Fresh Vintage Farms, the California-based family brand known for its clean-label, cold-pressed nut oils, has just introduced its newest product: Refined Almond Oil & Garlic Almond Oil. Made exclusively from California-grown almonds, this small-batch oil is designed for home cooks and chefs who want a healthier, neutral-flavored option that performs well in the kitchen. With its ultra-light texture and high smoke point, the new refined almond oil is perfect for sautéing, roasting, and baking, all without overpowering other ingredients.
Unlike most industrial seed oils or mass-produced refined oils, Fresh Vintage Farms’ refined almond oil is crafted through a minimal-ingredient heat and filtration process, preserving heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and naturally occurring vitamin E. The result is an oil that’s clean in both taste and label, offering a plant-based, non-GMO alternative that holds up to high temperatures while supporting a healthier cooking routine. Free from chemical solvents and artificial additives, it gives consumers a refined oil option they can feel good about.
This launch marks another milestone for founder Tommy Tickenoff, a third-generation almond farmer from California’s Central Valley who continues to prioritize transparency, local sourcing, and sustainability. As one of the only small-batch producers of refined almond oil in the U.S., Tickenoff brings a rare level of traceability and care to every bottle. From the orchard to the kitchen, Fresh Vintage Farms is committed to delivering oils that meet both culinary and nutritional standards.
The clarified refined almond oil joins the brand’s existing lineup, which includes their popular Pure Cold‑Pressed Almond Oil, Pure Cold‑Pressed Walnut Oil, and Garlic‑Infused Almond Oil. All products are non-GMO, chemical-free, and packaged sustainably in recyclable glass bottles with cork caps.
Fresh Vintage Farms’ clarified almond oil is now available online at freshvintagefarms.com, with special wholesale pricing available for retailers and chefs.
About Fresh Vintage Farms
Fresh Vintage Farms is a family-owned brand based in California’s Central Valley, offering premium, cold-pressed Almond and Walnut Oils made from California-grown nuts, many from their own farm. Founded by Tommy and Tara Tickenoff, Fresh Vintage Farms produces oils that are not only pure and nutrient-rich but also eco-friendly, using imperfect nuts to reduce waste. Their commitment to quality and sustainability shines through in every bottle, providing a healthier, cleaner alternative to traditional oils. Focusing on family values and community, Fresh Vintage Farms aims to make healthy oils accessible to everyone without compromising taste or quality.
Deion “Coach PRIME” Sanders is back for another college football season, persevering after challenges with his health. As he gears up for the hustle and grind, his commitment to personal health is stronger than ever, with a mission to motivate others to live a healthy life, part of which includes eating better-for-you snacks like almonds. Packed with nutrients, almonds are more than just a snack; they are a cornerstone of the healthy lifestyle Coach PRIME is championing.
Whether Coach PRIME is leading his team and family toward success or motivating others to make the right decisions, he is deeply committed to living with purpose, and that includes how he takes care of his body. Backed by research, daily almond snacking supports his intentional approach to health. Almonds are his go-to snack in the locker room, his office and even on the sidelines, making them a meaningful partner in his everyday routine.
“I take my health seriously—now more than ever—and others gotta do the same to be their best and stay prime,” said Sanders. “Almonds aren’t just a snack, they’re part of the process, and I’m committed to the process. Take your health seriously, be consistent, and eat your dern almonds every day. Don’t wait another second to focus on what your body needs.”
Snacking can be a healthy habit when done right, and Coach PRIME is calling on everyone to start today by making smarter snack choices that fuel the body and promote overall health. Almonds are a powerhouse snack, delivering steady energy and satiety through a natural blend of 6g of protein, 4g of fiber, 50% DV of vitamin E, 20% DV of magnesium, 13g of “good” unsaturated fats and only 1g of saturated fat in one serving (23 almonds). From aiding heart and metabolic health to gut support and beyond, almonds play a valuable role in healthy living. Plus, almonds’ versatility makes them a smart choice for anyone looking for simple, consistent nutrition.
Tune in for more from Coach PRIME and California Almonds with ads airing on national and cable TV networks like CBS Sports and ESPN. Visit almonds.com and follow California Almonds on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see how almonds are a key part in Coach’s renewed health journey.
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, 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.
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released the official 2025 California Walnut Industry Objective Measurement Report on Wednesday, September 4, 2025. The 2025 California walnut production is forecasted at 710,000 tons (644,101 MT), up 18% from 2024’s production of 603,000 tons (547,032 MT). The forecast is based on 365,000 bearing acres, down 1% from 2024’s estimated bearing acreage of 370,000 acres.
