Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

Category: Economics

  • Robert Verloop Named CEO of California Walnut Board and California Walnut Commission

    Robert Verloop Named CEO of California Walnut Board and California Walnut Commission

    The California Walnut Board (CWB) and the California Walnut Commission (CWC) are pleased to announce that Robert Verloop has been named executive director and chief executive officer, effective July 11, 2022. The CWB and CWC represent over 4,500 California walnut growers and nearly 90 handlers, producing over 1.4 billion pounds of walnuts in 2021 that ship to more than 50 countries around the world.

    “We are excited to bring onboard an experienced strategic leader such as Robert, his background will well serve the California walnut industry. He has the unique experience of leadership roles as a grower/shipper of highly perishable produce and in commodity organizations. Robert understands the challenge to ‘move the crop.’ In addition, he has extensive knowledge and creativity as a marketer working in complex domestic and international markets,” said Bill Tos, the California Walnut Board’s Executive Committee Chairperson.

    Mr. Verloop recently held the position of COO for Coastline Family Farms, a family-owned vegetable grower/shipper. Previously, he held executive/ leadership roles with Naturipe Farms/Naturipe Brands, Sunkist Growers Inc., and the California Avocado Commission. In those capacities, Robert worked in such areas as marketing and sales promotions in retail, foodservice and ingredient channels in domestic and global markets; issues management; strategic planning; and government relations, working with various state and federal agencies, including USDA, FAS/ATO, CDFA, and FDA.

    “When he was a member of the then-Produce Marketing Association Board of Directors, Robert showed a true drive to help find and create solutions for the global produce and floral community. His focus on disciplined marketing and uncovering the implications in challenges and opportunities helped us immensely, and I expect the walnut industry will realize these same leadership benefits,” said International Fresh Produce Association CEO Cathy Burns.

    “I am looking forward to working with the staff, the two Boards (CWB and CWC), and the growers and handlers that make up the California walnut industry. Walnuts are highly versatile and nutritious, ideal for plant-based eating. In collaboration with the growers and handlers we must respond to rapidly evolving market conditions with a sense of urgency and purpose and continue to build an ongoing dialogue with key customer segments in order to drive sales in all market segments,” added Verloop. “I am also keenly aware of the multi-generational nature of an industry dating back more than a century. The new generations are inheriting a dynamic industry that continues to evolve through innovation, starting with new advances in orchard management practices, post-harvest management, and developing exciting new consumer products that showcase the versatility and delicious taste of nutritious California walnuts.”

    The CWB and the CWC play a vital role in expanding walnut usage occasions and understanding walnuts’ health benefits, solving for production and post-harvest challenges, protecting the industry against burdensome regulations, and building demand for California walnuts globally. Despite current supply-chain challenges, there is rising demand for walnuts given their versatility and wide range of studied health benefits. Interest in plant-based eating around the globe is an opportunity for walnuts, which contain protein and fiber, and are the only nut that is an excellent source of essential plant-based omega-3 ALA.[1]

    “We look forward to Robert and the CWB and CWC staff working in collaboration with the industry to address the near-term challenges in supply chain logistics, port congestion and rising costs. At the same time, we will refresh and refocus our long-term strategies given the evolving marketplace and not waiver our focus on the mission of market development and increasing consumer demand globally for our future crops,” added Tos.

    About the California Walnut Board

    The California Walnut Board (CWB) was established in 1948 to represent the walnut growers and handlers of California. The CWB is funded by mandatory assessments of the handlers. The CWB is governed by a Federal Walnut Marketing Order. The CWB promotes usage of walnuts in the United States through publicity and educational programs. The CWB also provides funding for walnut production, food safety and post-harvest research.

    About the California Walnut Commission

    The California Walnut Commission, established in 1987, is funded by mandatory assessments of the growers. The Commission is an agency of the State of California that works in concurrence with the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). The CWC is mainly involved in health research and export market development activities. For more industry information, health research and recipe ideas, visit www.walnuts.org.

