Bearing acreage for California almonds has declined for the first time since 1995 and total acreage has been declining for over four years as the business reaches equilibrium. However, growers in California will continue to contribute about 80% of the global supply as production in other countries remains flat. Matthew Malcolm with California Ag Network talked to the Almond Board of California President and CEO Clarice Turner about these recent developments in the almond industry. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
Category: Industry News
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UC Davis Opens Resnick Center for Agricultural Innovation
The University of California, Davis, celebrated the grand opening of the Resnick Center for Agricultural Innovation.
Made possible by philanthropic support, including a lead transformative gift from Lynda and Stewart Resnick, through their foundation in 2022, the new center is housed within the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. The center builds on the university’s longstanding global leadership in agriculture with a focus on translating research into real-world impact.
“This center represents the best of UC Davis, uniting our strengths in agriculture, engineering and environmental sciences to address challenges facing communities across California and around the world,” said Chancellor Gary S. May. “We are deeply grateful to Lynda and Stewart for their partnership and support, which expand research opportunities and drive solutions that will shape the future of agriculture.”
Students, faculty, staff, donors and industry partners joined university leaders May 19 to celebrate the opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, open house and tours.
“Lynda and I have always believed that growing more food with fewer resources is one of the most important things we can do,” said Stewart Resnick, chairman of The Wonderful Company. “UC Davis is the leading ag university in the country, and we all have a stake in giving them everything they need to continue leading on this important work. This center will train the next generation, drive practical solutions, and get this urgently needed progress to growers and communities around the world.”
The Resnick Center reflects a broader commitment from the couple and their foundation, whose $50 million gift to UC Davis in 2022 included $40 million for the facility and $10 million to establish the Resnick Agricultural Innovation Research Fund, advancing research into sustainable uses for agricultural byproducts. Stewart Resnick also serves on the Chancellor’s Board of Advisors, underscoring the Resnicks’ longstanding commitment to the university and its mission.
The 34,000-square-foot facility includes hands-on learning in an innovative and immersive environment that connects education to research and discovery. Experts across disciplines will work in labs equipped with robotics, sensors, data science and artificial intelligence — technologies transforming how agriculture is managed and scaled. Research efforts will focus on making agricultural systems more resilient, developing advanced technologies, maximizing sustainability through water and energy efficiencies, and expanding access to nutritious food.
“The new Resnick Center strengthens our ability to integrate research, teaching and extension in ways that directly serve California and beyond,” said Ashley M. Stokes, dean of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “It creates a dynamic environment where discovery, learning and community engagement come together — accelerating innovation, deepening partnerships with industry, and translating knowledge into real-world solutions. The design and flexibility of the space allow us to reimagine ideas and respond with agility to the evolving needs of our communities.”
The center will incorporate specialized labs and equipment that bolster efforts to transform agricultural byproducts into useable materials. This work is supported by the annual competitive research grants funded by the Resnicks, through their foundation.
Over the past three years, UC Davis researchers have explored how agricultural waste — including discarded hulls and shells from California’s iconic specialty crops like almonds, pistachios and pomegranates — can be repurposed as soil amendments, sustainable food products and low-cost industrial materials. The new facility will allow for widespread exploration of even more agricultural crops and potential uses.
In addition to experiential learning opportunities, the facility houses The Wonderful Scholar Center, a student success hub that offers academic and career advising for more than 50 students who are attending UC Davis on a Wonderful Scholarship. With a commitment to supporting first-generation students, the Resnicks, their foundations and The Wonderful Company have awarded over 3,500 scholarships of up to $40,000, providing mentorship and tutoring support with dedicated coaches, and equipping students with the tools to succeed in college and beyond.
“As a first-generation college student who grew up around agriculture, I came to UC Davis with a deep appreciation of what farming families are up against. The Wonderful Scholarship brought me here, and this center has shown me how research, innovation, and policy all have to work together to change the future of agriculture,” said Jose Gomez, Wonderful Scholar and second-year political science major. “What the Resnicks have built isn’t just a building. It’s a bridge across disciplines — driving research, innovation, and people forward. I intend to spend my life serving others and advancing solutions that strengthen our communities.”
