Applications are available for the 2026-27 Nut Growers Society Scholarship open as of Sept. 14. The scholarship supports college students involved in ag who have an interest in the nut growing industry and its future. Applicants must be current college students with at least one year remaining toward an associate or undergraduate degree. Preference will be given to Oregon residents and students pursuing ag-related fields of study. Applications are due Nov. 24. Recipients will be selected and notified Dec. 15, with funds disbursed to the college financial aid office Jan. 1. Click here to learn more.
Category: Non-Video
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Almond Market Looks Strong Going Into 2027
The almond industry is entering the new crop year from a solid position according to a recent market update from Blue Diamond Growers. This is thanks in no small part to exports to India.
The 470.7-million-pound carry-in (of which only 447.1 million pounds is estimated as edible) is down from prior year and confirms the tightness in supply from one crop to the next. Downward pressure on crop potential and overall supply and demand fundamentals continue to support a stable-to-firm market outlook. Export demand remains healthy with the coming weeks expected to provide clarity on crop size, kernel sizing, and the degree to which rapidly appreciated pricing can be absorbed by end markets.
The 2026 crop year started on a positive note, meeting strong industry expectations. August shipments totaled 190 million pounds. Exports reached 143.2 million pounds, an increase of 31%, while the domestic market shipped 46.8 million pounds at a modest -3.3% decrease versus last year. With six of the last seven last months’ total shipments outpacing previous year, the industry continues to experience strength in global demand.
India was the clear standout in August, receiving 44.3 million pounds, up approximately 170% from 16.4 million pounds last year. The increase reflects stronger replenishment ahead of the festival season and a normalization from the unusually low August 2025 shipment level. The magnitude of the increase is notable given elevated pricing and confirms India’s continued importance as the primary outlet for California inshell almonds. Local consumption will become increasingly important ahead of festival season as buyers will begin to replenish stocks that dwindled at the end of the 2025 crop year.
August domestic shipments totaled 46.8 million pounds, down 3.3% year over year. While this may not have been the start to the year the industry had hoped for, the improvement in shipment performance over the last six months provides optimism that the market has stabilized. As prices rose over the last month, purchasing activity slowed and shifted to closer, strategic locations. This cautious approach is expected to continue. Looking ahead, domestic demand is expected to remain steady, with a pipeline of commitments providing support for shipments in the next few months.
The 2026 crop is progressing rapidly with current receipts for August coming in at 401.9 million pounds. The pacing of receipts is 55% above August 2025 due to harvest beginning approximately 2 weeks earlier than prior year. The increase in receipts over last year is not a reflection of projected crop receipts for 2026.
Nonpareil and Independence varieties are largely harvested with pollinizer varieties following closely behind. In some of the most advanced areas, growers have completed orchard harvest activities and are focusing on post-harvest practices and minimizing water stress to support next season’s crop.Current Nonpareil reject levels are the lowest in several years, though ticking up slightly, driven by a third flight of navel orangeworm. Independence rejects are trending higher than last year, mainly due to brown spot from leaf-footed plant bugs.
Yields are variable in Nonpareil and Independence depending on the region. Speculation on smaller kernel sizes coming into harvest are beginning to be realized. Yields in Nonpareil and Independence receipts are signaling a lower 2026 crop than 2025, as forecasted. There is continued downward pressure on crop potential, which will be informed by pollinizer varieties that hullers are beginning to process. Next month’s report may reflect further shifts to the forecast as pollinizer volume comes in and is accounted for. — Story contributed by Blue Diamond Growers
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The Essential Role Post Harvest Nutrition Plays in Future Yield and Quality
—Sponsored Content—
The almond and pistachio seasons have delivered a tale of contrasts. Market improvement and a near-record crop were positives for almond growers, while poor pollination, blanking and sharply lower production challenged the pistachio season.
The endurance required to finish the season should be matched by foresight in taking the right steps after harvest. The work that pays off next fall starts now. Your trees have expended tremendous energy, and an effective post-harvest nutrition program is an important part of their recovery and preparation for the season ahead.
At Redox Bio-Nutrients, our focus is helping growers get more from their nutritional programs. RAM Technology is the cornerstone of our product line and functions as a plant performance support system rather than a single product or quick fix. By supporting the natural processes plants use to manage energy, maintain balance and use available nutrition, RAM Technology helps orchards recover after harvest and prepare for the season ahead.