  • Almond Alliance Announces Historic Joint Venture to “Move Nuts”

    Almond Alliance Announces Historic Joint Venture to “Move Nuts”

    After a year and a half of supply chain problems, a massive trade imbalance, and challenges at ports, the Almond Alliance California has announced a collaborative private/public venture to ship nuts to foreign customers. From September 2021 to February 2022, California almonds lost $2 billion in revenue.

    “There is a stockpile of nuts sitting in warehouses and at docks that have been grown, sold, and awaiting delivery to customers. We have found a solution to the challenges of a supply chain breakdown by working together. Because of this historic effort, we are finally bringing these nuts to market, which makes a massive difference for our farmers, economy, and communities,” stated Aubrey Bettencourt, President/CEO of the Almond Alliance of California.

    The joint partnership includes Blue Diamond Growers, Union Pacific Railroad, the ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland, ocean carrier CMA CGM, and other logistic leaders such as Van G Logistics. Working together, the California Almond Alliance has created port opportunities and new direct communications pathways and has begun booking with carriers.

    “America’s great industries came together to find solutions and help protect American workers, businesses, and reputation,” said Bettencourt. “These important partnerships are a home-grown out-of-the-box first step to solving an enormous trade problem. This program will bring American Grown goods to market, preserve America’s reputation as a trade partner, and show that industry leaders can come together to meet challenges.”

    The Central Valley Ramp to the Port of Long Beach, with the help of Blue Diamond Growers, Union Pacific Railroad, CMA CGM, and Van G Logistics, is the first to come online. The Almond Alliance has pilots underway at the Central Valley Ramp to get the nuts moving and on board ships.

    In addition to the collaboration with Blue Diamond Growers, Union Pacific Railroad, and the ports and carriers, the Almond Alliance also took the opportunity to express sincere appreciation for the continued support of the California delegation, Sen. Feinstein, Sen. Padilla, Rep. Garamendi, Rep. Costa, Rep. Valadao, and Governor Newsom’s administration, Go-Biz Senior Advisor and Director Dee Dee Myers and the California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross.

    “We’ve taken an important first step, and we are committed to building on this success to work together to meet the challenges we face,” concluded Bettencourt.

    About the Almond Alliance

    The Almond Alliance of California (AAC) is a trusted non-profit organization dedicated to representing and advocating on behalf of the California almond community. California almonds generate more than $21 billion in economic revenue and directly contribute more than $11 billion to the state’s total economy. California’s top agricultural export, almonds create approximately 104,000 jobs statewide, over 97,000 in the Central Valley, which suffers from chronic unemployment. The AAC is dedicated to educating state legislators, policy makers and regulatory officials about the California almond community. As a membership-based organization, our members include almond processors, hullers/shellers, growers and allied businesses. AAC works to raise awareness, knowledge and provide a better understanding about the scope, size, value and sustainability of the California almond community. For more information on the Almond Alliance, visit almondalliance.org.

  • Almond Board of California Announces 2022 Election Results

    Almond Board of California Announces 2022 Election Results

    The Almond Board of California (ABC) recently announced the Board of Directors election results, and the names of the following nominees have been submitted to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture for selection to terms of office beginning Aug. 1, 2022:

    Grower Position One, Member (1-year term):      

    Paul Ewing, Los Banos

    Grower Position One, Alternate:

    Katie Staack-Dorsett, Waterford

    Grower Position Two, Member (3-year term):                              

    Brandon Rebiero, Modesto

    Grower Position Two, Alternate:

    To be determined

    Handler Position Three, Member (1-year term):              

    Darren Rigg, Le Grand

    Handler Position Three, Alternate:                                    

    Chad DeRose, McFarland

    Cooperative Handler Position One, Member (3-year term):

    Mel Machado, Modesto

    Cooperative Handler Position One, Alternate:

    Mark Jansen, Sacramento

    The ABC board is made up of five handler and five grower representatives. It sets policy and recommends budgets in major areas, including marketing, production research, public relations and advertising, nutrition research, statistical reporting, quality control and food safety.

    About California Almonds

    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. Established in 1950 and based in Modesto, California, ABC is a non-profit organization that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. For more information on the Almond Board of California or almonds, visit Almonds.com.

