Meal break violations are an open door for Class Action & PAGA lawsuits that farmers have been getting impacted by, according to longtime ag labor and employment attorney Ron Barsamian. Watch this video interview with Ron as he shares what farm employers can do to maintain better records and avoid the costly losses involved in such litigation.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Ranch Systems for their industry support.
Controlling for Varroa mites, the parasitic mites that feed on honey bees and serve as vectors for viral diseases like deformed wing virus (DWV), can help with improving honeybee populations and make bees less susceptible to harmful insecticides, according to a recent study published in Environmental Pollution.
Foraging honey bees may be directly exposed to toxic insecticide sprays in the field or exposure may come from honeybees collecting and bringing pesticide-contaminated pollen and nectar back to their hives to feed larvae and young bees. The presence of insecticides, along with other environmental stressors in agricultural areas, can be a factor leading to issues like colony loss — something beekeepers from around the world are trying to overcome.
“Previous research has shown how chemicals like pesticides make bees more susceptible to mites,” said Yu-Cheng Zhu, a research entomologist at ARS’s Pollinator Health in Southern Crop Ecosystems Research Unit in Stoneville, Mississippi. “In our study, we wanted to see if mites and viral infestations make bees more susceptible to insecticides.”
In a study, researchers with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) applied the miticide amitraz (Apivar), a product commonly used for treating Varroa mites, off-label to four bee hives and left the other four hives untreated. They monitored the mite population density monthly and DWV density in early, middle, and late season.
Researchers collected bees from miticide-treated and untreated hives, and quantified gene expressions of four immune genes and two physiology-related genes. They also tested bees’ sensitivity to five representative insecticides. In addition, bees’ natural mortalities were recorded during three seasons.
“Miticide treatment led to minor or undetectable mite and DWV infestations during the whole bee season, while untreated colonies had substantially higher mite and DWV infestations,” said Zhu.
The data analyses showed that Varroa mite population irregularly fluctuated over the bee season and mite population density was not dynamically or closely correlated with the seasonal shift of honey bee natural mortality. Unlike mites, DWV density in untreated colonies progressively increased over the bee season. The density was highly correlated with the seasonal increase in honey bee natural mortality.
“In the untreated hives, the increased DWV infestations resulted in decreased physiological and immunity-related functions in late-season honey bees, making the bees more susceptible to insecticides and increasing natural morality rates during the season,” said Zhu.
According to Zhu, Varroa mites, also known as Varroa destructor, can reduce fat body and body fluids that contain important detoxification enzymes and immune proteins in honey bees. As a result, bees have impaired immune, detoxification/defense systems, and other essential processes. Coupling those impairments with exposure to insecticides can be detrimental to bee populations.
“Having impaired immunity, especially later in the season with fewer food sources, can be challenging for honey bees,” said Zhu.
Zhu, whose work focuses on the toxicological impact of pesticides on beneficial insects in the Mississippi Delta Area, said that the study’s results indicated the importance of studying the “bottom-up” effects of mite infestations on the overall health of honey bees in real-world contexts.
“Chemical control is still a major method in preventing crop loss and controlling insect pest populations,” said Zhu. “It is important to study the effects of chemical control in honey bee populations so we can find best practices for protecting the health of bees.”
The Agricultural Research Service is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientific in-house research agency. Daily, ARS focuses on solutions to agricultural problems affecting America. Each dollar invested in U.S. agricultural research results in $20 of economic impact.
A valuable industry assessment program has been streamlined to make it easier for almond growers to enter and update data. Changes to the CASP program – which now stands for the California Almond Stewardship Platform – were announced in December at The Almond Conference 2022 and came after feedback from some growers about the length of time it often took to fill out the online self-assessment.
The CASP program was developed by the Almond Board of California over a decade ago as a method for almond growers to share and compare data about their orchards and farming practices. That aggregated information in the self-assessment, in turn, is often used by handlers and others who market California’s multibillion-dollar annual almond crop to educate and reassure consumers that growers are implementing critical practices in areas such as water usage, air quality, soil health, pollinators and carbon recapture.
The original CASP online self-assessment process included 620 questions, which now have been cut in half after the update.
“It was really time to restructure it a little bit and put it on a diet,” said Tom Devol, Senior Manager of Field Outreach and Education at the Almond Board of California. “It had gotten a bit heavy. It was taking growers a lot of time to do and was a big commitment.”
Growers often spent five or six hours responding to the questions and sometimes had to enter the same information more than once. That is no longer the case, Devol said.