The September 4th announcement from NASS provides the industry with an objective crop volume estimate. Using scientific methodologies, USDA field staff counted, measured, weighed, and evaluated thousands of walnuts from major growing regions in July and August for use in a statistical acreage model to establish the annual walnut crop estimate.
In addition to the updated crop estimate, the California walnut industry is nearing the close-out of the 2024 crop year. Early evaluations are encouraging, suggesting it will be one of the lowest unsold carry-in inventory volumes the industry has seen in years and much of this inventory will be sold in September and October before the new harvest is ready to ship.
“The estimate of 710,000 tons is in-line with what the industry was projecting,” said Robert Verloop, Executive Director and CEO of the California Walnut Board and Commission. “Combined with virtually being sold out of the 2024 crop, the industry is well positioned to start shipping new harvest California walnuts immediately, providing seller and buyer confidence and stable markets.”
“Moreover, walnut quality is exceptional, the result of careful farming, ideal spring and summer conditions and replenished soil moisture, with a consistent nut set. Growers have been opening walnuts and have commented that the walnuts kernels are completely filling the shells and have exceptionally light color for this time of the year. This crop may exceed the excellent quality we have seen in the last two years. I think international markets will be very pleased.”
Harvest begins in September with early varieties and may extend into early November, harvesting the crop at its peak quality and full development.
The California walnut industry foresees a promising season ahead. The California Walnut Board and Commission continue its focus to build long-term demand and increase sales for California walnuts by implementing programs that drive consumers to eat more walnuts, more often, and in more ways. With a strong commitment to delivering excellent quality, the highest food safety standards, consumer appeal and a reliable supply, California walnuts are well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of the global market — today and into the future.
About the California Walnut Board and Commission
The California Walnut Board (CWB) and California Walnut Commission (CWC) represent more than 3,700 California walnut growers and approximately 70 handlers, grown in multi-generational farmers’ family orchards. California walnuts, known for their excellent nutritional value and quality, are shipped around the world all year long, with more than 99% of the walnuts grown in the United States being from California. The CWB, established in 1948, 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. The CWC, established in 1987, is involved in health research with consuming walnuts as well as domestic and export market development activities.
To explore recipes and learn more about California walnut growers, industry information and health research, visit walnuts.org.
Improving Tree Nut Crop Management Through Effective Weed Control
Preventing Broadleaf Weeds from Obstructing Orchard Floors
In sports, there is nothing like good competition. When it comes to managing orchard floors, competition can be a nightmare, especially when that competition comes from tough-to-control broadleaf weeds.
A weed-free orchard floor is more than visually appealing; it sets the stage for better orchard management throughout the season and improved efficiency at harvest.
Early Control
Tree nut production is challenging enough without having to worry about controlling tough Conyza broadleaf weeds such as hairy fleabane and horseweed, along with other species like prickly lettuce, mallow and filaree. If a herbicide used in a weed control program provides only partial control, regrowth is likely.
“Timing herbicide applications when broadleaf weeds are small is always advised,” said Daniel Abruzzini, Coastal District market development specialist with Corteva Agriscience. “Small, actively growing weeds absorb and more readily transport herbicides throughout the plant than larger weeds. Susceptibility is greater when weeds are small — which increases the chances for control.”
At all costs, prevent weeds from reaching the reproductive stage and heading out, which adds to next year’s seedbank. A single horseweed plant can produce up to 250,000 seeds. Hulk® CA herbicide with Rinskor® active is a new and effective Group 4 herbicide offering excellent broadleaf control. Through systemic activity, it controls emerged, susceptible weeds and prevents regrowth.
“This innovative herbicide provides tree nut crop growers with a powerful new solution to manage challenging broadleaf weeds in permanent crops,” Abruzzini said. “Hulk CA herbicide delivers a flexible solution as part of a season-long weed management program and can be used alone or with a tank-mix partner. It also is compatible as part of a preemergence or burndown program in the fall or spring.”
Flexibility
Like weed control in row crops, effective weed management in tree nut orchards should begin early and continue through fruit set and nut development. That creates the need for a herbicide with extended flexibility, not only in application timing but also in tank-mix compatibility. More orchard managers are finding those attributes in Hulk CA herbicide with Rinskor active.
Hulk CA with Rinskor active offers a broad application window for both dormant and non-dormant uses.