Here are strong building blocks to a post-harvest recharge for your orchards:
TriPlex® Zinc Flowable
- Is a rich source of L-amino acid, chelated zinc that supports plant health, yield, nutrient assimilation and essential metabolic processes.
Rx Platinum™
- Provides a comprehensive nutrient package with biostimulants that support soil health, stress resilience and root growth. This post-harvest nutritional infusion helps replenish the plant and prepare it for the season ahead.
RDX-N®
- Uses patented botanical-extract technology to support nitrogen metabolism inside the plant. By supporting the natural processes that assimilate nitrogen and convert it into amino acids and other essential compounds, RDX-N helps plants make more efficient use of available nitrogen – supporting yield potential, crop quality and overall plant performance.
BanX®
- Supports carbohydrate storage and utilization for continued plant performance. With zinc and boron, it supports cell structure, sugar metabolism, stress response and long-term orchard productivity.
These products are easy to store, blend friendly and effective at very low rates – built to fit into the operation you already run, not complicate it.
You put in the long hours, early mornings, late nights and weekend labor that got this year’s crop across the finish line. Give your orchards the recovery they’ve earned and give next season the head start it deserves. Reach out to me or your Redox agronomist today about building a post-harvest plan that positions you for success in 2027 and for years to come.
Jeremy Hamlin is an agronomist in the Southern San Joaquin Valley for Redox Bio-Nutrients. He can be reached at jeremy.hamlin@redoxgrows.com or (559)737-2334. -
Almond Award Nominations Open
The Almond Board of California honors two industry or allied industry members annually. The nomination deadline for the 2026 awards is October 9, 2026. The winner of the Almond Achievement Award and the Almond Technical Achievement Award will be announced at the Wednesday, Dec. 9 luncheon at The Almond Conference.
Almond Achievement Award
Beginning in 2011, the goal of the Almond Achievement Award is to recognize an industry member who has added value through long-term service for the betterment of the California almond industry. Award recipients are individuals with long-standing and direct involvement, who demonstrate lasting impact on, and commitment to, the California almond industry.
Ross Blackburn received the 2025 Almond Achievement Award at The Almond Conference in December.
Nominate someone for the Almond Achievement Award here.
Almond Technical Achievement Award
Beginning in 2021, the goal of the Almond Technical Achievement Award is to recognize an industry or allied industry member who has contributed a significant technical advancement for the betterment of the California almond industry through research, innovation or facilitated adoption of practices. Award recipients have contributed significant research, facilitated an innovative practice, or assisted in the adoption of a practice for the betterment of the industry.
Christine Gemperle was awarded the 2025 Almond Technical Achievement Award at The Almond Conference in December.
Nominate someone for the Almond Technical Achievement Award here.
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Mike Forbes Named CEO of American Pistachio Growers
American Pistachio Growers (APG) announced the appointment of Mike Forbes as its new President and CEO, assuming the role on Sept. 1. Forbes brings more than two decades of leadership experience across the food, consumer products and wellness industries. Throughout his career, he has helped build purpose-driven brands, accelerate growth and lead organizations through periods of transformation while maintaining a strong focus on consumers, innovation and sustainability.
“We are excited to welcome Mike Forbes as the next President and CEO of American Pistachio Growers,” said APG Board Chairman Justin Wylie. “Mike brings exceptional leadership experience, strong strategic judgment, and a genuine appreciation for the growers and industry he will represent. The Board believes he is the right person to build on APG’s strong foundation, expand opportunities for American pistachios, and lead the organization into its next chapter of growth.”
A Wisconsin native with agricultural roots, Forbes grew up in 4-H and comes from a family of farmers. After beginning his career with McKinsey & Company, he held leadership roles at Jim Beam, Procter & Gamble and General Mills before a personal health journey inspired him to focus his career on food and wellness.
That passion led him to California Olive Ranch, where he spent nearly a decade helping grow the business from less than $10 million to more than $100 million in annual revenue while advancing to Executive Vice President of the Consumer Business.
Forbes went on to serve as CEO of Alter Eco, leading the organic chocolate company through a successful turnaround centered on regenerative agriculture. He later held executive leadership roles with Safely, MaryRuth Organics, and The Vitamin Shoppe, where he helped drive growth, expand retail partnerships, and strengthen consumer and digital businesses.
