Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

Category: Industry News

  • Almond Alliance Celebrates as WIC Expands Food Offerings to Include Almond-Based Alternatives

    Almond Alliance Celebrates as WIC Expands Food Offerings to Include Almond-Based Alternatives

    In response to persistent advocacy efforts initiated in October 2022 and a formal request filed in February 2023, the Almond Alliance is celebrating the inclusion of almond-based dairy alternatives and the authorization of nut and seed butters as alternatives to peanut butter in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

    This marks an important milestone in promoting nutrition security, maternal and child health, and enhancing dietary options. Based on science-based recommendations from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025, the Biden Administration’s finalized updates reflect a progressive approach to addressing dietary restrictions, accommodating allergies, and promoting nutrient density. As a source of choline, iron, and protein for pregnant mothers, as well as iron and zinc for infants and toddlers, almonds have been demonstrated to be healthy for growth and development.

    WIC’s enhancements not only provide access to vital nutrients but also foster inclusivity by catering to diverse dietary preferences and needs,” said Aubrey Bettencourt, President and CEO of the Almond Alliance. “Our team is delighted to see almond-based dairy alternatives offered as lactose-free alternatives and as a means of promoting choice within the category. Further, the inclusion of nut and seed butters as substitutes for peanut butter demonstrates a commitment to addressing food allergies while providing nutritious alternatives.”

    The Almond Alliance applauds Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack for championing these participant-driven changes for WIC, which not only improve access to essential nutrients but also uphold the values of equity and choice. As a result of the inclusion of almond products in the WIC food packages, participants are now able to enjoy enhanced flexibility and cater to their diverse food needs, further enhancing their health and well-being.

    As the Almond Alliance celebrates these victories, it reaffirms its commitment to advocating for innovative solutions within the agricultural and nutritional landscape that promote health, sustainability, and inclusivity.

    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. As the voice of almonds, the Alliance represents the fourth-largest commodity in the United States and the third-largest American export.

    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

  • Hawaii Macadamia Growers Fight for Label-of-Origin Enforcement

    Hawaii Macadamia Growers Fight for Label-of-Origin Enforcement

    The Hawaii macadamia industry may be on the brink of collapse. Why? Cheap foreign imports are filling retail shelves, meanwhile, Hawaii macadamias remain in the orchard left to rot. Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm discussed this issue with Chad Cleveland from Ahualoa Family Farms, who is banding together with other Hawaii growers to begin resolving this issue with country-of-origin label enforcement legislation. Watch Cleveland’s interview and read more about it in the April issue of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Nut Growers Society President Addresses New Eastern Filbert Blight Crisis

    Nut Growers Society President Addresses New Eastern Filbert Blight Crisis

    In addition to good news of higher prices and a new hazelnut variety release from Oregon State University, hazelnut growers in attendance at the Nut Growers Society Winter Meeting were also discussing and expressing much concern over a new strain of Eastern Filbert Blight (EFB). Now spreading around the Willamette Valley of Oregon, this new strain appears to be no respecter of the long trusted EFB resistant varieties growers have been investing in. Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm discussed this issue with the new Nut Growers Society President, Matt Miller, who happened to be among the first to discover this new EFB strain. Watch Miller’s interview and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

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

  • Almond Alliance Announces Leadership Transition

    Almond Alliance Announces Leadership Transition

    Today, the Almond Alliance Board of Directors announced that our esteemed President and CEO, Aubrey Bettencourt, will be leaving the organization after nearly three years of dedicated service.

    “As President of the Almond Alliance, Aubrey showed exceptional vision and commitment, guiding us through a period of significant growth and accomplishments,” said Blake Vann, Chairman of the Almond Alliance. “Her leadership has yielded results for its members and the almond industry as a whole – and under her guidance, the Alliance has established itself in a position of influence. We are incredibly grateful for her contributions and unwavering dedication to the success of the California almond industry.”

    During Aubrey’s tenure, the Alliance’s advocacy grew exponentially, retaining permanent representation in Washington, D.C., and Sacramento. Communications was a top priority for Aubrey, as she developed a comprehensive communications platform to better inform and engage membership, political officials, and the general public. In addition to facilitating the Almond Express’ transport strategy during the supply chain crisis, she navigated crop insurance reforms and disaster assistance, and she led the development of DWR’s LandFlex program, which provided $25M to growers for groundwater recharge and SGMA compliance. Additionally, she established the Almond Alliance Foundation, which received a $2 million CDFA grant for the Pollinator Alliance to support pollinator health by expanding pollinator habitats on working almond farms.

