Growers looking to showcase and export their products face numerous hurdles and challenges, but the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA) is working with growers to get their products onto the international market. Hayden Romig from WUSATA spoke with Matthew Malcolm of Malcolm Media Ag Publishing to discuss the work his organization does. Watch this quick video and learn more on California Ag Network.
Category: Featured Post
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Research Shows Benefits of Flowering Hedgerows for Hazelnut Orchards
Monocultures can lead to the displacement of native plant life, but many growers and researchers are finding a benefit in planting flowering hedgerows in orchards. This includes attracting predatory insects and pollinators. Heather Andrews, a faculty research assistant with Oregon State University, spoke with Matthew Malcolm from Pacific Nut Producer about how these hedgerows are helping hazelnut growers in the Willamette Valley. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.Please thank this video’s sponsor George Packing Company for their industry support.
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Blue Diamond Almond Crop Estimate Revised to 2.6B Pounds
Since releasing our initial May 2026 estimate, Blue Diamond Growers has continued to monitor orchard conditions across all growing regions. The company’s observations continue to indicate a crop size in the range of 2.65 to 2.7 billion pounds. Their initial estimate had an upper range of 2.72 billion pounds, which they now believe peaks at 2.70 billion pounds because of growing downward pressure on crop potential, suggesting a slightly lower midpoint of 2.67 billion pounds. As it remains early in the season, the range indicates both downside risk and variability of the 2026 crop.
Over the past several weeks, in‑field managers have continued to survey orchards across the valley, noting additional observations related to nut progression, irrigation patterns, and early-season stress indicators. These insights, combined with updated grower feedback — they said — reinforce their assessment.
Key factors informing this follow‑up include:
- Continued orchard‑to‑orchard evaluations and comparisons to identify variations in quality and crop performance
- Updated monthly grower survey responses reflecting expectations across season-to-date performance
- Ongoing evaluation of economic, water, and weather pressures that may influence yield outcomes
Blue Diamond Growers will continue to monitor crop conditions and provide updates as conditions evolve. At this stage, indicators support a modestly lower estimate, with variability driven largely by input levels.
Crop Influences
The 2026 almond season to date reflects a mix of moderate weather conditions and ongoing operational and economic challenges for growers. While temperatures have remained warm without any critical heat wave conditions, several factors may still impact the crop before harvest.
Growers continue to face high production costs, resulting in measured resource management. Fertilizer and fuel costs, cash flow pressures and overall market prices have led many growers to reduce inputs. Growers have had ample water for irrigation, supporting orchards without major challenges. However, the cost of electricity required to pressurize water for irrigation remains a budgetary challenge.
Current Crop Development Observations
Orchard conditions are varying widely this season, shaped largely by differences in nutrition and input management.
Lower input orchards are showing lighter crop loads and weaker conditions, while a notable number of orchards with heavier crop loads are showing signs of weak spur development. This points to fertility concerns that could carry over into next year’s crop.
By contrast, many well-nourished orchards are showing overly vigorous growth, a potential indicator of poor crop loads. Growers and in-field teams have also reported thicker hulls and shells in several varieties, which could adversely affect turnout percentages and lead to reduced final crop weights beyond what may be apparent through pre-harvest observations.
Forward Outlook
Conditions will continue to evolve across the regions over the coming weeks, and the impact of crop stressors will become clearer. Ongoing monitoring will ensure that any significant changes are factored into future outlooks.
Further insights will be shared by Blue Diamond in subsequent Market Reports, with later reports refining the forecast once harvest is underway. — Story contributed by Blue Diamond Growers
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California Walnut Commission Voices Support for 0% EU Tariff
The California Walnut Commission CWC voiced its support after the European Union reduced the tariff on U.S.-grown tree nuts — including walnuts — to 0%. This lowering of rates became effective as of July 1. In a public statement on the order, the CWC stated:
“The California Walnut Commission (CWC) welcomes this positive development for the California walnut industry and European customers and consumers.
“The quota basis tariff reduction provides access to an important market, which is the walnut industry’s largest export market, importing about 30% of global supply. Improved access allows European importers, distributors, retailers and consumers to have access to high-quality California walnuts, while supporting the long-term sustainability of California walnut growers.
