Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

Category: Economics

  • USDA COVID-19 Food Assistance Program to Support Farmers

    Summary

    By Schramm, Williams & Associates, Inc. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the $19 billion Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) to support farmers and ranchers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This program is comprised of two major elements: direct payments to farmers and ranchers and commodity purchase and distribution.

    • Direct Payments Program – Provides $16 billion in direct support based on actual losses for agricultural producers where prices and market supply chains have been impacted and will assist producers with additional adjustment and marketing costs resulting from lost demand and short-term oversupply for the 2020 marketing year caused by COVID-19.
    • Purchase and Distribution Program – $3 billion of agricultural products, including meat, dairy, and produce will be purchased to support producers and provided food to those in need. USDA will work with local food and regional distributors to deliver food to food banks, as well as community and faith-based organization to provide food to those in need.

    CFAP uses funding authorities provided in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), USDA’s existing CCC funding, and Section 32 authority.

    Direct Assistance Program

    Source of Funds

    This program is funded using the $9.5 billion emergency program secured in the CARES Act and $6.5 billion in Credit Commodity Corporation (CCC) funding.

    Payment Allocations

    USDA will provide $16 billion in direct payments to farmers and ranchers including:

    • $2.1 billion for specialty crops producers
    • $500 million for others crops

    Payment Calculations

    Producers will receive a single payment determined using two calculations:

    1. Price losses that occurred January 1 – April 15, 2020.
    2. Producers will be compensated for 85% of price loss during that period.
    3. The expected losses from April 15 through the next two quarters.
    4. Will cover 30% of expected losses.

    Limitations

    • The payment limit is $125,000 per commodity with an overall limit of $250,000 per individual or entity.
    • Qualified commodities must have experienced a 5% price decrease between January and April.

    Expected Timeframe

    Program Sign-up: Beginning in Early May

    Payment Distribution: End of May or early June

    Food Purchase and Distribution Program

    Commodity Procurement

    It will begin with the procurement of an estimated:

    • $100 million per month in fresh fruits and vegetables;
    • $100 million per month in a variety of dairy products;
    • $100 million per month in meat products.

    Distribution

    The distributors and wholesalers will provide a pre-approved box of fresh produce, dairy, and meat products to food banks, community and faith-based organizations, and other non-profits serving Americans in need.

    Additional Food Purchasing

    In addition to the two targeted programs, USDA will utilize other available funding sources to purchase and distribute food to those in need.

    • USDA has up to an additional $873.3 million available in Section 32 funding to purchase a variety of agricultural products for distribution to food banks. The use of these funds will be determined by industry requests, USDA agricultural market analysis, and food bank needs.
    • The FFCRA and CARES Act provided an at least $850 million for food bank administrative costs and USDA food purchases, of which a minimum of $600 million will be designated for food purchases. The use of these funds will be determined by food bank need and product availability.

     

    Further details regarding eligibility, rates, and other implementation will be released at a later date.

  • FSA Adjusts Farm Loan, Disaster, Conservation and Safety Net Programs

    FSA Services Available by Phone Appointment Only: USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) county offices are open by phone appointment only until further notice, and FSA staff are available to continue helping agricultural producers with program signups, loan servicing and other important actions. Additionally, FSA is relaxing the loan-making process and adding flexibilities for servicing direct and guaranteed loans to provide credit to producers in need. FSA Service Centers are open for business by phone appointment only. While our program delivery staff will continue to come into to the office, they will be working with our agricultural producers by phone and using email and online tools whenever possible.

    “FSA programs and loans are critical to America’s farmers and ranchers, and we want to continue our work with customers while taking precautionary measures to help prevent the spread of coronavirus,” FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce said. “We recognize that farm loans are critical for annual operating and family living expenses, emergency needs and cash flow through times like this. FSA is working to find and use every option and flexibility to provide producers with credit options and other program benefits.”