“I just worked with a grower who completed it in an hour and a half, from start to finish,” he said. “Now, we’ve grouped questions, so when you set up an orchard, you never look at those questions again. You put the information in for that orchard – how it was planted, when it was planted, those kinds of questions – and when you reassess in two or three years … you never have to look at that again. Those questions are pre-done.
“And we did the same thing with the farming operations. So the common practices that you use across the whole farming operation, you really only need to address those questions one time and then in future assessments, they’re already completed for you.”
Devol said rationale behind CASP has evolved since it was created.
“When CASP was first envisioned, it was predominantly an education tool,” he explained. “But over time, there’s been a lot more pressure from the market. ‘How are you growing your crops? Are you exhibiting good stewardship? Are you using current practices?’
“The handlers are the ones facing those questions. The growers aren’t selling the crop directly to the buyer; it’s the handler who’s doing it on their behalf. … By completing your grower self-assessment, you’re assisting your handler in marketing your product.”
Devol recommends that growers update their information at least every three years.
“It’s really a continuous improvement program if you think about it. We’re really trying to see where we’ve learned new practices that we’re starting to adopt into the orchard,” he said. “Not many people change their practices every year, but over time, you’re going to pick up a new thing – we’re going to try this, we’re going to change the way we do that.
“Handlers like to see that data done every year because they’re using the aggregate data to help demonstrate to their buyers what their group of growers are doing. So they have a different motivator.”
Devol reassured growers that no individual orchard information ever is shared.
“It’s aggregate data. It’s secure. Nobody can see your data,” he said. “These handlers just get an aggregate group of data about what their growers are doing.”
Growers who have participated in the past and want to update their data, as well as others who want to enroll in the CASP program, should go to www.almondstewardship.org. On the website, growers can set up an account or ask to have their password sent to them, if they’ve forgotten it.
Devol said he and the Field Outreach and Education team are available to answer any questions or provide help. They can be reached at fieldoutreach@almondboard.com.
“We really want you to succeed,” Devol said. “We want it to be simple to use. We don’t want it to be painful for you.” — Article & Image Courtesy of the Almond Board of California
Mexico is one of ten markets in the Almond Board of California’s (ABC) diversified portfolio of countries focused on building global demand for California almonds. ABC marketing initiatives in Mexico began in 2018 and ABC is optimistic about the continued growth potential in the market with consumers looking for healthy food options. Position report numbers for the region strengthens that optimism as shipments to Mexico through May 2023 have increased 9% over the previous crop year.
During the first two months of 2023 and around National Almond Day efforts, California almonds took to the streets of Mexico by driving two mobile billboard trucks, covered with almond advertising creative, to top locations in Mexico City. “For the first time ever, the board hosted a special event-based activity in this market through a variety of in-person gatherings and by driving interactive mobile billboard trucks around the city”, said Becky Jeffers, ABC manager, North America marketing. The billboard trucks visited nine shopping malls, 20 supermarkets and 15 gyms. At each stop, ABC hosted interactive events like snack workshops, giveaways, and yoga and meditation classes. “This type of activity reinforces the relevancy of almonds to consumers and is a great complement to our year-long advertising and public relations efforts in the Mexico marketplace”, Jeffers added.
ABC partnered with popular influencers for the special events – which included podcast host Romina Sacre who has over 230K Instagram followers, Soulfood Luz Colsa who has over 630K Instagram followers, and fitness trainer Ceci Aguilera who has over 150K Instagram followers.
Colsa held a snack workshop showing how to add almonds into tasty foods that Mexican consumers are accustomed to enjoying. Aquilera hosted a fitness bootcamp and Sacre hosted a meditation workshop. Sacre also invited a select few lucky consumers to her podcast recording studio where she recorded an episode about almonds. Each of these influencers also posted on social media about why they love almonds and these special events. Through the different activities and mobile advertising, the campaign reached over 360 million impressions in the Mexico market. — Article & Image Courtesy of the Almond Board of California
United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai’s announcement today that India agreed to remove retaliatory tariffs on walnuts, as well as additional US products, is welcome news. Trade representatives from the United States and India have been working together on a package of trade deliverables announced today during this week’s visit of India’s Prime Minister Modi for meetings with President Biden and a joint session of Congress.
“The California walnut industry has had a long-standing partnership with the India marketplace which is an integral part of the industry’s overall long term long-term strategic growth and market development plan.” said Pam Graviet, Senior Director of Global Programs for the California Walnut Commission. “Indian consumers and trade partners continue to recognize the premium quality of California walnuts and the nutritional value and great taste they bring to the Indian diet. Elimination of India’s retaliatory tariffs will benefit Indian consumers and businesses, as well as the California walnut industry,” she added.
