Oregon hazelnut growers are beginning their 2024 harvest with two fewer packers than last year. While this seems pretty alarming, seeing that growers may potentially deliver their largest crop ever this year, the remaining four packers remain dedicated and confident in their ability to take in the extra inventory without any real setbacks to the growers. Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm met with hazelnut packer Michael Severeid of Willamette Hazelnut who elaborated on the subject. Watch this brief interview and stay current on hazelnut industry news by reading your monthly issue of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
California has experienced an unusually hot Summer this year, which may have had influence in Cal/OSHA’s recent approval of a new regulation “Heat Illness Prevention in Indoor Places of Employment” that went into effect immediately, which impacts indoor workplaces in ag such as nut hulling and processing facilities, wineries, dairies, packinghouses and more. Key indoor temperature/heat index thresholds of 82 & 87 degrees F will mandate certain procedures to ensure the health and safety of employees. Looking into the impact of the new regulation, Matthew Malcolm visited with labor contractor Robert Heredia of H&R Labor, who specializes in meeting the labor needs of food processing facilities in one of the hottest regions in the nation — the Central Valley of California. Watch this brief interview as Heredia shares his thoughts on the recent changes.
As Oregon hazelnut growers begin the 2024 harvest with the potential of reaching another record crop, many wonder how the market will receive it and what kind of return growers should be expecting for their hard work this season. Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm met with Larry George of George Packing Company, the largest hazelnut packer in the Pacific Northwest, to share his expectations and optimism in taking this crop to market.
Temperatures across the West have reached some new record highs this year. No doubt, it has been an extra hot summer. While most specialty crops can handle the high temperatures of summer, they do have a breaking point, and hazelnut orchards across the Willamette Valley of Oregon have been impacted for the second year in a row by the persistent heat of the summer. Watch this brief interview with Nik Wiman, Orchard Crops Extension Specialist at Oregon State University (OSU) as he shares what happens when hazelnuts reach their breaking point and how growers can help their trees get through it.
Despite the great rainfall and snowpack California has experienced in the last couple years, little of this abundance has been shared with agriculture or even saved for the inevitable times of drought that lay ahead. Farmers are fed up with the state’s many years of mismanagement of our water resources and lack of practical investment in our water future. This led a farmer to run for congress and bring some new, realistic solutions to the table. Watch this brief interview with Representative John Duarte from the 13th Congressional District of California as he shares some of these priorities that offer relatively quick and longterm water availability benefits for farmers and all Californians.
Farmers and local water districts have worked together endeavoring to rebuild and sustain California’s underground aquifers through groundwater recharge projects among other conservation practices. Much progress has been made in complying with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), but without access to adequate surface water in year’s of plenty such as this, farmers are left struggling to keep their crops alive and productive, prematurely having to tap back into groundwater supplies. Watch this brief interview with pistachio grower and Chairman of the California Water Alliance — William Bourdeau, as he explains. And read about farm water solutions in the September issue of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
The Almond Alliance is proud to announce the appointment of Alexi Rodriguez as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 2025. With a distinguished career in the almond industry and a deep commitment to agricultural advocacy, Rodriguez will lead the Alliance into its next chapter of growth.
“We are thrilled to welcome Alexi Rodriguez as the next CEO of the Almond Alliance,” said Blake Vann, Chair of the Almond Alliance. “Her proven leadership and deep understanding of the almond industry make her the ideal choice to guide our organization into the future. Alexi has been a steadfast advocate for the industry and we are confident that under her leadership the Almond Alliance will continue to thrive and champion the interests of our members.”
Rodriguez brings over 15 years of experience in the industry, having served in various high-impact positions, including Chair for the Almond Board of California (ABC) and Director of Operations for Campos Brothers Farms. Her leadership has driven strategic growth, operational efficiency, and innovation across the industry. Beyond her operational roles, Rodriguez has strongly advocated for the almond industry on regulatory and compliance matters.
“I’m excited and honored to be selected to lead the Almond Alliance,” said Alexi Rodriguez. “I’m looking forward to utilizing my knowledge and experience to advocate for this great industry and connect with industry members as we navigate the challenges ahead.”
Rodriguez’s appointment follows an extensive search process, underscoring the Almond Alliance’s commitment to finding a leader who embodies the organization’s vision and values. Her leadership is expected to bring fresh perspectives and strategies to strengthen the Alliance’s role as the voice of American almonds. Rodriguez is uniquely positioned to lead the Almond Alliance as it continues to promote the interests of its members and drive the industry toward a sustainable and prosperous future.
Alexi being interview by Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm while serving as Chair of the Almond Board of California
About the Almond Alliance
Almond Alliance is the leading authority in state and national policy, championing American almond farmers, industry, and community for the continued global growth, innovation, and success of American almonds and agriculture.
Established in 1980, the Almond Alliance is a non-profit trade association with a local and international network of almond processors, hullers/shellers, growers, and allied businesses. The Alliance is dedicated to providing resources and solutions for our members, ensuring industry success and growth opportunities. Learn more at almondalliance.org.
After years of drought conditions, California has finally had a couple years of great rainfall and snowpack — yet that has not translated to much better water availability for California growers responsible for feeding the world with some of the safest most nutrient-dense crops. With the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) taking effect in the state as well, growers are very concerned for the future of their family operations. Crippled by gov’t regulations and delayed water allocations, watch this brief interview with pistachio grower Rebecca Kaser, who farms in Westlands Water District and aims to make a difference.
To help California Pest Control Advisers and qualified/aerial pesticide applicators prepare for several changes to their license renewals with DPR, Ruthann Anderson, President/CEO of the California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA), met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network on August 5th to explain the changes. Among them is a significant renewal fee increase. While increasing costs are never welcome news, Anderson calls upon DPR for transparency and accountability in the use of the increased funds to better serve licensees. She also points out that 2024 is a milestone year for CAPCA, as they will be holding their 50th annual Conference this fall. Watch this brief interview to learn more specifics on California DPR license renewal changes, and some exciting things to expect in attending CAPCA’s 50th Conference this October.
American Pistachio Growers held their first ever Pistachio Industry Insights Day, expanding upon their annual Summer Luncheon from years past. During this well-attended event in Visalia, CA, Jim Zion from Meridian Growers met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to discuss the current state of the pistachio market. As pistachios are in their “off-year” and with weaker chill hours over the winter, growers are expecting a much smaller crop than last season. The big question that’s on everyone’s mind is whether this will translate to a higher pistachio price and where the market is heading. Watch this brief interview with Jim and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