    FSA is delivering programs and services, including:

    • Farm loans;
    • Commodity loans;
    • Farm Storage Facility Loan program;
    • Disaster assistance programs, including signup for the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (this includes producers now eligible because of losses due to drought and excess moisture in 2018 and 2019);
    • Safety net programs, including 2020 signup for the Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs;
    • Conservation programs; and
    • Acreage reports.

    Relaxing the Farm Loan-Making Process

    FSA is relaxing the loan-making process, including:

    • Extending the deadline for applicants to complete farm loan applications;
    • Preparing Direct Loans documents even if FSA is unable to complete lien and record searches because of closed government buildings. Once those searches are complete, FSA would close the loan; and
    • Closing loans if the required lien position on the primary security is perfected, even for loans that require additional security and those lien searches, filings and recordings cannot be obtained because of closed government buildings.

    Servicing Direct Loans

    FSA is extending deadlines for producers to respond to loan servicing actions, including loan deferral consideration for financially distressed and delinquent borrowers.

    FSA will temporarily suspend loan accelerations, non-judicial foreclosures, and referring foreclosures to the Department of Justice. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will make the determination whether to stop foreclosures and evictions on accounts under its jurisdiction.

    Servicing Guaranteed Loans

    Guarantee lenders can self-certify, providing their borrowers with:

    • Subsequent-year operating loan advances on lines of credit;
    • Emergency advances on lines of credit.

    FSA will consider guaranteed lender requests for:

    • Temporary payment deferral consideration when borrowers do not have a feasible plan reflecting that family living expenses, operating expenses and debt can be repaid; and
    • Temporary forbearance consideration for borrowers on loan liquidation and foreclosure actions.

    Contacting FSA

    FSA will be accepting additional forms and applications by facsimile or electronic signature. Some services are also available online to customers with an eAuth account, which provides access to the farmers.gov portal where producers can view USDA farm loan information and payments and view and track certain USDA program applications and payments. Customers can track payments, report completed practices, request conservation assistance and electronically sign documents. Customers who do not already have an eAuth account can enroll at farmers.gov/sign-in.

    FSA encourages producers to contact their county office to discuss these programs and temporary changes to farm loan deadlines and the loan servicing options available. For Service Center contact information, visit farmers.gov/coronavirus.

  • House Approves, Trump Signs Coronavirus Stimulus into Law

    President Donald J. Trump today signed the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act” (CARES Act) into law with provisions to provide financially distressed consumers and small businesses greater access to business loans and bankruptcy relief. The legislative package, which quickly passed the House of Representatives on a voice vote earlier today and 96-0 in the Senate on Wednesday, provides a $2 trillion economic stimulus for U.S. industries and citizens faced with the challenges of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

    Upon passage of the stimulus package, Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) President and CEO Daren Coppock shared, “We recognize that the health and safety of all people is a priority at this time. ARA is grateful that Congress is taking swift action to remedy the current situation in our country through passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).  Ag retailers and their farmer customers, as always, are committed to continuing their businesses so that they can deliver the safe, healthy, and abundant food supply that is in demand now and required for the future.  We are pleased with the support that Congress has included for the agriculture industry in this bill, and encourage the president to sign it so that we can have certainty moving forward.”

    National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) President and CEO Jim Mulhern offered the following statement:

    “We thank President Trump for quickly signing this measure into law. It will provide much-needed help to dairy producers, who are experiencing steep drops in milk and dairy-product prices due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  With the CARES Act now law, we look forward to working with Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue on several important initiatives, including the need for a significant purchase of multiple dairy products. These efforts will be important to address sales lost because of COVID-19, lift farm milk prices and send a critical signal to disrupted dairy markets. Government dairy-product purchases will provide our food banks with an important, nutritious and popular staple item that will help feed families in need.”