“The news comes at a critical time for California walnut growers, many of whom continue to face rising production costs, increasing supply and a competitive and uncertain global marketplace.
“The CWC appreciates the efforts of U.S. and European policymakers, trade officials and industry stakeholders whose work contributed to this development.”
The Almond Board of California also praised this development, saying it “brings welcome certainty after months of escalating trade tensions.”
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Setton Farms Chocolate Pistachios Selected as Good Housekeeping Awards Winner
Setton Farms announced that their Dark Chocolate Pistachios with Sea Salt have been named Best Sweet Pistachios in Good Housekeeping’s 2026 Snack Awards. The full list of awards can be found on goodhousekeeping.com/snacks2026.
Setton’s Dark Chocolate Pistachios with Sea Salt are made in-house in small batches. They’re made with whole pistachios, dry-roasted, with a touch of sea salt that enhances the chocolate’s flavor while balancing overall sweetness. Made with a simple ingredient list, they provide 3 grams of protein per serving. Forgoing a traditional glaze, the Dark Chocolate Pistachios with Sea Salt presents a natural chocolate finish, complemented by a new packaging design.
Setton also has a premium, award-winning line of seasoned pistachio kernel flavors, including hot honey, Tajín®, buffalo wing, jalapeño, garlic onion, salt and pepper and scorpion pepper. Other products include an in-shell and shelled organic line and a selection of premium dry-roasted in-shell pistachios. — Story contributed by Setton Farms
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Almond Board Seeks Volunteers for Industry Committees
More than 150 active almond industry members volunteer on board-appointed committees, subcommittees and working groups to further the work of Almond Board of California (ABC). The Board is always on the lookout for new volunteers and accepts applications throughout the year; the committees are seated in August. Committee descriptions and Statement of Interest Forms are hyperlinked below.
The Board seeks to ensure that its programs and policies are inclusive and would like to enhance the diversity of its volunteers. Eligible women, minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to consider applying to participate. Growers, handlers, huller/shellers and any allied industry members along the supply chain or affiliated with the almond industry are encouraged to get involved.
The following board-appointed committees further the work of the Almond Board
The committee and workgroup descriptions below provide an overview on the opportunities to serve and shape future research and programs. Those interested in joining can fell out a statement of interest for before July 10 for consideration.
Almond Quality, and Food Safety and Services Committee
Mission Statement:To ensure the quality and safety of California Almonds, through science, research, industry wide education.
The Almond Quality, Food Safety and Services Committee considers and recommends to the Board rules and regulations pertaining to the federal marketing order. This committee also provides oversight for other marketing order services and educational activities which are necessary to maintain the high quality standards and safety of the California almond industry. This committee consists of seven members. In addition, this committee oversees an Industry Services Subcommittee and a Biomass Task Force.
Biomass Workgroup
Mission Statement: To maximize value added utilization for all orchard products, other than the edible nut, which are financially viable and environmentally friendly.
The Biomass Workgroup aims to maximize value-added utilization for all orchard products, other than the edible nut, which are financially viable and environmentally friendly. Among other responsibilities, this group will review research proposals and RFP’s; make funding recommendations for research projects and analytical testing for almond woody and fleshy biomass.
Environmental Stewardship Workgroup
Mission statement: Fosters, supports, and steers environmental stewardship strategy for California almonds, the almond industry and the Almond Board of California, in support of ABC’s 3 core strategic goals – driving global demand, maintaining a favorable regulatory environment and maximizing industry efficiency. Also provides oversight of sustainability thought leadership tactics like partnerships, round tables and corporate visibility initiatives.
Finance and Audit Committee
Mission Statement: The Almond Board of California (ABC) Finance and Audit Committee’s (F&AC) mission is to ensure the financial integrity of ABC and act as fiduciary guardian of grower funds collected for the purpose of executing the organization’s annual programs and budgets. F&AC is comprised of five members and five alternates. The ABC Treasurer is the committee chair.
Global Communications Committee
Mission Statement: Fosters, supports, and steers strategy for industry and external communications about California almonds, the almond industry, and the Almond Board of California (ABC) in support of driving global demand.
The Global Communications Committee guides and informs strategy for industry and external communications about California almonds, the almond industry and the Almond Board of California. The committee will provide stakeholders and consumers with information about the almond industry and its practices, anticipate and provide counsel on various issues and potential crises, and disseminate industry-funded research findings to a variety of audiences. This group also engages members of the almond community by creating programs and events that motivate industry members to become more efficient in and out of the orchard.