“Today marks the beginning of a new era,” Chancellor May said. “The discoveries made inside this building will extend into farms, fields, and communities around the globe, shaping a more resilient and sustainable future for agriculture.” — Story by Courtney Tompkins, UC Davis
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Walnut Commission Applauds House Passage of Farm Bill
The California Walnut Commission applauded the House of Representatives’ passage of the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026 saying it was meaningful progress toward renewing federal farm policy.
“California walnut growers, many of whom are multi-generational family farmers, face distinct production and market challenges that demand thoughtful, long‑term policy solutions, and the farm bill is an important step to that end,” the Commission wrote. “A comprehensive, five‑year farm bill plays a vital role in helping specialty crop producers remain resilient, competitive and able to deliver nutritious products that support the health of Americans and families around the globe.”
The Farm Bill was passed April 30 and is awaiting signature by Pres. Trump. — Story contributed by the California Walnut Commission
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Almond Hulls Get GRAS Status
For decades, almond hulls have had a specific job — to be a low-cost animal feed ingredient. But a recent milestone could open the door to a different future for this familiar byproduct. Based on an extensive evaluation, almond hull powder (AHP) has been confirmed as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use in human food, following a review by an independent expert panel.
That may sound technical, but for almond growers, this decision has the potential to reshape the conversation around almond hull value.
First, What Does ‘GRAS’ Actually Mean?
In plain terms, GRAS status means that qualified experts agree that a food ingredient is safe for people to eat, based on scientific evidence and a long list of safety data. It’s a designation recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is a key factor for any ingredient that wants to enter the human food supply.
In this case, an independent expert panel reviewed a comprehensive dossier, more than 180 pages, covering how Almond Hull Powder is made, safety for human consumption, how much people might eat and what happens when they do. The panel concluded that AHP is safe for its intended uses in food. The dossier and expert panel findings are finalized and submitted to the FDA.
Why Almond Hulls?
Almond hulls make up a significant share of the almond fruit by weight, yet historically they’ve delivered modest returns to growers. Most hulls end up in livestock rations, where they’re valued for fiber and energy, but prices can be volatile and demand is tied closely to dairy and feed markets.
GRAS status changes the playing field by allowing almond hulls, when processed into Almond Hull Powder, to be used in human food products. According to the expert panel review, AHP can be used in a wide range of foods, including baked goods, cereals, beverages, bars and nutritional products. That doesn’t mean hulls suddenly replace almonds on the grocery shelf. But it does mean there is a pathway where hulls can move beyond feed and into higher-value food ingredient markets.
What This Could Mean for the Hull Market
GRAS status doesn’t instantly create new demand, but it removes a major barrier. The expert review means food companies can now seriously explore AHP as an ingredient without having to clear safety hurdles themselves. That opens the door to:
- New markets beyond traditional feed channels
- Higher-value applications tied to human nutrition and functional foods
- More diversified demand, reducing reliance on any single end use
The announcement also points to the next steps already underway, including finalizing processing parameters and external engagement with food manufacturers and partners.
For growers, this matters because diversified demand is often the first step toward improved and more stable byproduct economics.
The Bottom Line for Growers
Almond Hull Powder earning GRAS status doesn’t change the hull market overnight. But it does something just as important; it expands what’s possible.
By clearing the scientific and regulatory considerations for human food use, almond hulls move from being only a feed ingredient to becoming a potential food ingredient as well. Over time, that shift could translate into new demand streams, new partnerships, and a stronger value proposition for growers.
For an industry always looking to make the most of every pound —Story contributed by the Almond Board of California
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Blue Diamond Releases May Market Update
April shipments from Blue Diamond Growers totaled 219.8 million pounds, within industry expectations at an 8.8% decline year over year on the heels of the last two strong shipment reports. April exports reached 167.3 million pounds, down 10.9% from prior year but continue to surpass last year’s pace by 1.3% at 1.55 billion pounds. Domestic shipments for April were mostly flat at 1.3% behind prior year. Domestic year-to-date shipments remain behind at 444 million pounds, down 14.4%. Total industry shipments through April stand at 1.99 billion pounds, down 2.7% versus last year.
Shipments
India: For the month of April, India imported 31.6 million pounds, a reduction from last year’s 45.9 million pounds. Compared to last year, the gap has widened to 8%. The market has taken a step back as warmer temperatures have reduced local consumption. India remains a strong player for global inshell consumption and will need to re-engage to secure inventories ahead of new crop supply.