For more information, visit Corteva.us/HulkCA or your local Corteva Agriscience representative.
Mother Nature has favored California walnut growers this season with improved growing conditions/tree health, and a larger crop is expected than last year with high quality product. An exceptionally low carry-in inventory could also yield higher prices for growers this year. Watch this brief interview with Robert Verloop, CEO of the California Walnut Board & Commission, as he met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to highlight expectations for this year’s walnut crop and recent activities to boost global market access. Verloop will be sharing the State of the Walnut Industry report at Malcolm Media’s Tree & Vine Expo on Nov. 11th at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds and at the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo on Nov. 14th at the Fresno Fairgrounds, so be sure to attend.
Conservative Republican, farmer, and mother of four, Alexandra Duarte officially announced today that she is running for California’s 4th State Senate District.
Alexandra and her husband, John, built their life on their family farm in Modesto, where they grow almonds and walnuts. Alexandra lives by the values of faith, hard work, and patriotism, which she and John always taught to their children. As a farmer, Alexandra knows firsthand the long days and tough work that make our way of life possible.
“Newsom’s socialist Democrats are destroying California, and I’m ready to fight back,” said Duarte. “It’s time the 4th District had a Senator who will stand up for true conservative principles—defending our families, protecting our God-given freedoms, and ensuring Sacramento works for us, not against us. I will be that Senator.”
Alexandra is unapologetically pro-gun, pro-family, and pro-freedom. In the State Senate, she will fight to secure the border, defend the rights of parents and our children, and stop radical environmental policies that have left California’s forests to burn and water inaccessible.
Unlike career politicians, Alexandra Duarte is a farmer, a mom, and a conservative who believes in faith, family, and freedom. She is running for State Senate to fight for hardworking families, expose radical Sacramento democrats, and Make California Great Again.
Conservative. Farmer. Mom. Alexandra Duarte for State Senate.
The California Walnut Board is announcing a new Board of Directors, which has been certified by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. The Board of Directors consists of 10 growers and 8 handlers, which include three new individuals, who will serve a two-year term beginning Sept. 1, 2025, and ending Aug. 31, 2027:
DISTRICT 1
Grower Member: William D. Carriere, Glenn
Grower Alternate: Jeff Gallagher, Rio Oso
Grower Member: Ben Walsh, Orland
Grower Alternate: Michael Petz, Tracy
Handler Member: Jack Mariani, Winters
Handler Alternate: John Aguiar, Winters
Handler Member: Eric Heidman, Stockton
Handler Alternate: Dick Wolf, Stockton
DISTRICT 2
Grower Member: Brent Barton, Escalon
Grower Alternate: Daniel Bays, Westley (New)
Grower Member: Greg Wiersma, Visalia
Grower Alternate: Benjamin Crane, Merced
Handler Member: Frank Guerra, Hollister
Handler Alternate: Brock Middleton, Hughson
Handler Member: Mike Poindexter, Selma
Handler Alternate: Aaron Martella, Hughson (New)
AT LARGE
Grower Member: Michael Machado, Linden
Grower Alternate: John Heier, Live Oak (New)
“These newly elected board members bring valuable experience and fresh perspectives to the table,” said Robert Verloop, executive director of the California Walnut Board. “Importantly, they are not only committed to their own operations, but also to the broader success of the walnut industry. Their leadership will be critical as we work to create new opportunities for growth and ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry through our strategic plan developed in 2023, which aims to make California walnuts craved around the globe.”
The board certification concludes the election process that began in February when nominations opened for board positions. Growers and Handlers across California received nomination petitions, followed by ballots in mid-April listing eligible candidates for their respective districts and statewide positions.
The California Walnut Board members will help shape the future of the California walnut industry and guide its ambitious strategic plan, which focuses on six key priorities: product quality, global sales and marketing, innovation, sustainability, goal-oriented production and post-harvest research, and revitalizing the board and commission for industry cohesion.
About the California Walnut Board
The California Walnut Board (CWB) represents more than 3,700 California walnut growers and approximately 70 handlers, grown in multi-generational farmers’ family orchards. California walnuts, known for their excellent nutritional value and quality, are shipped around the world all year long, with more than 99% of the walnuts grown in the United States being from California. The CWB, established in 1948, 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.
To explore recipes and learn more about California walnut growers, industry information and health research, visit walnuts.org.
California’s agriculture industry is mourning the loss of Jonathan W. Field who served as Manager of the California Tree Fruit Agreement for over a decade, led the Walnut Bargaining Association and served as the Compliance Officer for the California and Arizona Leafy Greens Marketing Agreements and the California Cantaloupe Advisory Board.
