At Malcolm Media’s recent Tree & Vine Expo, event host Matthew Malcolm was pleased to introduce, Linda Pinfold, the new Stanislaus County Ag Commissioner to attendees. Watch this brief video to get to know Linda and her emphasis on serving and assisting local farmers in navigating the ever-changing pesticide regulatory environment of California.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Thunder Creek Equipment for their industry support.
The California walnut industry has suffered tremendously in recent years due to many factors outside of the grower’s control. But the future is not all doom and gloom. In fact, the quality of this year’s crop was outstanding. Watch this brief interview with Robert Verloop, CEO of the California Walnut Board & Commission, as he shares some highlights from his State of the Walnut Industry address at the Malcolm Media’s recent Tree & Vine Expo in Turlock.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Thunder Creek Equipment for their industry support.
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) announced $4.1 million in grants to conserve monarch butterflies and other insect pollinators in 15 states. The grants will leverage $6.6 million in matching contributions for a total conservation impact of $10.7 million.
The grants were awarded through the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund), a partnership between NFWF and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Forest Service (USFS), Bayer Crop Science, Danone North America and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation.
The projects supported by the 18 grants announced will increase the quality and quantity of pollinator habitat for monarch butterflies, rusty patched bumble bees and other native pollinators. The projects will also enhance outreach and organizational coordination.
“The nation’s ecosystems and economy are inextricably linked to pollinators,” said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF. “The grants announced today will support collaborative efforts to establish and manage habitat for pollinators living across the monarch butterfly’s eastern and western migratory routes.”
Collectively, it is expected that the projects announced today will:
The monarch butterfly is one of the most iconic species in North America, and its annual migration cycle is one of the most remarkable natural phenomena in the world. However, over the past 20 years, the monarch butterfly population has declined by more than 80 percent throughout much of its range. Several other pollinators have experienced similarly dramatic declines in recent decades. Habitat loss is a primary threat to many of these species.
“The NFWF Pollinator Fund showcases what is truly possible when diverse partners come together to drive restoration of biodiversity and ecosystem services with on-the-ground conservation projects. Bayer continues to be a proud supporter of this program as we believe that our commitments to biodiversity and productivity in the agricultural landscape are compatible goals,” said Tim Fredricks, Environmental Engagement Manager, Bayer Crop Science.
“Danone North America is pleased to be advancing pollinator conservation on private working lands,” said Christopher Adamo, Vice President of Public Affairs and Regenerative Agriculture Policy, Danone North America. “Almonds and other specialty crops provide unique opportunities to support agricultural operations and pollinators across the United States. Biodiversity is a fundamental component of our holistic regenerative agriculture framework that considers local conservation needs.”
“Maintaining, restoring, and improving habitat are crucial for species like the monarch butterfly, Dakota skipper, rusty patched bumble bee, and other native pollinators,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams. “The Service is proud to participate in this science-based, outcome-focused partnership for the benefit of a diverse group of pollinators and the American people.”
“Aligned with our Pollinator Promise to help establish and enhance pollinator gardens, we look forward to the continued efforts in conserving and recovering pollinators through the Monarch Butterly and Pollinators Conservation Fund,” said Brian Herrington, president of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation. “Through our collective endeavor with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, we will make a more powerful impact.”
In 2015, NFWF established the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund, a public–private partnership that funds projects to protect, conserve, and increase habitat for monarch butterflies and other pollinators. By leveraging the resources and expertise of its partners, the fund is helping to reverse recent population declines and ensure the survival of these valuable species. Since 2015, the fund has awarded $23.8 million to 140 projects that are helping conserve and recover the monarch butterfly while also benefiting other pollinator species. Grantees have matched this investment with an additional $38.9 million for a total on-the-ground impact of $62.7 million.
A complete list of the 2023 grants made through the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund is available here. A short video about the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund is available here.
About the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Chartered by Congress in 1984, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) protects and restores the nation’s fish, wildlife, plants and habitats. Working with federal, corporate, foundation and individual partners, NFWF has funded more than 6,000 organizations and generated a total conservation impact of $8.1 billion. Learn more at www.nfwf.org.
