as hash, a “refreshing benefit” to add value to what was once considered waste, said general manager, Dave Thiel.
Other processors are also refining their methods. Corbin Sturdivan of Wilkey Industries explained that current hull cleaning systems include an aspirator to remove the shell from the hull and a detwigger deck to remove sticks from the hulls.
“While this has worked for many years to reduce the fiber content for dairy feed, there is more refinement that we can do with this system by introducing additional screening and additional aspiration,” Sturdivan said.
Through their trials with ABC, Sturdivan and his team discovered that by adding a screen to sift through the hulls, they could be better classified and ranked.
“We would de-twig the product; it would be screened, and the screen would sift out all of the fines from the hulls,” he said. “What is left over is what we would call scalped hulls, and this is your larger, good material created from the early stages of hulling.”
From their observation, Wilkey Industries also found that 1 to 1.3% of total hull weight can actually be recoverable kernel.
“That translates to roughly 3% of your kernel production that is actually sitting in the hull pile,” he said. “So, by integrating a screen and some additional aspiration, not only can we clean the hulls, but we can also reclaim those kernels and hash that have much higher value to be sold instead of letting them go to dairy feed uses.”
Additional Sorting Techniques
As cleaning technologies continue to advance, innovations in color sorting are emerging as a key tool for preparing almond hulls for food-grade applications. The team at Chandler Automation has spent time working on this, and the initial models have been successful at “creating pure hull piles in one pass,” said CEO, Sean Chandler.
More research is needed to determine where this best fits in the manufacturing process – be it at the huller, processor, or a separate site and how it will be financially feasible.
“We have to do more research on our side to see the best way to mechanically clean hulls, mechanically feed it, and mechanically pass it through our systems because the technology is there to create that pure, premium hull,” he said.
Looking Ahead
As ABC continues to refine its strategy for marketing almond hulls as a food ingredient, the industry is taking proactive measures to position itself for success, and that starts with collaboration among all players involved.
“We are about to begin a new journey to generate more revenue from almond hulls,” Huang concluded. “It will take a while and more effort to develop the market and demand, but if you are interested in creating more value out of almond hulls, many of us can work together to shorten the process.”
-
Northern CA Almond Growers Among Organic Trade Association Honorees at Organic Week 2025
The Organic Trade Association (OTA) honored eight individuals for their longstanding commitment to advancing the organic movement during last night’s annual leadership awards event. Held at OTA’s annual Organic Week conference, the award ceremony recognized leaders for driving and sustaining the growth of the organic industry on farms and in their communities, while prioritizing the benefits to people and the planet.
The distinguished 2025 Organic Leadership Award Honorees are:
- Organic Champion: The Honorable Russell Redding, Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture
- Organic Lifetime Achievement: Albert Straus, Straus Family Creamery; and David Lively, Organically Grown Company
- Organic Farmers of the Year: Chris and Marcie Baugher, Baugher Ranch Organics
- Organic Environmental Leadership: Charlotte Vallaeys, Principal, Vallaeys Consulting LLC
- Organic Trailblazer: Nicole Atchison, CEO, PURIS
- Organic Social Impact: Tony Bedard, CEO, Frontier Co-op
“This esteemed list is a testament to the inspirational leadership and innovation abundant in the organic industry, and we are extremely grateful for the unwavering passion and commitment of these award recipients,” said Matthew Dillon, Co-CEO of Organic Trade Association. “We are proud to celebrate their significant achievements and look forward to their future contributions to drive the organic movement.”
The Honorable Russell Redding Organic Champion Award
The Organic Champion Award recognizes and honors individuals in government who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing organic agriculture and trade. This year’s recipient is Russell Reading, Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Agriculture, recognized for his decades of service to farmers and his leadership in strengthening organic agriculture both regionally and nationally. A lifelong public servant and Pennsylvania native, Redding’s deep connection to agriculture began on his family’s dairy farm and continues through his crop farm to this day. He has dedicated his career to supporting farmers, expanding market opportunities, preserving farmland, promoting conservation, and building a more resilient, diverse agricultural economy and community.
Under Governor Josh Shapiro’s leadership, Redding led the creation of the PA Preferred Organic brand and the Organic Center of Excellence and has championed public-private partnerships to grow the organic sector across the Commonwealth. His legacy reflects a deep commitment to innovation, sustainability, and ensuring a strong future for all of agriculture in Pennsylvania and beyond.
Albert Straus Organic Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement award recognizes trade association members who have dedicated their careers to the furtherance of organic agriculture and trade by providing a broad vision, successful solutions, and the labor and leadership required to bring the mission into reality. Albert Straus and David Lively are examples of just those qualities.
A second-generation farmer, Albert is a pioneering force in sustainable organic dairy farming. Having spent more than three decades producing award-winning organic dairy products, Albert has helped transform the food system through ecological practices, farm viability, community preservation, and climate innovation. In 1994, he transitioned his family’s Straus Dairy Farm to become the first certified organic dairy west of the Mississippi and founded Straus Family Creamery, the nation’s first 100% certified organic creamery.