    Michael Dykes, President and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) shared, “The International Dairy Foods Association commends Congress for acting swiftly and decisively to bring financial relief to American businesses, households and workers as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, which has delivered an historic blow to our nation’s economy and workforce. On behalf of America’s dairy industry, IDFA is grateful that this bipartisan bill has put a special emphasis on businesses large and small, farmers, and our rural communities who grow, process and distribute many of the foods and beverages that are so vital to Americans during this crisis. We urge Congress to continue to be mindful of the critical part the food industry plays in our national security, economic security and food security. The United States is the world’s most productive food and agricultural economy in the world, and our legislators and federal officials must do everything in their power to ensure continuity of operations throughout the food supply chain. Our food security is absolutely essential.”

    Dykes continued, “Now we are seeing record jobless claims for Americans, which presents hardships to families just trying to put nutritious, wholesome food on their tables. Our federal government must now turn its attention to those Americans most in need by ensuring our food banks, pantries and distributors have an abundant supply of food for families trying to make ends meet. The CARES Act includes billions of dollars to support federal nutrition and feeding programs, as well as $450 million for USDA to provide food banks with additional resources for food and distribution. With resources in place through replenishment of the Commodity Credit Corporation, billions for nutrition and feeding programs, and millions to support our food banks, it is incumbent on USDA to act without delay. We urge USDA to act today to make record purchases of fluid and powdered milk, cheese, and other dairy products, as well as other foods and commodities, to equip our food banks for a surge of food-insecure Americans and to bring certainty and balance to the marketplace due to whole sectors of the economy shutting down due to COVID-19. The closure of restaurants, cafes, bars and other food service operators as a result of COVID-19 has created a major market gap for our dairy producers and processors. While retail sales have climbed steadily, the loss of foodservice, which accounted for roughly 50% of all food sales, has presented a significant challenge to our industry. USDA should act now to direct those products to food banks to help people in need. This will prioritize those most in need, provide certainty to producers and agribusinesses, and restore needed balance in the marketplace.”

    The CARES Act provides:

    Relief for Farmers and Ranchers

    • $9.5 billion dedicated disaster fund to help farmers who are experiencing financial losses from the coronavirus crisis, including targeted support for fruit and vegetable growers, dairy and livestock farmers, and local food producers, who have been shorted from receiving emergency assistance in the past.
    • $14 billion to fund the Farm Bill’s farm safety net through the Commodity Credit Corporation.
    • Eligibility for farmers and agricultural and rural businesses to receive up to $10 million in small business interruption loans from eligible lenders, including Farm Credit institutions, through the Small Business Administration. Repayment forgiveness will be provided for funds used for payroll, rent or mortgage, and utility bills.
    • $3 million to increase capacity at the USDA Farm Service Agency to meet increased demand from farmers affected by the coronavirus crisis.

    Assistance for Small Towns and Rural Communities

    • $1 billion available in guaranteed loans to help rural businesses weather the economic downturn.
    • $100 billion to hospitals, health care providers, and facilities, including those in rural areas.
    • $25 million for telemedicine tools to help rural patients access medical care no matter where they live.
    • $100 million for high-speed internet expansion in small towns and rural communities.
    • Over $70 million to help the U.S. Forest Service serve rural communities and reduce the spread of coronavirus through personal protective equipment for first responders and cleaning of facilities.

    Protections for Consumers and the Food Supply

    • $55 million for inspection and quarantine at our borders to protect against invasive pests and animal disease.
    • $33 million for overtime and temporary food safety inspectors to protect America’s food supply at meat processing plants.
    • $45 million to ensure quality produce and meat reaches grocery stores through increased support for the Agricultural Marketing Service.
    • $1.5 million to expedite EPA approvals of disinfectants needed to control the spread of coronavirus.

    Food Access for Families

    • $15.8 billion to fund food assistance changes made in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Republicans and the Trump Administration blocked additional funding to expand benefits for children, families, and seniors.
    • $9 billion to fund child nutrition improvements made in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
    • $450 million to provide food banks with additional resources for food and distribution.
    • $100 million for food distribution in Tribal communities to provide facility improvements, equipment upgrades, and food purchases

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) shared that two small business loan programs have been created as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These may help small business operations (growers) that are dealing with the economic challenges of the pandemic. Small business is defined as a company with less than 501 employees and California small businesses are eligible for both programs.