Field, 77, of Lincoln, California, passed away peacefully August 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Field’s passion for agriculture began at age six when he received his first sheep on Christmas morning. A lifelong 4-H member, he spent nine months in Kenya, Africa with the 4-H and Peace Corps, teaching crop rotation and agricultural best practices. He always maintained his own sheep and cattle, fulfilling his lifelong dream of farming.
He attended California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo where he earned an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Business and then a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from University of California, Davis.
Field’s professional journey as part of California’s agricultural industry was as expansive as it was impactful. He began his career with California Agricultural Statistics Service and then as an economist for the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) where he worked on programs for iceberg lettuce, fresh tomatoes, carrots, celery, potatoes, cling peaches and processing pears. While at CDFA, Field wrote the first Marketing Agreement program and was the economist assigned to the first Commission laws created in California.
In 1981, Field became Assistant Manager for the California Tree Fruit Agreement (CTFA), a conglomerate of marketing order programs representing California-grown peaches, plums, nectarines and pears. He became Manager in 1987, serving until 2000 where he championed growers, strengthened industry standards and left a lasting mark on California’s tree fruit sector. Importantly, he was integrally involved in the litigation which went successfully to the U.S. Supreme Court upholding the legality of mandatory commodity programs.
“During the 1990s, the California Tree Fruit Agreement was extremely fortunate to have Jonathan Field as its Manager,” said Melvin Enns, a tree fruit grower-shipper who served on the CTFA Board for many years.“Jon was well-versed in the intricacies of government regulations. He formed a diverse team of experts in the areas of merchandising, export development, communications and grower relations to create programs that complied with these directives. And, together with the 1500+ growers of California peaches, pears, plums, and nectarines, Jonathan and his team built a federal and state marketing order that was the envy of tree fruit growers in every other state.”
Not only did Field leave a lasting impression on the California fruit industry, but he championed several causes impacting California agriculture in general. Working with a group of marketing order and commission managers (who are now retired) including:Bruce Obbink, California Table Grape Commission; Dennis Balant, California Walnut Board; Rich Peterson, California Prune Board; Terry Stark, California Raisin Advisory Board, and Dave Riggs, California Strawberry Commission, Field was instrumental in founding the Alliance for Food and Farming, the Agricultural Issues Forum, the Minor Crop Farmer Alliance, the California Specialty Crop Council and the Buy California Marketing Agreement, or “California Grown”.
After leaving CTFA, Field formed Paradigm Consulting Company where he worked for several organizations including as Executive Director of the Walnut Bargaining Association, a cooperative of California walnut growers.
“Jon Field was a true representative for our industry,” said Donald Norene, Chairman of the Walnut Bargaining Association (now known as the Walnut Alliance of California.). “He was committed to empowering walnut growers with the financial information necessary to successfully negotiate a fair return for their walnut crop and his analysis was highly regarded by bankers, growers and handlers.”
In 2007, Field began working as the first Compliance Officer for the newly formed California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (LGMA) and its sister organization the Arizona Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement to help ensure leafy greens growers are following stringent food safety practices. In 2012, he began performing these same functions as the Compliance Officer for the California Cantaloupe Advisory Board. Field finally retired in 2023.
“I had known Jon for many years prior to bringing him on at the LGMA as our very first Compliance Officer,” said Scott Horsfall, former president and CEO of the California LGMA. “He was the perfect person for this role with his strong background in working with CDFA, his knowledge of marketing orders and agreements and his strong desire to help the agricultural industry through challenges. He will be missed.”
Jon is survived by his wife, Christine, of 52 years; and children Erin, Jonathan and Heather; seven grandchildren, sister, Shirley and many nieces, nephews and cousins.The family will provide more information about a Celebration of Life at a later date.
The Wonderful Company has taken the coveted No. 1 spot on the 2025 PEOPLE® Companies That Care list, rising from No. 3 last year. The $6 billion enterprise, with 10,000 employees worldwide and a portfolio of well-known healthy brands, earned the recognition for its commitment to employees, communities, and the environment. This commitment is rooted in the vision of founders Lynda and Stewart Resnick, whose philanthropic giving, along with their foundations and company, accounts for more than $2.5 billion and focuses extensively on the communities where Wonderful employees and their families live and work.