About Bayer Crop Science
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and agriculture. Its products and services are designed to help people and planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to drive sustainable development and generate a positive impact with its businesses. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2022, the Group employed around 101,000 people and had sales of 50.7 billion euros. R&D expenses before special items amounted to 6.2 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.
Danone North America
Danone North America is a purpose-driven company and an industry leader in the food and beverage category. The company aims to inspire healthier and more sustainable eating and drinking practices with a strong portfolio of health-focused, fast-growing and on-trend brands including: Activia®, DanActive®, Danimals®, Dannon®, evian®, Follow Your Heart®, Happy Family® Organics, Horizon® Organic, International Delight®, Light + Fit®, Oikos®, Silk®, So Delicious® Dairy Free, STōK®, Two Good®, Wallaby® Organic, and YoCrunch®. With more than 6,000 employees and 16 production locations across the U.S. and Canada, Danone North America’s long-standing mission is to bring health through food to as many people as possible. As a Certified B Corporation®, Danone North America is committed to the creation of both economic and social value, while nurturing natural ecosystems through regenerative agriculture. For more information about Danone North America, visit https://www.danonenorthamerica.com.
About The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation
The mission of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation is to inspire, connect and cultivate a community of purpose. The Foundation is deeply rooted in helping create healthier communities, empower the next generation, and preserve our planet. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that funds non-profit entities that support its core initiatives in the form of grants, endowments and multi-year capital gifts. For more information, visit www.scottsmiraclegrofoundation.org.
About the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information about our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov or connect with us via Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr.
Oregon hazelnut growers have a new tool to combat both weeds and suckers in young hazelnuts. Watch this brief video with weed science expert Marcelo Moretti from Oregon State University to find out, and read more about hazelnut orchard management in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
Please thank this video’s sponsor George Packing Company for their industry support.
Almond Board of California — The Almond Conference 2023 drew the largest turnout since 2019 as attendees met new Almond Board of California president and CEO Clarice Turner and heard about the array of programs – ranging from building global demand to increased trade efforts to research to maximize grower efficiency – aimed at helping the industry face difficult times.
As always, the gathering at Sacramento’s SAFE Credit Union Convention Center was the largest of the year for the almond industry, drawing 3,819 attendees and providing an opportunity to further relationships, build new ones and exchange ideas and information.
“This year, we were able to share what we learned about the challenges we’re facing as well as outline the efforts ABC is making to address each,” said Alexi Rodriguez, chair of ABC’s Board of Directors. “The best path for our industry is going to be together, and The Almond Conference offered a great opportunity to take into account all the ideas and experiences that were shared to help us move forward.”
During the State of the Industry presentation, Turner talked about what she called a great strength of the almond industry – the supportive nature of everyone in it.
“I’m so impressed with how you all work together, help each other, and care so deeply,” Turner said. “As the industry struggles to deal with challenges, many we don’t control, it’s critical to pull together and focus on what we can control or influence to find our way forward … We have some difficult times to endure, but I’m certain that strong leadership, focus and the industry DNA of ‘grit and innovation’ will get us to a better place.”
The theme of The Almond Conference 2023 was “Connecting the Dots,” and sessions offered practical information for growers in many forms as well as a forum to exchange knowledge. One focus was providing information about the range of assistance available to the industry, and the conference again included an Incentive and Grower Support Zone, a popular offering that helped attendees get their questions answered by more than a dozen agencies and organizations that offer incentives or help getting them.
Attendees also heard from Doug McKalip, Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, who was part of the State of the Industry presentation, and from CDFA Secretary Karen Ross, who spent time with McKalip visiting the trade show floor.
The annual awards given to long-time industry leaders during the Gala dinner were also highlights, as they are every year.
Dick Cunningham was given the 2023 Almond Achievement Award for his remarkable commitment to the advancement of the almond industry over a 50-year career, and Wes Asai was awarded the 2023 Almond Technical Achievement Award, which recognizes an industry member who has contributed to significant technical advancement for the betterment of the California almond industry through research, innovation or facilitating the adoption of practices.