    • The first program includes $1 billion to immediately assist small businesses hit hard by the current economic shutdown. Unlike traditional Small Business Administration (SBA) funding mechanisms, this program is being administered directly by the SBA and is live and accepting applications NOW.
    • The second program includes the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. These will be administered more like traditional SBA programs, i.e. through third-party 7(a) lenders.

    Key Bankruptcy Provisions within the CARES Act Include:

    • Amending the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 (SBRA) to increase the eligibility threshold for businesses filing under new subchapter V of chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code from $2,725,625 of debt to $7,500,000. The eligibility threshold will return to $2,725,625 after one year. The increased debt limit for struggling small businesses to access subchapter V reflects recommendations of ABI’s Commission to Study the Reform of Chapter 11.
    • Amending the definition of “income” in the Bankruptcy Code for chapters 7 and 13 to exclude coronavirus-related payments from the federal government from being treated as “income” for purposes of filing bankruptcy.
    • Clarifying that the calculation of disposable income for purposes of confirming a chapter 13 plan shall not include coronavirus-related payments.
    • Explicitly permitting individuals and families currently in chapter 13 to seek payment plan modifications if they are experiencing a material financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic, including extending their payments for up to seven years after their initial plan payment was due.

    The American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI) emphasized that the bankruptcy provisions of the CARES Act listed above sunset within a year. Additionally, the law provides temporary relief for federal student loan borrowers by requiring the Secretary of Education to defer student loan payments, principal, and interest for 6 months, through September 30, 2020, without penalty to the borrower for all federally owned loans. This provides relief for over 95 percent of student loan borrowers.

    “The American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI) commends Congress and the President for their prompt action on this stimulus package to provide needed financial relief due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic,” said ABI Executive Director Amy Quackenboss. “Consumers and small businesses will have greater access to the financial fresh start of bankruptcy thanks to this important legislation. “Our members will be sure to utilize these tools to help consumers and small businesses struggling with overwhelming debts due to the economic fallout of the pandemic.”

    ABI will be holding a free abiLIVE webinar with experts examining the bankruptcy provisions of the CARES Act on April 3 at 1 p.m. EDT. To register, please click here.

  • What is SGMA Going to Cost CA Farmers?

    With Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs) now required for critically overdrafted basins, the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act is gradually taking effect across the state of California; but how will this impact farmers? Watch this brief interview with Duncan MacEwan from ERA Economics as he shares his insights, as addressed at a recent meeting held by the California Tomato Growers Association.

  • USDA Extends Deadline for Market Facilitation Programs

    Due to the prolonged and extensive impacts of weather events this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today extended the deadline to December 20 for producers to enroll in the Market Facilitation Program.

    “2019 has challenged the country’s ag sector – prevented or late planting followed by a delayed harvest has been further complicated by wet and cold weather (and fire),” said Bill Northey, USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation. “Because some of our producers are still in the field, time to conduct business at the local USDA office is at a premium.  We hope this deadline extension will allow producers the opportunity to participate in these important programs.”

    The Market Facilitation Program is part of a relief strategy to support American agricultural producers while the Administration continues to work on free, fair, and reciprocal trade deals to open more markets to help American farmers compete globally. MFP payments are aimed at assisting farmers suffering from damage due to unjustified trade retaliation by foreign nations.

    For more information, visit the MFP webpage or your local USDA service center. To locate your local FSA office, visit farmers.gov/service-locator.

  • Almond Board Fueling Farm of the Future with $5.9 Million Research Investment

    The Almond Board of California (ABC) today announced an investment of $5.9 million dollars in 85 independent research projects exploring next-generation farming practices. With this commitment, the California almond community has invested $89 million in research since 1973 to build a foundation of knowledge on responsible farming practices, food quality and safety and almonds’ impact on human health.