  • Turlock Irrigation District Serves Growers, Conserves Water with New Technology

    Turlock Irrigation District Serves Growers, Conserves Water with New Technology

    Amidst a threatening drought, groups and individuals are working to find more ways to conserve the precious resource of water, and Turlock Irrigation District has been leading the way for sustainable water management with new technologies and strategies. Watch this brief interview with Michelle Reimers from Turlock Irrigation District as she explains their recent improvements and plans.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Trece for their industry support.

     

  • New Measures to Improve Ag Exporter Conditions at the Port of Oakland

    New Measures to Improve Ag Exporter Conditions at the Port of Oakland

    While California agriculture’s current export shipping crisis is going to take a combined effort at multiple levels of government and supply chain leadership to resolve, a panel discussion at the recent convention of the Almond Alliance of California illustrated some positives steps that are being taken to improve the situation. Watch this brief interview with Andrew Hwang from the Port of Oakland to learn about some of these efforts, and read more about it in the June issue of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Trece for their industry support.
  • Historic Drought Impacts Northern California Tree Nut Growers

    Historic Drought Impacts Northern California Tree Nut Growers

    Northern California growers are really feeling the impact of drought this year with record low water allocations if any.  Watch this brief interview with grower Blake Vann, who serves on the Glenn Colusa Irrigation District Board as he explains, and read more about it in the next issue of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Trece for their industry support.
  • Project Apis m.’s Seeds for Bees’ 2022–2023 Season Open Enrollment Launched!

    Project Apis m.’s Seeds for Bees’ 2022–2023 Season Open Enrollment Launched!

    The Seeds for Bees program open enrollment launched in California today and is open for three months until August 31st. This year’s goal is to plant 15,000 acres of cover crop in what growers and beekeepers are saying is one of the most challenging years in recent memory. “Last year was tough, this year is even tougher,” said Rory Crowley, Project Apis m.’s Director of Habitat Programs. “In every way possible, growers and beekeepers are being pressed to their limits, and that is why cover crop is so important. That is why Seeds for Bees is so important.” Crowley said that the drought and economic pressures actually demands more cover crop being planted.

    The challenges that growers and beekeepers are facing run the gamut, from economic—extreme increases in cultural cost—to agronomic—water availability, quality, and price. Project Apis m. is stressing its important economic and agronomic niche amidst these challenges. Seeds for Bees is now offering more money for free seed for first- and second-year participants. $2500 in free seed is being offered off overall seed purchases for first-year participants and $1500 for second-year participants. Because Seeds for Bees is nonprofit, buys seed in high volumes, and pays for shipping, growers of honey bee-pollinated crops in California can capitalize on pricing discounts through the program. Seeds for Bees has a huge competitive advantage that directly benefits producers’ pocketbooks, especially this year.

    “We are doing absolutely everything at Project Apis m. to help—giving away more, negotiating for better pricing on seed, and creating easy-to-use tools that growers can look at quickly and understand what to do and how to do it, like our new Management Quick Guide,” Crowley said. “We have two goals this year: to help growers and beekeepers get through and make a profit and get the bees the nutrition they need to come back strong and do it again next year. Let’s get to work.”

    There is only a 3-month Enrollment Period and funding is limited, so apply today HERE.

    Seeds for Bees

    Seeds for Bees encourages the use of cover crops to increase the density, diversity, and duration of bee forage in California working lands while improving soil health and crop production. The seed mixes available through Seeds for Bees are designed to bloom at critical times of the year when natural forage is scarce but managed and native bees are active. Seeds for Bees serves the needs of bees, beekeepers, and growers, increasing sustainability of pollination and agriculture. Learn more at www.ProjectApism.org/Seeds-For-Bees

    Project Apis m.

