Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

Category: Industry News

  • Ag Processing Labor Contractor Thoughts on New Indoor Heat Illness Rule

    Ag Processing Labor Contractor Thoughts on New Indoor Heat Illness Rule

    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.

    Special thanks to American Pistachio Growers for sponsoring this video.

  • 2024 Oregon Hazelnut Production & Market Forecast

    2024 Oregon Hazelnut Production & Market Forecast

    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.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor George Packing Company for their industry support.

  • Coach Prime Turns to Almond Research to Help with Exercise Recovery

    Coach Prime Turns to Almond Research to Help with Exercise Recovery

    Almond Board of California — Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders is using all his coaching tools to prepare for the college football season ahead. Those include his Prime Time swagger, electric motivational style, and his unique partnership with California Almonds, which opened his eyes to research showing almonds can help with recovery from workouts.

    One of the most singular motivators in college sports, Coach Prime works to prepare his players mentally and physically, both before and after practice and games. Sanders says recovering from workouts doesn’t have to be complicated — it can be as simple as fueling up on two servings of almonds (about 46) daily.

    “You gotta WANT it, then you gotta WORK it, which then places you in a position to WIN IT. And to WIN IT, you gotta take care of YOU and make sure your recovery is right,” says Coach Prime. “We are working day in and day out to DOMINATE both on the field and off, which is why I make sure almonds are a part of my life each day. You already know we WANT it, and almonds help us WORK IT, and then WIN IT. IT DON’T STOP, BABY!”

    Groundbreaking research shows that most study participants who ate two servings of almonds, (vs. a calorie matched cereal bar,) four weeks prior, reported reduced fatigue and tension, increased leg and lower back strength during recovery after completing 90-minutes of exercise, and decreased muscle damage during the first day of recovery after completing the exercise.

    This research, funded by the Almond Board of California, was conducted over four weeks among 64 U.S. adults ages 30 – 65 who are occasional exercisers.

    Coach Prime’s partnership with California Almonds became one of the most high-profile sponsorships in college sports in 2023 and is kicking off a second year. He says often that he learned how snacking on almonds can help with exercise and exercise recovery.

    Fans can catch Coach Prime and California Almonds at the start of the college football season with ads airing on national and cable TV networks like ABC, NBC, Fox, ESPN, and on social media. For more tips on how to own your prime from Coach Prime himself, visit almonds.com and follow California Almonds on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

  • Survey Projects Another Record Crop for U.S. Hazelnuts

    Survey Projects Another Record Crop for U.S. Hazelnuts

    The Hazelnut Marketing Board (HMB) concluded its annual Subjective Yield Survey (SYS), and with approximately 20 percent of acres accounted for, the harvest is anticipated to be 97,460.39 tons.

    This would represent a slight increase from the 2023 harvest of 93,300 tons, and a moderate boost over informal industry estimates that have placed the 2024 harvest closer to 90,000 tons. All totaled, 20,505.95 acres were submitted for in the Subjective Yield Survey. Extrapolated over the total industry acreage, per the Pacific Agricultural Survey aerial field mapping data from July 2024, the total merchantable weight would be 194,920,782.18 pounds, or 97,460.39 tons.

    The Subjective Yield Survey is conducted by sending postcards to all hazelnut growers in early July and asking them to project what they think their yield will be. Cards were accepted through the Nut Growers Society Summer Tour on August 7 to allow growers more time to complete the survey and more accurately predict their harvests.

    The Subjective Yield Survey is the only industrywide predictor for the U.S. hazelnut harvest this year. Questions regarding the Subjective Yield Survey may be directed to the Hazelnut Industry Office at 503-582-8420 or Hazelnut@OregonHazelnuts.org.

  • 2024 California Walnut Crop Forecast Down Significantly

    2024 California Walnut Crop Forecast Down Significantly

    The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released the official 2024 California Walnut Industry Objective Measurement Report on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. The 2024 California walnut production is forecasted at 670,000 tons (607,814 MT), down 19% from 2023’s production of 824,000 tons (747,520 MT). The forecast is based on 370,000 bearing acres, down 4% from 2023’s estimated bearing acreage of 385,000 acres.

    The September 4th announcement from USDA 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 acreage and crop estimate, the CA walnut industry is finalizing the close out of the 2023 crop year. While final shipment and inventory figures will be released later this month, preliminary data indicates that the 2023 crop is virtually sold out.