    A tangible example of the almond community’s commitment to continuous improvement, the Almond Orchard 2025 Goals, launched in January 2019, will leverage this research as farmers strive to meet measurable objectives with the goal of growing almonds in better, safer and healthier ways. The Almond Orchard 2025 Goals Roadmap, released today, outlines the almond community’s sustainability journey in four goal areas, as well as the metrics that the industry’s progress will be measured against.

    “The California almond community takes a long-term view of success based on respect for the land and local communities. Earlier this year, the California almond community set four ambitious goals aligning with our vision to make life better by what we grow and how we grow,” says Holly King, chair of the Almond Board of California. “The Almond Orchard 2025 Goals build on decades of progress, fueled by research. Fulfilling these commitments will require hard work, dedication and resources, including funding independent research to test new technologies and sharing the results as these approaches are proven.”

     

    Further Reducing the Water Used to Grow Almonds  

    Of this year’s projects, ten focus on water with an investment of $678,000. Since 1982, California almond farmers have committed $8.1 million dollars to 221 different water research projects spanning irrigation efficiency, groundwater recharge and water quality. Together this investment has helped reduce the amount of water needed to grow each pound of almonds by 33 percent over the past 20 years.[1] By 2025, the California almond community commits to reducing the amount of water used to grow a pound of almonds by an additional 20 percent.

    Progress towards this goal is being measured against almond farmers’ annual irrigation water applied per unit of crop yield. While 77 percent of almond farms utilize efficient microirrigation,[2] nearly double the 42 percent average for California farms, further improvements are underway. ABC is working with farmers to support their progress up the Almond Irrigation Improvement Continuum, a roadmap created by irrigation experts that outlines key irrigation management practices and how to achieve increasing levels of precision in each area.

     Achieving Zero Waste by Using Everything the Orchard Grows

    Almonds grow in a shell, protected by a hull, on a tree, and the California almond community ensures that each of these coproducts is put to beneficial use. Since 1977, ABC has funded 79 research projects totaling $3.5 million exploring the best ways to utilize these materials, establishing traditional uses such as dairy feed, livestock bedding, and electricity generation. Thirteen new studies have been funded this year with a commitment of $607,000 dollars to determine how almond coproducts may address needs in other sectors, with promising leads in strengthening recycled plastics, creating biofuel and more. By 2025, the California almond community commits to achieving zero waste in orchards by putting everything grown to optimal use.

    Given that almond coproducts are widely utilized already, progress toward this goal focuses on reducing the industry’s environmental footprint and adding value – economically and environmentally – via three key measures. These include: 1) significant increases in recycling trees into the soil when an orchard is removed, using the trees’ woody biomass to build healthier soils and address climate change via increased carbon sequestration, 2) diversifying applications for hulls and shells beyond current uses in the California dairy industry and 3) the effective elimination of open burning as a means to dispose of woody biomass.

    Additional Opportunities for Innovation

    In addition to water sustainability and coproduct utilization, investing in research has also resulted in significant advancements in the areas of nutrient management, air quality and honey bee health. For example, farmers work closely with beekeepers and follow research-based best practices to ensure the safety of honey bees, essential to pollinating almonds. ABC has funded more research related to honey bee health than any other crop group,[3] with 125 projects funded to date. This year, California almond farmers have added to that investment with five new research projects totaling $336,000.

    “I often think of us as surfers,” said ABC chair, Holly King. “Surfers are strategic about where to catch a wave, and we’ve done that over the years with our research investments, catching the wave that will bring the greatest return. Today’s investment will not only help farmers grow almonds more efficiently, but also ensures we’re solidly riding the wave to a more sustainable farm of the future.”

    ABC research projects are funded through an assessment placed on each pound of almonds grown in California. After review by third-party research advisors and workgroups focused on distinct almond farming topics, projects are selected by a committee of almond farmers and processors based on strategic alignment to industry needs and anticipated impact of the research.

    For more information about ABC’s 46 years of almond farming and environmental research, and to explore how this research supports the California almond community in growing the farm of the future, visit Almonds.com/GrowingGood.