    In a reflection on her time with the Alliance, Bettencourt noted: “Over the past two and a half years, the Almond Alliance has achieved its goal—it has established itself in a position of influence in the almond industry and agriculture throughout the nation. Today, it is regarded as a highly successful, effective, and member-focused advocacy organization. A leading advocate for the almond industry and the voice of American almonds, the Alliance delivers results for its members and the industry. I am so very proud of this team, and have full confidence in our ongoing work for this incredible industry and community.”

    We are excited to announce an extensive search for the next President & CEO is underway. We are looking for a dynamic and proven leader who displays strategic vision, organizational development, and a passion for American agriculture. As leader of the Alliance, this individual will ensure the continued strength and leadership of American almonds and advocate for the entire almond community – growers, hullers, processors, and consumers.

    “We are confident that a strong pool of candidates will emerge, and we look forward to choosing a leader who will build upon this foundation,” Vann concluded.

    Aubrey’s invaluable contributions to the Alliance and the almond community are greatly appreciated. We wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.

    We will provide updates on the search for the next President/CEO as they become available.

    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. As the voice of almonds, the Alliance represents the fourth-largest commodity in the United States and the third-largest American export.

    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

  • Hazelnut Grower Keeps Nuts Out of the Mud by Cover Cropping

    Hazelnut Grower Keeps Nuts Out of the Mud by Cover Cropping

    Like many tree nut commodities, hazelnuts are harvested from the orchard floor after dropping from the trees; however, Oregon growers tend to get more early fall rain events than their California nut grower neighbors. Harvest can get pretty muddy, adding extra processing costs to clean up the crop. The rains came again last year, impacting the later harvested varieties; however, harvest remained pretty clean for hazelnut grower Kent Burkholder, who believes cover cropping made all the difference. Watch his brief interview with Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm, and read his full story HERE.

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

  • Almond Growers Anticipate Solid Crop Following Successful Bloom

    Almond Growers Anticipate Solid Crop Following Successful Bloom

    Despite some early spring rainstorms, the 2024 California almond crop is off to a great start after what turned out to be a very successful bloom. Watch this brief video as Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm discusses this with agricultural data analyst Megan Nunes, CEO of Bountiful.

  • New Farm Bill Priorities Supporting Specialty Crop Agriculture

    New Farm Bill Priorities Supporting Specialty Crop Agriculture

    As legislature continues to work on completing a new Farm Bill, specialty crops may reap greater representation and benefits than in any previous Farm Bill.  Watch this brief video featuring Philip Karsting from Olsson Frank Weeda as he discusses their priorities for specialty crop ag at a recent conference held by American Pistachio Growers.

    Special thanks to American Pistachio Growers for sponsoring this video.

  • How AI and Global Economic Trends will Impact California Agriculture

    How AI and Global Economic Trends will Impact California Agriculture

    World-renowned economist and and financial expert Marci Rossell addressed American Pistachio Growers again this year at their annual conference, this time sharing some key insights on how the boom in AI (artificial intelligence) and inflation/interest-rate trends will impact specialty crop growers in the immediate and near future. Watch her brief interview with Malcolm Media Editor Matthew Malcolm for the inside scoop.

    Special Thanks to American Pistachio Growers for sponsoring this video.

  • Pistachio Industry Continues Investment in Promising Export Market Opportunities

    Pistachio Industry Continues Investment in Promising Export Market Opportunities

    The U.S. pistachio industry continues to set high shipment records in key export markets. Much of this made possible by the unified efforts of American Pistachio Growers (APG) and their marketing campaigns overseas. Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm met with APG’s VP of Global Marketing Scott Fryer to discuss pistachio export market trends and where they plan to market the record crop that is expected this year. Watch this brief interview and read more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

    Special thanks to American Pistachio Growers for sponsoring this video.

  • Meridian Growers Processing Brings on Cristian Lazcano as Inventory Specialist

    Meridian Growers Processing Brings on Cristian Lazcano as Inventory Specialist

    Cristian Lazcano may be new to the tree nut industry, but he has more than 3 years’ experience managing inventory. He began in 2019 in sales, transitioned into logistics in 2020 before taking a position as the Director of Inventory Management in 2021. Cristian will be overseeing all of Meridian Growers Processing inventory, from the field all the way through to customer shipments. Meridian is eager for Cristian to use his wide range of experience to bring fresh eyes and a new way of looking at inventory to their processes. “We are thrilled to have Cristian join our team and know he will thrive in his new position. His vast knowledge and energy will be advantageous to our company,” shared John Beaulieu, General Manager.

    “I’m excited to be a part of the Meridian team and continue to develop my career in Agriculture,” said Cristian Lazcano.  “Inventory is at the forefront of many businesses, and I am happy to continue to grow my skillset while helping our business flourish.”

    Meridian Growers Processing has been in business since 2020 and processes 20 million pounds of pistachios with a second phase being completed this year bringing processing capacity up to 40 million.