    As anticipated, the upcoming 2024 crop is lower than the historic record crop of 2023 and will deliver the high quality that defines California walnuts globally,” said Robert Verloop, Executive Director and CEO of the California Walnut Board and Commission. “The 2024 estimated crop size, while moderate, is similar to the 2019 crop. In addition, due to strong summer demand, we expect the end of season shipment report to show the carry-in volume to be substantially less than last year. Combined, the carry in and new 2024 crop volumes are very manageable, providing improved seller and buyer confidence and stable markets.

    “As an industry, based on the favorable crop statistics and overall market conditions, we feel confident about the upcoming crop year. We continue to focus on delivering quality all the way to the consumer, with enhanced handling of walnuts through the supply chain and increasing our demand-building initiatives to drive more sales and excitement for California walnuts. We continue to work to make walnuts more relevant to consumers as a nut for every day eating occasions and partnering with retailers, bringing visibility and excitement to walnuts with expanded offerings of package size options, flavors, and more walnut products. Together as an industry, we are focused on building more consumer demand while delivering high-quality California walnuts around the world.”

    About the California Walnut Board  and Commission

    The California Walnut Board (CWB) and California Walnut Commission (CWC) represent more than 4,600 California walnut growers and nearly 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.

  • 2nd Summer of High Temperatures Takes Toll on Oregon Hazelnuts

    2nd Summer of High Temperatures Takes Toll on Oregon Hazelnuts

    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.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor George Packing Company for their industry support.

  • Congressman Duarte Addresses Water Issues & Solutions for California Ag

    Congressman Duarte Addresses Water Issues & Solutions for California Ag

    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.

    Special thanks to American Pistachio Growers for sponsoring this video.

  • SGMA Progress Hampered by Insufficient Surface Farm Water Allocations

    SGMA Progress Hampered by Insufficient Surface Farm Water Allocations

    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.

    Special thanks to American Pistachio Growers for sponsoring this video.

  • Almond Alliance Announces Alexi Rodriguez as New CEO

    Almond Alliance Announces Alexi Rodriguez as New CEO

    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.

  • Brendan O’Donnell Selected as President/CEO of DFA and Safe Food Alliance

    Brendan O’Donnell Selected as President/CEO of DFA and Safe Food Alliance

    DFA of California and Safe Food Alliance are pleased to announce the appointment of Brendan O’Donnell as their new President and CEO, effective August 1st, 2024. Brendan brings over two decades of extensive leadership experience in the food and agriculture industry, marked by his commitment to innovation, food safety, and sustainable practices.

    Prior to joining DFA and Safe Food Alliance, Brendan served as Global Segment Director, Nuts & Citrus at TOMRA Food, where he led global teams and spearheaded customer-focused product development initiatives. His tenure at TOMRA showcased his strategic acumen and ability to drive growth through effective leadership and market insights.

    “Looking ahead, we are very pleased with the appointment of Brendan O’Donnell to succeed Vaughn as President & CEO. Brendan has demonstrated extraordinary communication and leadership skills in his roles at TOMRA and Monte Vista Farming Company. These skills, along with his technical background, make him an excellent fit to lead the DFA/Safe Food Alliance organization,” said Brian Dunning, President & CEO
    of ShoEi Foods USA and current Chair of the DFA Board. “His vision aligns perfectly with our commitment to supporting the dried fruit, tree nut, and specialty crop industries, and I am confident in his ability to enhance our member services and strengthen our industry partnerships.”

    Throughout his career, Brendan has held pivotal roles at Monte Vista Farming Company and Sun Valley Rice, where he contributed significantly to business growth and market expansion. He holds an Executive Certificate in Negotiation from the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business and a B.S. in Agricultural Systems and Environment from the University of California, Davis.

    “I am honored to join DFA and Safe Food Alliance at such an exciting time in our industry,” said Brendan O’Donnell. “I look forward to leveraging my experience to drive innovation, strengthen food safety standards, and support our members and partners as we navigate new opportunities and challenges ahead.”

    In addition to his professional achievements, Brendan is dedicated to his family and enjoys exploring the outdoors with his wife, Erin, and their two teenage children.

    About DFA of California

    Founded in 1908, DFA of California is a non-profit trade association dedicated to supporting the dried fruit, tree nut, and specialty crop industries. DFA supports processors through rigorous inspection services, member benefits, food safety training, and provides support on numerous export related matters. For more information, visit DFA of California.

    About Safe Food Alliance

    Safe Food Alliance provides a comprehensive range of food safety services designed specifically for food processors and manufacturers throughout California. As a full service food safety company, Safe Food Alliance provides third-party laboratory testing, complemented by extensive food safety training, consulting services, and third-party certification audits offered through a separate company, Safe Food Certifications.