    Project Apis m. (PAm) is the go-to organization at the interface of honey bees and pollinated crops. Since 2006, we’ve infused over $8.5 million into honey bee research and $2.9 million into forage programs, resulting in better pollination and increased crop yields for growers, and lower losses and better honey production for beekeepers. We work closely with commercial beekeepers, growers, and top bee scientists in the USA and Canada to fund projects and direct strategic efforts focused on practical solutions. PAm funds studies, offers graduate scholarships to encourage careers in pursuit of science-based solutions to honey bee challenges, and has expanding efforts to put forage on the landscape where bees need it most. We are a 501(c)5 nonprofit organization governed by an eleven-member board of stakeholders representing major national and state industry organizations, and an additional seven-member Science Advisory Board.  Learn more at www.ProjectApism.org

  • CA Almonds on the Verge of Losing Their Place in the Global Market

    CA Almonds on the Verge of Losing Their Place in the Global Market

    California almonds, among other tree nuts and agricultural products have been struggling to make their way across the sea to consumers around the world.  Organizations such as the Almond Board of California have worked hard and invested a lot to open global markets and pave the way for California almonds to reach grocery stores worldwide, and all of this is at stake now if we can’t get our product beyond our western ports.  Watch this brief interview with Aubrey Bettencourt, President of the Almond Alliance of California as she details the problem and what they are doing to make a difference.  Read more about it in the June issue of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Trece for their industry support.
  • Almond Acreage Increases in 2022 but Pace of Growth Slows

    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.

  • Heart-Friendly Focus Fuels Almonds in Mexico

    Heart-Friendly Focus Fuels Almonds in Mexico

    Almond Board of California — Almond exports from the U.S. to Mexico increased 25% in 2021, reflecting a growing appetite for the nuts by health-conscious consumers in that market. 

    Wellness is top of mind for many Mexicans, who increasingly have gravitated to almonds for several health benefits. Almonds contain magnesium to support a healthy immune system, vitamin E to support skin care (vitamin E may help protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals, caused by pollution, UV rays from the sun, cigarette smoke and other environmental and intrinsic factors) and good fats (to support heart health). One serving of almonds (28g) has 13g of unsaturated fat (healthy fat) and only 1g of saturated fat.

    Since 2018, the Almond Board of California has conducted consumer advertising and public relations in Mexico under the “Ponte Almendra” campaign. Ponte Almendra is a play on words in Spanish, adapted from the colloquial “ponte las pilas,” a popular idiom to tell people to work harder or make a bigger effort – essentially to get going. The message in Ponte Almendra is that a handful of almonds contains the natural energy-giving protein to help active people get through their busy days.

    Clearly, the marketing efforts are paying off. Last year, almond shipments to Mexico increased to 30 million pounds, making Mexico one of the up-and-coming countries ABC staff are most excited about.

    “The Almond Board is enthusiastic about the emerging growth of this market,” said Becky Jeffers, ABC’s manager of North American marketing. “Consumers are looking for healthy snacks as their lifestyles have changed and diseases of affluence such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease are increasing.”

    Marketing efforts have leveraged the popularity and credibility of Mexican TV stars and trusted medical experts. ABC also has partnered with the Mexican Heart Foundation to underscore the value of almonds in a heart-healthy diet.

    A consumer survey funded by the Almond Board showed that 68% of Mexican consumers were motivated to eat almonds if they understood that almonds as part of a heart-healthy diet could potentially help with improving cholesterol levels.

    In 2021, the Ponte Almendra campaign featured TV ads that aired during major sporting events, such as the broadcast of the Super Bowl in Mexico and national soccer championships, and award shows such as the Grammy’s in Mexico. One TikTok video posted on Feb. 16, 2021 (designated as Almond Day in Mexico) garnered an impressive 2 million organic (un-sponsored) views in one day.

    ABC’s research revealed that consumers ranked almonds high in overall preference and said it is the nut they’ve seen the most positive stories about.

    “There is more opportunity to drive consumer awareness and perception of almonds’ specific heart health benefits. In fact, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove, that eating 1.5 ounces of nuts as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease,” Jeffers said. “The survey showed 82% of Mexican consumers rate knowing that almonds are good for your heart would make them more likely to eat almonds. However, only 33% of respondents said that almonds are the best nut for their heart, showing the opportunity to amplify the nutrition research on heart health that is motivating to consumers.”

    The Almond Board has already shifted the communications to focus on heart health while keeping Ponte Almendra as the overarching campaign slogan. For example, for World Heart Month in September 2021, ABC partnered with credible doctors for TV media interviews and social media posts – including a 30-minute interview between a health coach and a doctor on Instagram Live. The heart health efforts will continue throughout 2022.