And Richard Waycott, ABC’s outgoing president and CEO, was recognized for his 20-plus years of service to the industry with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
What’s next
American Pistachio Growers (APG) has been awarded a $5 million grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to help growers adopt healthy soils practices in the Golden State. The grant is a part of the California Healthy Soils Initiative, a collaboration of state agencies and departments that promotes the development of healthy soils on California’s farmlands and ranchlands.
The grant to APG is among 14 grants funded through the CDFA Healthy Soils Block Grant Pilot Program, which awarded $62 million in soils block grants in 2023 to various organizations. The program will fund projects for three years, with a limit of $200,000 per project over the lifetime of the grant. The objective is to better connect farmers and ranchers with programs that encourage and incentivize the implementation of management practices that sequester carbon, reduce atmospheric greenhouse gases, and improve overall soil health.
“As the non-profit trade association for the pistachio industry, American Pistachio Growers is uniquely positioned to assist growers in implementing and managing various Healthy Soils Block Grant qualified projects,” said Wes Wilson, APG Director of Member Services and Communications. “We look forward to connecting growers with these valuable programs that will not only improve the overall health of our California soils, but have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon, all while increasing yields and reducing traditional inputs.”
The agreement with the CDFA Office of Environ mental Farming and Innovation (OEFI) was executed on December 5, 2023, with grower applications opening January 1, 2024. APG anticipates funding more than 30 projects, with special consideration given to growers who qualify as Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers or have farms of 500 acres or less.
APG will conduct outreach and accept applications from growers in Kern, Tulare, Kings, Fresno, Madera and Merced counties. Under the program, qualifying practices include compost application, cover crop planting and management, mulching, hedgerow planting, nutrient management that results in a 15% or greater reduction in fertilizer application, residue and tillage management, and prescribed grazing.
“Our pistachio growers are true innovators and conservationists, and this grant will bring even greater awareness to the importance of healthy soils in our pistachio orchards,” added Wilson. “It’s a benefit not only for growers but also for all Californians.”
Growers who have questions or need additional information can contact Wilson at (559) 289-9375, wwilson@americanpistachios.org, or Carlee Branco at (559) 410-7482, cbranco@americanpistachios.org.
American Pistachio Growers is the non-profit trade association representing more than 865 growers and member processors in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.
At the 113th Blue Diamond Growers “Growing Together” Annual Meeting on Nov. 15 in Modesto, Blue Diamond Growers’ CEO, Kai Bockmann, reflected on his first ten months in the leadership role by acknowledging significant challenges faced by growers and the world’s largest almond cooperative.
In Bockmann’s remarks – along with those of Blue Diamond Growers’ Board Chairman, Dan Cummings – both pointed to remarkable headwinds for the almond industry, including higher input costs and inflationary pressures, depressed market prices, shifts in consumer shopping patterns, unfavorable weather conductions, and reduced crop sizes. To help counter these challenges, Blue Diamond Growers is advancing an aggressive strategic growth plan to navigate the marketplace conditions and drive substantial growth.
“Volatility is our new normal, but our destination is set – and it is one of growth,” said Bockmann. “While this past year brought many challenges for our growers, no challenge is insurmountable. We have a rich history, an exceptional brand, and the right people and culture to deliver against our ambitious growth plan.”
In laying out the plan, Bockmann shared with the annual meeting audience that what has helped bring the cooperative to where it is today, will not get it to where it is going in terms of growth and market expansion. The new growth plan prioritizes expansion into the massive foodservice channel and strategically selected international markets, while strengthening the value-added business, doubling down on product innovation, and driving for operational efficiencies.
“Foodservice is a trillion dollar industry that represents a significant growth opportunity for Blue Diamond, and we will directly target that sector as a strategic priority,” said Bockmann. “Additionally, we will diversify and innovate our product portfolio beyond our flagship Blue Diamond Snack Almonds® and Almond Breeze® brands. We will build on the tremendous success of these products – which are both the #1 brands in America for almonds and almondmilk.”
Bockmann shared that flavor-focused product innovation remains a top priority commenting that “no one does flavor like Blue Diamond” as evidenced by the widely popular Chilé N Lime flavored snack nuts. The flavor was launched as a limited time offer at Costco and won the “Best Nuts” award in PEOPLE Magazine’s 2023 Food Awards.