Global Market Development Committee
Mission Statement: To deliver the Almond board of California’s #1 strategic objective, Driving Global Demand, the mission of the Global Market Development committee is to guide the marketing investments of ABC with a strategic lens. This includes utilizing consumer market research, in-market results, and macro-economic trends to align on markets to prioritize for investment, address key issues/opportunities in each market (across marketing, trade stewardship and market access) and approve the strategies and key tactics to execute upon. The GMDC strives to make decisions for short-, mid- and long-term that will lead to the optimal long-term outcome for the entire industry.
The Global Market Development Committee evaluates growth opportunities available to the almond industry and makes recommendations to the Board. These recommendations include a worldwide market research and market development program for each crop year. The committee also administers government-funded marketing and research programs and may also recommend to the Board changes in the marketing order rules and regulations, granting credit to handlers for qualified promotional activities. These credits are granted based on the proportion of assessment credit determined to be granted for each type of promotional activity.
Nutrition Research Committee
Mission Statement: Guide ABC’s nutrition research investments to advance the science on the impact of almond consumption on human health and enhance ABC’s ability to communicate almond’s health benefits globally.
The Nutrition Research Committee focuses on ongoing nutrition research which adds to the existing body of almond science and is utilized by the Board in global marketing outreach programs to promote the consumption of almonds. Current strategic research areas focus on the relationship between consumption of almonds and heart health, diabetes/prediabetes, weight management, gut health, cognition, skin health, exercise recovery and other areas.This committee is comprised of seven members and three alternates, consisting of food scientists, nutritionists, almond growers and other almond industry representatives.
Organic Advisory Panel
Mission Statement:To address issues impacting organic almond production, trade, and consumer awareness.
The mission of the Organic Advisory Panel is to address issues impacting organic almond production, trade and consumer awareness. This panel will direct staff on areas of focus including research, marketing, national and local organic initiatives, and other areas.
Production Stewardship Workgroup
Mission Statement: Support and identify innovative production research and technology to support Almond Board’s vision and mission to make life better by what we grow, how we grow, and accelerate adoption of industry best practices.
Our Production Stewardship Workgroup identifies innovative production research and technology to support Almond Board’s vision and mission to make life better by what we grow, how we grow, and accelerate adoption of industry best practices. Areas of research and extension that this group advise include orchard configuration, tree growth, breeding, pest management, irrigation, nutrient management, soils, harvest, precision ag. technology, environmental sustainability, and others.
Strategic Ag Innovation Committee
Mission Statement: This committee focuses on how almonds are grown, providing strategic direction on research to provide information and tools that will improve industry efficiency. This spans not only on-farm practices but also post-harvest, regulatory and market implications around almond production. The committee is supported by workgroups with specific technical expertise. The committee guides a broad-based research program, addressing agricultural and environmental challenges, that will ultimately ensure the long-term sustainability and profitability of almond growing, meeting the needs and expectations of stakeholders globally.
The Strategic Ag Innovation Committee is the “strategic forward thinker” for the almond industry and is supported by specialty-area research working groups. This committee shall consider and recommend projects that maintain the almond industry’s leadership role as a “Crop of Choice” for California, and which reflect the overall production and environmental research needs of the almond industry. This committee consists of ten members and oversees the six specialty-area research working groups listed below. All of the working groups review research proposals and make funding recommendations to the Strategic Ag Innovation Committee.
Technical & Regulatory Affairs Committee
Mission Statement: Provide support and leadership in identifying, monitoring, and resolving those regulatory and/or market access issues impacting the production and unimpeded global trade of California almonds.
The Technical & Regulatory Affairs Committee provides support to and cooperates with almond industry stakeholders and other Almond Board committees, focusing on those issues that impact the production and worldwide marketing of California Almonds. This synergy will enable greater integration and contribute to the overall success of the industry.
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EU Opens New 0% Tariff Rate Quota for U.S. Almonds
California almond exporters have a new opportunity in one of the world’s largest premium food markets following the European Union’s approval of a new duty-free tariff rate quota (TRQ) for U.S. almonds.