On the farm, he was among the first in California to install a methane digester and the first to develop a carbon farm plan on a U.S. dairy. Today, Straus Dairy Farm is advancing a carbon-neutral organic dairy farming model, aiming for net-neutral emissions across all 13 of Straus Family Creamery’s supplying farms by 2030. Named one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business, Albert continues to lead with a visionary, farmer-first approach to building a regenerative food and agriculture system.
“I am truly honored to receive this award. My lifelong mission is to create a replicable organic dairy farming model that sustains family farms, fosters the next generation of farmers, and revitalizes rural communities — all made possible by producing high-quality, delicious organic products that nourish people and positively impact our planet.”
David Lively Organic Lifetime Achievement Award
David Lively became involved in organic agriculture in 1979, after being convinced that the best place to effect social change was in the dirt, at the farm level. With this in mind, he first became a partner with his brother, Tom, in Thistle-Brook, a joint venture on a third-generation farm where they and partners grew as many as 20 acres of mixed vegetables, the largest fresh-market organic farm in Oregon at that time.
During the same time, David participated in the restructuring of Organically Grown (OGC), as the non-profit morphed into a for-profit agricultural marketing cooperative. In 1984, he became an employee of OGC, and in the 41 years since, he has held numerous roles, currently serving the organization as Pioneer Emeritus.
During his career, David has led and supported numerous industry organizations, including the creation of the Sustainable Food Trade Association, the Organic Produce Wholesalers Coalition, and the Organicology Conference. He has served on the boards of the Center for Applied Agricultural Research, OGC, Oregon Tilth, the Sustainable Food Trade Association, Organic Seed Alliance, Oregon Organic Coalition, and the Organic Trade Association.
In David’s words, “WOW. This recognition is an amazing validation of the time and effort spent thinking about and performing the work that builds our movement and trade. Our community continues to serve as a wonderful and rewarding place to have put one’s visions of spirit and wholeness into play.”
Chris and Marcie Baugher Organic Farmers of the Year
The Organic Farmer of the Year Leadership Award honors individuals who have significantly contributed to supporting and advancing organic agriculture and trade at the farm level. For more than 40 years, Chris and Marcie Baugher, proprietors behind Baugher Ranch Organics in Northern California, have been leaders in organic farming, processing, and advocacy, significantly contributing to the evolution and growth of the organic almond industry. Pioneers in transitioning to organic farming in 1984, the Baugher’s built a legacy of resilience and commitment to ethical farming practices and have become a beacon of organic excellence.
Charlotte Vallaeys Organic Environmental Leadership Award
The Organic Environmental Leadership Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exemplary effort in advancing organic solutions to mitigate climate change. This year’s recipient is Charlotte Vallaeys, a longtime organic advocate and consultant who previously served as Organic Expert at General Mills, where she led the sustainability strategy and initiatives for their organic brands. This included integrating perennial grains and diverse crops with climate benefits into General Mills’ organic product lines, as well as communicating the environmental benefits of organic. Charlotte is a prominent, passionate, dedicated, and science-driven voice for organic agriculture. In addition to her consulting work, she serves as a board member for Organic Voices and the Organic Farming Research Foundation.
Nicole Atchison Organic Trailblazer
The Organic Trailblazer Award honors trade association members who have dedicated their careers to advancing organic agriculture and trade by providing vision, innovative creations and solutions, and the work and leadership that make dreams a reality. This year’s winner, Nicole Atchison, CEO of PURIS, is recognized for her tireless dedication to continuous improvement of the organic industry through her efforts to combat organic fraud. In addition to working with lawmakers on Capitol Hill and now actively collaborating with the National Organic Program (NOP), Nicole is directly contributing to the development and implementation of more effective tools, activities, and practices designed to safeguard organic integrity.
Tony Bedard Organic Social Impact Award
The Social Impact Leadership Award honors individuals who serve as a source of inspiration and stability for customers and the organic community. This year’s recipient is Tony Bedard, CEO of Frontier Co-op, a member-owned natural and organic cooperative founded in 1976 with a mission to advance environmental and social responsibility for the benefit of both producers and consumers.
For more than 30 years, Tony has guided Frontier Co-op by its north star: “Doing Good, Works.” Under his leadership, the Co-op has empowered employees through innovative programs that address barriers to economic success and invested in long-term resilience for smallholder farmers. By reinvesting profits to support producers and causes aligned with its values, Frontier Co-op—under Tony’s steadfast direction—has demonstrated how a simple promise can create profound impact for people and the planet.
About the Organic Trade Association The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is the membership-based business association for organic agriculture and products in North America. OTA is the leading voice for the organic trade in the United States, representing organic businesses and producers across the nation. Its members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers’ associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, brands, retailers and others. OTA’s mission is to promote and protect ORGANIC with a unifying voice that serves and engages its diverse members from farm to marketplace.