The Blue Diamond Research & Development team will continue to innovate with new flavors, while advancing new and existing categories, including plant-based yogurt, chocolate, baking, beverages and plant-based cheese. On the foodservice front, the strategic growth plan focus is already delivering results. The Blue Diamond International Consumer and R&D teams worked closely with Maeil Dairies in the past year to develop Almond Breeze® Barista Blend, which was introduced in 6,500 Starbucks across China earlier this year.
“I’m confident that Blue Diamond Growers is poised to thrive in the years to come because we are stronger together,” said Bockmann. “We are excited to grow together as we bring our strategic plan and collective vision to life.”
Supporting Grower Success and Advancing Sustainability
In addition to tackling the marketplace challenges with strategy, innovation, and expansion, Blue Diamond Growers also concepted and launched a new grower-focused buying coalition. To help connect growers with trusted, well-known suppliers and build local, long-term relationships, the Blue Diamond Growers Connect Marketplace aims to reduce production costs for farmers by negotiating better discounts with suppliers via Group Purchasing Organizations and the co-ops’ own internal platform. The goal of the marketplace is to reduce growers’ costs by 5-15%.
Additionally, a notable highlight from the year is Blue Diamond Growers’ advancement in sustainability. To continue growing the cooperative’s commitment to stewardship, Blue Diamond’s Member Relations team held several online webinars, including hosting the Almond Board of California Almond Stewardship Platform and the Pollinator Partnership to discuss and educate growers on Bee-Friendly Farming.
Along with the offered webinars, growers were encouraged to participate in Blue Diamond’s Orchard Stewardship Incentive Program (OSIP), a program where growers can earn financial incentives for implementing best practices related to orchard management, environmental issues, occupational health and safety, and community investment.
In July of this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded Blue Diamond a five-year, $45 million “Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities” grant, a program designed to help farmers implement “climate-smart” practices on their land. The program offers growers no-cost cover crop seed and a financial incentive to plant cover crops and/or conservation cover on their land. These practices notonly work toward taking carbon out of the atmosphere, but they also enhance orchard biodiversity and improve soil health. The USDA grant complements
Blue Diamond’s OSIP by lowering the cost of initiating the pollinator-friendly practices required to receive Bee-Friendly Farming certification.
“Without question it has been a challenging year, but the loyalty and leadership demonstrated by our board – combined with the resilence of our growers and dedication of Blue Diamond employees – will allow us to overcome the challenges together,” said Cummings. “I’m confident Blue Diamond will deliver great prosperity and a sustainable future for our growers, employees, their families, and the communities we call home.”
Blue Diamond Annual Report Now Available
In conjunction with the Annual Meeting, the Blue Diamond Growers 2023 “Growing Together” Annual Report is now available on the Blue Diamond 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.
Diamond of California®, the century-old producer of specialty nuts, and Nature Nate’s Honey Co.®, the number-one branded honey company in the U.S. and producer of 100% pure, raw & unfiltered honey, announce today the launch of Hot Honey Snack Walnuts. The two brands have fused their expertise in walnuts and honey to create the perfect sweet and spicy superfood snack. They are available now online and coming soon to stores nationwide over the next several weeks. (SRP: $3.99/4oz. bag)
The new Hot Honey Snack Walnuts highlight Diamond’s California-grown walnuts, which contain protein, fiber, and ALA Omega-3, lightly glazed with Nature Nate’s Hot Honey, 100% pure honey infused with chili peppers. Hot Honey joins Diamond’s four additional Snack nut flavors including Salted Dark Chocolate, Himalayan Pink Salt, Sweet Maple and the recently launched, Pecan Pie Snack Pecans.
“As we continue to expand our snack nut line, we are taking a thoughtful approach to new flavors and making conscious effort to use real ingredients,” said Craig Tokusato, Chief Marketing Officer of Diamond of California®. “Nature Nate’s was a natural fit as a collaborator on this new flavor because similar to Diamond, they are a category leader that sets the standard with the quality of their products. We are excited to fuse our two specialty products, walnuts and hot honey, into a superfood snack that is sure to add a kick to snack time.”