The California walnut industry brought this ongoing issue to the attention of the Biden Administration early in the presidency and appreciate their tenacity and commitment which led to this agreement. We commend USTR Ambassador Katherine Tai and Ambassador Doug McKalip on negotiating this successful outcome for California’s walnut producers and processors. Ambassador McKalip recently visited California and had an occasion to tour walnut and almond orchards and learn firsthand the severe financial impact the 20% retaliatory tariff inflicted on the California walnut industry.
We also appreciate USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Administrator Daniel Whitley and the FAS personnel who helped the industry through this challenging period. The Market Access Program (MAP) continues to be a crucial element in enabling us to maintain our relationships in India and seek new market opportunities. We are grateful for efforts by federal, state, local elected officials, regulators, and their staff for diligently keeping this topic on the forefront of trade discussions.
Robert Verloop, the Chief Executive Officer for the California Walnut Commission said, “the California walnut growers have been severely impacted by a host of unprecedented events over the last few years; including the various trade tariffs, COVID pandemic-induced supply chain and transportation disruptions, global economic downturn, inflationary pressures, high dollar values, the complications brought on by the war in Ukraine and the persistent drought and heat wave that severely impacted our 2023 crop.”
“Tree nut growers, most of whom are multi-generational family farms, make a long-term investment in their crops. Walnut orchards can be highly productive for over 30 years; accordingly, the growers make decisions to produce the revered California walnuts with the expectations that we have fair and equitable access to global markets which represent more than 65% of our sales. The removal of this tariff is welcomed by our industry and provides a pathway to strengthening our trade relations with this important market and trading partner” added Verloop.
Ms. Graviet stated, “California walnuts are perfectly aligned to meet the global demands for more healthy, nutritious, and great tasting plant-based foods. The removal of the retaliatory tariff in India will enable our growers to help meet these demands in India. We thank our Indian trade partners and retailers for their ongoing support and commitment to California walnuts and look forward to building greater distribution and consumption of our walnuts.”
Urgent action is required to maintain California’s position as a global socio-economic leader. Governor Gavin Newsom has unveiled a comprehensive Infrastructure Package designed to address critical challenges, including meeting climate goals, improving the electric grid, enhancing water resilience, and modernizing transportation infrastructure.
The Infrastructure Package is not merely about building infrastructure; it is about fostering progress and economic prosperity in our communities,” said Aubrey Bettencourt, President and CEO of the Almond Alliance. “By investing in sustainable water supply and efficient supply chains, the Infrastructure Package aims to ensure a thriving future for California.
“California’s water infrastructure was constructed 55 years ago when the population was less than half of what it is today. Unfortunately, the repercussions of this outdated system are evident today, with one million Californians lacking access to clean drinking water, hundreds of thousands of agricultural acres lying fallow, and specific fish populations dwindling.”
Bettencourt continued, “The Infrastructure Package presents an opportunity to establish a resilient water management system that benefits everyone, people, farmers, and the environment.
“The transportation infrastructure plays a crucial role in facilitating the movement of agricultural products, such as almonds, for export. Improving highways, roads, rail transportation, intermodal facilities, and port infrastructure will enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance California’s competitiveness in global markets.
“Streamlining permitting processes and reducing red tape is a key aspects of the Infrastructure Package. These reforms will save time and money for taxpayers, businesses, and local governments, creating a more efficient project planning and approval system.”
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
Following record production years, pandemic and logistical issues slowed California almond shipments considerably, creating record carryover inventory and pricing issues for the industry. Coming off a shorter crop year in 2022 and what appears to be another short crop in 2023, almond growers are hoping to see prices moving up again. Watch this brief interview with Almond Board of California President Richard Waycott as he shares details of some record almond shipping months this year that is moving the industry back on track to greater prosperity.
Watch this brief video with Chowchilla walnut grower Mark Hutson who chose to fallow some of his land for groundwater recharge purposes last year, not knowing that he’d be able to put it to use so soon with the tremendous storm systems that came through this past winter and spring. Learn about his experience in utilizing NRCS grant funding to prepare his land for recharge, and consider whether some form of groundwater recharge will work on your farm in the near future.
California has been blessed with a tremendous amount of snow and rainfall this spring. Coming after many dry years that have reduced our groundwater supply, farmers want to do all they can in this brief time of plenty to not only irrigate their drought-stressed trees and vines, but also recharge the groundwater supply beneath their fields. But how quickly can a farmer prepare his/her land to take on some of this snowmelt for groundwater recharge purposes and what will it require? Watch this video featuring Madera grape and nut grower Jennifer Peters, who in a very short time was able to install an on-farm groundwater recharge basin and capture much of this stormwater.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Ranch Systems for their industry support.