China/Hong Kong/Vietnam: April 2026 shipments to China/Hong Kong totaled 3.7 million pounds, marking a 110% increase compared to prior year. Shipments to Vietnam reached 4.8 million pounds, down 34% for the month and up 46% year to date. Combined shipments to these regions increased 2.65% year to date.
Europe: Europe took a slight step back this month, with its growth rate declining year over year from 7% to 4%. The market continues to be a solid performer and reliable outlet for California almonds. Buyer mentality has not changed all year. Calculated and cautious buying activity should be expected to continue through the end of the crop year, with many beginning to shop for new crop coverage. Spain (+17%), Italy (+9%) and Germany (+4%) continue to lead the region’s growth.
Middle East: The region continues to be hampered by the conflict with Iran. Buyers in the Persian Gulf region continue to take a wait-and-see approach with little appetite for risk. Demand is still present across the region, but logistical challenges and increased transportation costs make it difficult to take positions. Trade flows continue to evolve with new destinations now serving as trade hubs with Dubai unable to participate. Turkey continues to show strength, up 35%, while Pakistan, now up 202%, has emerged as a new throughput option to service the region’s demand. Trade will always find a way if buyers want to engage, but until a resolution is reached, the industry will continue to define a new normal over the coming weeks and months.
Domestic: The domestic market shipped 52.6 million pounds, resulting in a decrease of 1.3%. April was the second largest shipment month of this crop year, bringing the market year-over-year decrease to 14.4%. Softer monthly sales have led to forward commitments declining by 5.2%. After a long period of steep declines, it appears the domestic market is maintaining its new monthly shipping average just shy of 50 million pounds. With forward commitments of 199 million pounds, this market is well positioned to match prior year’s final quarter shipments of approximately 152 million pounds.
Commitments
Total commitments currently stand at 517 million pounds, trailing last year by 1.6%. New sales for the month were subdued in anticipation of the Subjective Estimate and totaled 160.7 million pounds, down from 192.5 million last year. The domestic market secured 39.9 million pounds, while exports added 120.8 million pounds of new coverage. Total commitments for the domestic market are now at 199.6 million pounds while exports have reached 317 million pounds. With softer sales for the month, uncommitted inventory is currently up 4.2% at 605.8 million pounds versus 581.5 million pounds prior year.
Crop
The 2025 crop receipts are trickling in with just 4 million pounds added in April, bringing the receipts to approximately 2.69 billion pounds.
Blue Diamond’s May 9, 2026 Crop Estimate Report projects a California almond crop ranging between 2.675 and 2.72, with a center point of 2.69 billion pounds. The overall estimate reflects a balanced but cautious outlook acknowledging weather impacts, orchard abandonments and summer conditions which determine whether the crop reaches projected potential. The Blue Diamond crop estimate is closely aligned with similar estimates by the USDA Subjective Estimate (2.7 billion pounds) and others in the industry. We will continue to share crop updates in our June Market Report and our July Crop Forecast Report to provide a more precise forecast as we progress through harvest.
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Planting a Cover Crop in Your Hazelnut Orchard
Cover crops are becoming an increasingly popular way to trap nitrogen and promote soil health in hazelnut orchards. However, there are certain steps and conditions to consider before sowing. Laura Hallett and Marissa Lane-Massee from the University of Oregon spoke with Matthew Malcolm from Pacific Nut Producer about how to start a cover crop and what to look out for. 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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USDA Releases 2026 Almond Harvest Forecast
The 2026 California Almond Forecast, published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), estimates that the crop harvested in 2026 will come in at 2.7 billion pounds, down 1% from the previous year. Forecasted yield is 1,940 pounds per acre, unchanged from the previous season.
“According to the polled growers, the industry is expecting a modestly smaller crop in 2026 compared to last year. This is an early estimate, and we will see how the crop progresses over the coming months,” said Almond Board of California (ABC) President and CEO, Clarice Turner. “While this may signal tighter supply, California remains the world’s leading almond supplier, and ABC is focused on expanding global demand. Despite higher costs, regulatory pressures, and supply chain challenges, California almond farmers continue to deliver a reliable, high-quality crop.”
As of December 2025, the ABC Board of Directors voted to cease funding for the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service Objective Measurement Report, making a change in California almond crop estimates going forward.