     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. Established in 1950 and based in Modesto, California, the Almond Board of California is a non-profit organization that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture. For more information on the Almond Board of California or almonds, visit Almonds.com or check out California Almonds on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagramand the California Almonds blog.

  • Farm Bureau Thanksgiving Survey Shows Average Cost of Holiday Meal Up One Cent From Last Year

    The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 34th annual survey of classic items found on the Thanksgiving Day dinner table indicates the average cost of this year’s feast for 10 is $48.91, or less than $5.00 per person. This is a 1-cent increase from last year’s average of $48.90.

    The centerpiece on most Thanksgiving tables – the turkey – costs slightly less than last year, at $20.80 for a 16-pound bird. That’s roughly $1.30 per pound, down 4% from last year. The survey results show that retail turkey prices are the lowest since 2010.

    The shopping list for Farm Bureau’s informal survey includes turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a veggie tray, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and coffee and milk, all in quantities sufficient to serve a family of 10 with plenty for leftovers.

    Although the overall average cost of the meal was about the same this year, there were some price changes for individual items. In addition to turkey, foods that showed slight price declines include cubed bread stuffing and canned pumpkin pie mix. Foods showing modest increases this year included dinner rolls, sweet potatoes and milk. After adjusting for inflation, the cost of this year’s Thanksgiving dinner is $19.13, down slightly from last year.

    Despite the growing popularity of prepared foods, the vast majority of Americans, 92%, celebrate Thanksgiving at home or at a family member’s home and most cook their entire meal at home, according to the survey.

    More than 250 volunteer shoppers checked prices at grocery stores in 38 states for this year’s survey. Farm Bureau volunteer shoppers are asked to look for the best possible prices, without taking advantage of special promotional coupons or purchase deals.

    The AFBF Thanksgiving dinner survey was first conducted in 1986. The informal survey provides a record of comparative holiday meal costs over the years. Farm Bureau’s classic survey menu has remained unchanged since 1986 to allow for consistent price comparisons.

    By The American Farm Bureau Federation

  • EU Once Again Largest Importer of California Tree Nuts: USDA-FAS Report

    Last year, the European Union-28 (EU-28) was once again the largest export market for U.S. tree nuts. In 2018, U.S. shipments of tree nuts to the EU-28 reached $2.8 billion. U.S. almond sales (both in-shell and shelled) totaled $1.6 billion, followed by pistachios with $516 million, and walnuts with almost $344 million. The growing popularity of healthy snacking, higher incomes, and global market dynamics are making the EU nut market more attractive than ever. As of December 14, 2019, a new framework Regulation (EU) 2017/625 will update the implementing regulations setting specifics on the recognition of the Pre-Export Check (PEC) program for almonds, and on the increased control levels for pistachios. Read the Full Annual Report from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service HERE.

  • USDA’s McKinney Leads Mission to Tap Trade Opportunities in Vietnam

    When Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney leads a U.S. Department of Agriculture trade mission to Vietnam Oct. 15-18, he’ll be accompanied by nearly 80 industry and government representatives seeking to expand agricultural exports to one of the fastest-growing regions of the world.

    The mission will be based in Ho Chi Minh City, and will also include buyer delegations from Thailand and Burma (Myanmar).

    “The size of this trade mission delegation speaks to the phenomenal potential that exists for U.S. exporters in Vietnam and surrounding countries,” McKinney said. “Since the United States normalized relations with Vietnam in 1995, our agricultural exports have grown exponentially, reaching a record $4 billion last year. Sales of U.S. food and farm products to Thailand and Burma also set records in 2018, topping $2.1 billion and $126 million, respectively.”

    Joining McKinney are the heads of six state departments of agriculture: Benjamin Thomas of Montana, Jeff Witte of New Mexico, Doug Goehring of North Dakota, Kim Vanneman of South Dakota, Sid Miller of Texas and Doug Miyamoto of Wyoming. Officials from the Georgia, Maine, Minnesota, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin and Washington departments of agriculture will participate as well.