“Nate’s Hot Honey is made with pure honey and infused with just the right amount of spice. Adding our award-winning product to Diamond’s premium walnuts was a fun and authentic collaboration,” said Nathan Sheets, President and CEO of Nate’s. “We are proud to team up with Diamond of California® to deliver this innovative and delicious snack that stays true to our mission to provide families with more ways to enjoy the benefits of pure honey everyday.”
Hot Honey Snack Walnuts are now available online via shop.diamondnuts.com and coming soon to major retailers like Albertsons, ShopRite and Amazon replacing a previous Hot Honey recipe sold in yellow packaging. For more information on Diamond of California®, visit their website or follow @DiamondNuts on Instagram and Facebook.
Diamond of California®, the century-old producer of specialty nuts, has worked with walnut growers since 1912, making the company one of the earliest pioneers of the farm-to-table movement. The company packages fresh walnuts, almonds, pecans and other culinary nuts in whole, sliced, diced, and chopped forms. Their most recent innovations, Ready-to-Use Nut Pie Crusts and Ready-to-Eat Snack Walnuts & Pecans, can be found in the baking and snack aisles respectively. Headquartered in Stockton, California, Diamond of California® is located in the state’s heartland, where most of its orchards lie. Diamond of California® believes that nuts make good food even better. That’s why they’ve offered fresh, high quality and great tasting nuts that are truly made for homemade, for over 100 years.
About Nature Nate’s Honey Co.
Since 1972, Nature Nate’s Honey Co. has been dedicated to offering honey as nature intended – 100% pure, raw & unfiltered. Arriving in its most natural form, this honey is closest to its original provision from the hive. Nate’s adheres to strict quality-control standards, sourcing honey from trusted beekeepers and minimally processing it to ensure the honey retains all its natural benefits. Nate’s promises an undivided commitment to providing the highest-quality product to you and your family’s dining table – a farmer’s market quality honey, available year-round. For more information about Nate’s visit their website.
California’s total almond acreage dropped again in 2023, this time by about 74,000 acres, making two years in a row that acreage has decreased, something that has not happened since at least 1995, according to a new report from Land IQ to the Almond Board of California (ABC).
Total acreage dropped from just under 1.64 million acres last year to about 1.56 million in 2023, even though bearing acres – orchards producing almonds and planted in 2020 or earlier – increased slightly to 1.37 million acres compared with 1.34 million acres at this time last year. But the amount of non-bearing acreage – new orchards planted in 2021, 2022 or 2023 – sank about 105,000 acres from 294,000 acres in 2022 to 189,000 acres in 2023, according to the Land IQ 2023 Standing Acreage Final Estimate.
“The latest Land IQ California almond acreage analysis continues to point to a reduction in total acreage driven by fewer new plantings and an increase in orchard removals,” said Richard Waycott, ABC president and CEO. “The 1.37 million bearing acreage in 2023 established a new record, reflecting plantings in 2020 or earlier, but going forward, the analysis points to a lowering of bearing acreage in 2024.”
Orchard removals increased again in 2023 to about 83,000 acres as of Aug. 31, compared with 60,400 acres removed in 2022 and continuing a trend of an increasing pace of removals that started in 2021, according to the accompanying Land IQ 2023 Removal Update. That contributes to the analysis pointing to fewer acres next year and possibly beyond, Waycott said.
In addition, nearly 41,000 acres are classified as either stressed or abandoned. They were included in the standing acreage total because the orchards “may have the ability to recover,” Land IQ said.
The estimates come from multiple lines of evidence, including agronomic and remote sensing knowledge, robust on-the-ground verification, customized image analysis, artificial intelligence and more. Land IQ said the 2023 standing acreage estimate is 98.8 percent accurate.
Land IQ’s acreage estimates are 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.
Following his State of the Almond Industry presentations at the Tree & Vine Expo and the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo, Richard Waycott, President of the Almond Board of California, shared some insights on successes and challenges with almond shipments over the past 12 months. Watch his interview with Matthew Malcolm and read the full State of the Industry report in the upcoming issue of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Thunder Creek Equipment for their industry support.