This Subjective Forecast will be the only report from NASS for the coming crop year. The estimate is based on opinions from a survey of around 500 growers conducted from April 21 to May 6. The sample of growers was selected at random and were grouped by size of operation to ensure all growers were proportionally represented. Respondents had the option to report their data by mail, phone or online.
This Subjective Forecast comes two weeks after Land IQ’s 2026 Standing Acreage Initial Estimate found that bearing almond acreage in California decreased by 15,227 acres from the previous year to 1,385,870 million bearing acres.
NASS conducts the annual Subjective Forecast to provide the California almond industry with the data needed to make informed business decisions.
— Story Contributed by the Almond Board of California
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High Heat Could Lead to Early Almond Harvest
High early heat could result in a smaller nut set for almonds, though some larger hulls are being found. Meanwhile, orchards enjoyed a good bloom and growers may expect to harvest as early as July. Bountiful.ag Founder and CEO Megan Nunes spoke with Matthew Malcolm from California Ag Network about these findings in their first almond crop forecast of the 2026 season. Watch this video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
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Artefact, ABC Partner to Turn Shells into Bio-Based Materials
Materials and manufacturing company Artefact and the Almond Board of California announced the launch of California almond shell composite materials for use in consumer and home products, as well as building and vehicle interiors. This partnership aims to support the reshoring of clean manufacturing with U.S. sourced regenerative materials. Demand has been fueled by new design possibilities for product brands and new choices for consumers with unique new products.
With California producing nearly 80% of the world’s almonds, the state’s almond industry represents one of the nation’s most reliable agricultural supply chains. Artefact’s technology transforms the shells leftover after almond processing into engineered materials. Historically, almond shells have been used for livestock bedding. This new technology offers the almond industry a path to higher value uses while providing manufacturers and consumer brands access alternatives to petroleum‑based plastics.
“California is a global leader in both agriculture and product innovation. Finding meaningful, environmentally friendly uses for our almond co-products is part of ensuring that nothing in the orchard goes to waste,” said Natalie Henderson, Director of Global Communications at the Almond Board of California. “This work builds on a historic portfolio of almond board research focused on creating value for our industry and the surrounding communities.”
Establishing the First Pilot Production Facility
Artefact is also working with growers and processors to locate a pilot production facility in California’s Central Valley. This facility is intended to reduce logistics costs, minimize environmental impact, and embed manufacturing directly within the rural agricultural region.
Artefact Cofounder and CEO, Ethan Escowitz, comments, “We envision a future where sustainability is not a product compromise, but a catalyst for creativity in product design. A future in which regenerative materials become the new standard that reestablishes manufacturing on U.S. soil with materials grown on U.S. soil. California is the global leader in almonds, both in production volume and processing technology, making California almond shells the ideal material to enable a major shift in this direction.” — Story Contributed by Almond Board of California
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Blue Diamond Growers Issues Almond Crop Estimate
Blue Diamond Growers released its 2026 almond crop estimate recently at 2.69 billion pounds, falling between a total estimated range of 2.675 to 2.72 billion pounds. This estimate reflects early-season observations and data across California’s Central Valley, along with direct input from its nearly 3,000 grower-members. The report outlines the factors that inform the crop range and will guide the outlook as the season progresses.
With the changes made to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s almond crop estimates, Blue Diamond is providing a scenario-based range intended to help stakeholders plan for the season ahead. The cooperative’s estimate is based on field-level observations, historical performance data and structured feedback gathered across varieties and counties.
“Crop estimating is never a single-number exercise—conditions can vary dramatically by region, variety, and orchard management,” said Blue Diamond’d Chief Ag Officer Mel Machado. “By sharing a range and the inputs behind it, we aim to provide a practical, early framework that reflects what our team is seeing in the field and hearing directly from growers.”
“Our cooperative was built to bring stability and market access for California almond farming families,” said Jeff Hatfield, chief global supply officer of Blue Diamond Growers. “Providing a clear, data-informed outlook supports better planning and helps reduce surprises that can create unnecessary volatility for growers and customers alike.”
Blue Diamond noted that in-season conditions including heat events, pest pressure, water availability, and orchard investment decisions, can materially influence final receipts. The cooperative expects to continue sharing crop and market updates and will refine its outlook as additional information becomes available throughout the season. — Story provided by Blue Diamond Growers