The measure is part of the recently finalized EU-U.S. trade agreement, which expands market access for several U.S. agricultural products through zero-duty tariff rate quotas. For almonds, qualifying shipments can now enter the European Union at a 0% tariff until the quota is filled, providing a more competitive position for U.S. almonds in the marketplace. The new regulations are scheduled to remain in effect through the end of 2029.
The announcement brings welcome certainty after months of escalating trade tensions. Earlier this year, the European Union had proposed a 25% retaliatory tariff on a range of U.S. products in response to broader U.S. trade actions. While almonds were discussed as part of those potential countermeasures, the tariffs were repeatedly delayed as negotiations continued, creating uncertainty for exporters serving European customers.
Prior to the new agreement, U.S. almonds generally entered the EU under the bloc’s existing tariff structure, including limited tariff-rate quotas that offered reduced-duty access for specified volumes. The new agreement expands preferential access by establishing a dedicated 0% tariff rate quota for eligible U.S. almond exports, improving market access and helping maintain the competitiveness of California almonds in Europe.
For California’s almond industry, the development reinforces the value of stable trade relationships. The European Union remains an important destination for California almonds, where demand for nutritious snack foods and food ingredients continues to support long-term consumption. Lower import costs under the new quota can help strengthen the industry’s position with European manufacturers, retailers and consumers while reducing the uncertainty that has surrounded transatlantic trade discussions over the past year. — Story provided by the Almond Board of California
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Honey Bees Can Detect Viruses in Food
Honey bees encounter viruses in their environments, especially when they forage on flowers and other food sources. Being able to detect viruses is important for reducing infection and the spread of disease. Many insects, including honey bees, can detect viruses indirectly with sick nestmates, but it has been unclear if honey bees can directly detect viruses in food sources.
To help beekeepers protect their colonies by reducing viral spread, ARS researchers from the Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics, and Physiology Research Unit in Baton Rouge, LA, studied if honey bees could sense viruses such as deformed wing virus, black queen cell virus, and chronic bee paralysis virus in contaminated food sources.
In an experimental study, the researchers found that when honey bees were presented with the choice between a spiked sugar solution with viruses and a plain sugar solution, the honey bees preferred the virus-spiked solution.
“These findings demonstrate that honey bees can directly detect the presence of viruses in contaminated food sources, which has important implications for pathogen transmission within pollinator communities and disease management strategies aimed at improving honey bee health,” said Michael Simone-Finstrom, ARS Research Molecular Biologist.
According to Simone-Finstrom and ARS Research Entomologist Elizabeth Walsh, both co-lead authors of the study, the results highlight the need to control viral infections and spread in bee colonies.
One major concern is viral spread from Varroa mites, parasitic pests that feed on honey bees. Currently, controlling Varroa mite populations is one of the most effective ways to protect honey bee colonies. Beekeepers can consider changing how they feed honey bees to limit outside insects from getting access to their food, according to Simone-Finstrom and Walsh.
“Open feeding scenarios where bees from different colonies and other insects, who may carry viruses, get food from the same source may not be in the honey bees’ best interest,” said Walsh. “Beekeepers can consider an alternative like an individual colony feeder where only honey bees from one colony have access to the food.”
It is unknown what mechanisms cause bees to gravitate towards the contaminated food sources. More research is underway to better understand honey bees’ foraging behaviors and how the viral presence affects their behaviors.
“The study’s findings will help us with providing data-driven decisions in honey bee management and ecological decisions,” said Walsh. – By Jessica Ryan, ARS Office of Communications
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Hot March Results in a Lighter Pistachio Crop
Hot March temperatures are leading to a lighter pistachio crop this year. However, growers and processors remain optimistic that the 2026 growing season is a fluke, and that the industry will have an excellent yield in 2027. Jeff Gibbons with Setton Farms and Joe Coelho with American Pistachio Growers discussed this anomalous year in the pistachio industry with Matthew Malcolm from California Ag Network. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
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Legal Compliance in the Almond Industry
California can feel like a legal minefield with the potential lawsuits that almond growers can face. Knowing the latest laws and regulations, and how to be compliant with them, is more important than ever. Henderson Arreola Partner Stacy Henderson spoke with Matthew Malcolm to discuss some tactics for how growers can stay ahead of regulations. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.