Based in Los Angeles, The Wonderful Company is one of the largest privately held companies in the United States and among the world’s largest agriculture companies. With operations spanning the Central Valley and wine regions of California, Texas, New Jersey, Arizona, Oregon, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and the countries of Mexico and Fiji, its family of brands include Wonderful Pistachios, FIJI Water, POM Wonderful, Wonderful Halos, Wonderful Seedless Lemons, Teleflora, and JUSTIN, Landmark, and Lewis Cellars wines. To qualify for the PEOPLE® list, thousands of anonymous employee survey responses provided input attesting to The Wonderful Company’s culture, leadership, and relationships with workers.
In bestowing the top honor, PEOPLE® highlighted The Wonderful Company’s signature Career Pathways program, which empowers students to obtain an associate’s degree upon graduating from one of seven partner high schools in the Central Valley. Students also receive critical work- based learning experiences by participating in job shadows, career workshops, and paid internships at Wonderful. Since 2018, more than 1,600 students have graduated from the program with an associate’s degree.
Wonderful Career Pathways Graduation
“In the Central Valley of California, our people do the hard work of feeding our nation. Their children deserve every opportunity,” says Lynda and Stewart Resnick, owners of The Wonderful Company. “Wonderful Career Pathways is one of the many ways we are committed to ending the cycle of poverty by taking a holistic view and focusing on the social determinants of a healthy society. This program empowers students to enter college with 60 credits and a two- year head start on classes – or graduate high school and step right into higher-paying jobs in health care, education, and agriculture. And, Wonderful is with them every step of the way.
Over the past decade, The Wonderful Company and the Resnicks, along with their foundations have committed over $1 billion in the Central Valley, home to more than 3,000 of their employees. Wonderful offers free health care services to its full-time workforce in the Central Valley, including preventive care, physical therapy, prescriptions and more. Every meal served at its onsite cafeterias is fresh, nutritious, and cooked from scratch. They also support 5,000 students across 70 schools, including two public charter schools the Resnicks founded, and over 1,000 Wonderful Scholars, many of whom are employees’ children, with tutoring, academic coaching, emotional support, up to $40,000 each in college scholarships, and more. To learn more about Wonderful’s award-winning CSR and philanthropy, please visit csr.wonderful.com.
“Witnessing the innovative spirit with which these companies invest in their employees, communities, and the world is trulyinvigorating,” says Charlotte Triggs, PEOPLE GM and editor- in-chief. “Their commitment reflects our mission, to feature what happens when ordinary people do extraordinary work.”
Earlier this year, The Wonderful Company was also named one of Fortune® magazine’s 100 BestCompanies to Work For. It was recognized again as one the Best Places To Work in the Central Valley by Best Companies Group for its commitment to the well-being of its workforce.
To be considered for the PEOPLE® and Fortune® lists, companies must be Great Place To WorkCertified™ and have at least 10 U.S. employees.
About The Wonderful Company’s Corporate Social Responsibility
The Wonderful Company and its co-owners, Lynda and Stewart Resnick, have a long-standing commitment to investing inthe communities where their employees live and work, especially in California’s Central Valley, home to 3,000 employees. The Resnicks, along with their foundations and The Wonderful Company, have invested more than $2.5 billion in education, health and wellness, community development, and sustainability initiatives across the Central Valley, Fiji, and the world. To learn more about The Wonderful Company, and its core values, visit csr.wonderful.com.
About the PEOPLE® Companies that Care List
Great Place To Work selected the 2025 PEOPLE Companies that Care List by gathering and analyzing over 1.3 million confidential survey responses from companies representing more than 8.4 million U.S. employees at Great Place To WorkCertified organizations. Of those, more than 1 million responses came from employees at companies eligible for the list and these rankings are based on that feedback. Company rankings are derived from 60 employee experience questions within the Great Place To Work Trust Index™ Survey and essays submitted by participating companies. Read the full methodology.
As the global authority on workplace culture, Great Place To Work brings 30 years of groundbreaking research and data to help every place become a great place to work for all. Its proprietary platform and Great Place To Work Model™ helpcompanies evaluate the experience of every employee, with exemplary workplaces becoming Great Place To Work Certified or receiving recognition on a coveted Best Workplaces™ List.
As pistachio growers gear up for harvest, American Pistachio Growers has partnered with restaurants all over California to celebrate Pistachio Week with both novel and classic pistachio-inspired culinary delicacies. Hannah Young from American Pistachio Growers met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network during their Pistachio Insights Day to share what growers and consumers alike have to look forward to during Pistachio Week. Watch this brief interview and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