    In addition, representatives from the following companies and organizations will attend:

    1. Agri Export International LLC, Columbia, S.C.
    2. All Berry and Fruits, Portland, Ore.
    3. Almond Board of California, Modesto, Calif.
    4. American Feed Industry Association, Arlington, Va.
    5. Appellations Cellar, Napa, Calif.
    6. Bard Valley Date Growers, Yuma, Ariz.
    7. Blue Diamond Growers, Sacramento, Calif.
    8. Bridgepathway LLC, Jericho, N.Y.
    9. California Blueberry Commission, Clovis, Calif.
    10. California Prune Growers Marketing Association, Yuba City, Calif.
    11. Clark Lumber Company, Red Boiling Springs, Tenn.
    12. Coconut King Miami Beach Inc., Miami Beach, Fla.
    13. Commercial Lynks Inc., Alexandria, Va.
    14. East West International Group, Inc, Moreland, Ohio
    15. Fidelis Forest Management, LLC, Baxter, Tenn.
    16. Food Export Association of the Midwest USA, Chicago, Ill.
    17. Food Export USA – Northeast, Philadelphia, Pa.
    18. Ginseng Board of Wisconsin, Marathon, Wis.
    19. Global Processing Inc., Kanawha, Iowa
    20. Graceland Fruit, Inc., Frankfort, Mich.
    21. Herr Foods Inc, Nottingham, Pa.
    22. Hess Brother’s Fruit Company, Lancaster, Pa.
    23. International Market Brands, Bellevue, Wash.
    24. International Nutrition, Omaha, Neb.
    25. Isa Beefmasters, San Angelo, Texas
    26. MEM Fairway Inc., Irvine, Calif.
    27. Nargo Industries USA Inc., San Ramon, Calif.
    28. Oregon Berry Packing, Inc., Hillsboro, Ore.
    29. Organic Valley, La Farge, Wis.
    30. Pacific Cheese, Co., Hayward, Calif.
    31. PacRim Wine & Spirits, San Rafael, Calif.
    32. Redwood Trading Group, Inc, Novato, Calif.
    33. Thompson Appalachian Hardwoods, Huntland, Tenn.
    34. U.S. Dairy Export Council, Arlington, Va.
    35. U.S. Grains Council, Washington, D.C.
    36. US International Foods LLC, St. Louis, Mo.
    37. U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc., Mount Horeb, Wis.
    38. U.S. Soybean Export Council, Chesterfield, Mo.
    39. U.S. Wine Exports Company, Ltd., Ravenna, Ohio
    40. United Dairy Ingredients Group LLC, Montebello, Calif.
    41. United Natural Foods Inc., Tacoma, Wash.
    42. USA Foods, Oakland, Calif.
    43. Western United States Agricultural Trade Association, Vancouver, Wash.
    44. Wholesome Direct, Inc., Ridgefield, N.J.
    45. World Import/Export Trading Co., Belmont, Calif.

  • 2019 Market Facilitation Program Workshops

    USDA’s Market Facilitation Program (MFP) is continuing for the second year, providing almond growers with an opportunity to apply for direct payments to help alleviate the damage resulting from the global trade situation. Unlike the 2018 program when payments were based on delivered pounds, the 2019 MFP program is based on bearing acreage. To learn more about the changes to the 2019 program, and how you can also apply for 2018 payments, the Almond Alliance of California and Almond Board of California are co-hosting workshops with local USDA Farm Service Agency offices.  Pacific Nut Producer Magazine will also be hosting workshops at our annual Tree & Vine Expo at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds on November 12th and the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo at the Big Fresno Fairgrounds on November 19th, featuring Chris Keeler, California District Director with the USDA Farm Service Agency.

    Come learn about the program and how you can apply!

    For more information contact Toni Arellano tarellano@almondboard.com regarding Almond Board workshops or Matthew Malcolm at matthew@malcolmmedia.com regarding the Ag Expo workshops.