“I am so excited to join APG and its family of growers and processors, and it’s an honor to work alongside such a world-class group of people who are deeply committed to this industry,” said Forbes. “Pistachios are an incredible crop, and nobody grows them better than American farmers. They’re one of nature’s perfect snacks, delivering outstanding flavor along with tremendous health benefits. APG has a long record of success, and I can’t wait to get started, meet our members, and help build on that momentum as we continue growing demand for American pistachios around the world.”
Forbes holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with Honors from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and an MBA from Harvard Business School. As President and CEO, Forbes will lead APG’s efforts to advance the interests of American pistachio growers and processors, strengthen domestic and international demand, and continue promoting the nutritional, economic and environmental benefits of American-grown pistachios. — Story contributed by American Pistachio Growers
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USDA to Purchase $30M in California Walnuts
The California Walnut Commission (CWC) voiced its support for the USDA’s intent to purchase $30 million of California walnuts through Section 32 authority.
The announcement, made Aug. 24 by USDA, is part of Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935, which authorizes USDA to purchase agricultural commodities for domestic nutritional assistance programs such as the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, and for food banks and soup kitchens.
Combined with USDA’s $15 million walnut purchase announced earlier this year, the latest announcement brings total USDA Section 32 purchases of California walnuts in 2026 to $45 million.
“We appreciate USDA and Sec. Brooke Rollins for their continued support of American agriculture and the California walnut industry,” said Robert Verloop, CEO of the California Walnut Commission. “This purchase provides a meaningful market opportunity for California walnuts, while helping ensure nutritious, American-grown food reaches people across the country.”
The announcement comes as the California walnut industry enters a new harvest season following the second-largest crop in its history.
“As our industry prepares to harvest the 2026 crop, reducing carry-in from the 2025 crop is an important step toward strengthening overall market conditions,” Verloop said. “This purchase provides an encouraging boost for the industry and supports a healthier market environment as growers and handlers begin the new selling season.”
With this support from USDA, the CWC remains committed to advancing the industry’s long-term sustainability and providing nutritious food to American families in need.
“This announcement reflects USDA’s commitment to our growers to assist them in dealing with the challenges associated with the record 2025 crop, global market disruptions and ongoing trade uncertainties that have suppressed export volumes and grower returns,” said Davin Norene, a third-generation walnut grower from Rio Oso, Calif. and CWC chairman of the Board. — Story contributed by the California Walnut Commission
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USDA Announces $2M to Nut Producers Overcome Trade Barriers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) announced a $2 million project to support the development of cost-effective tools that help tree nut handlers control pests and maintain product quality while crops are in storage after harvest.
Funded under the Assisting Specialty Crop Exports (ASCE) Initiative, this opportunity is part of a broader ASCE suite of investments for specialty crop producers, which include fruits, vegetables, pulses, potatoes and tree nuts. ASCE projects expand market access, advance science-based trade standards and help to keep specialty crop producers globally competitive as they face increasing barriers to trade overseas.
Awards will be made in Fiscal Year 2027, pending the approval of a Fiscal Year 2027 spend plan.
More information is available in the Notice of Funding Opportunity: “Assisting Specialty Crop Exports Initiative: Low Oxygen Storage and Packaging Systems for U.S. Tree Nuts with Phytosanitary Traceability” at Grants.gov: https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/363690.
The deadline for applications is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) Oct. 26, 2026.
More information on the ASCE Initiative is available at: https://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/assisting-specialty-crop-exports-asce-initiative. — Story contributed by the USDA Foreign Ag Service
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USDA Accepting Applications for a Trade Mission to Singapore
The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) announced it is now accepting applications for its upcoming trade mission to Singapore, scheduled for Dec. 7 to 9.
FAS Agribusiness Trade Missions directly connect American agribusinesses with overseas buyers, expanding market access and boosting exports for U.S. producers. Current and potential U.S. exporters interested in exploring trade opportunities in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand must submit their application via the official online form by 11:59 p.m. EST, Sept. 8, 2026.
“Expanding our footprint in Southeast Asia is critical as we work to diversify export opportunities and build new, resilient paths for getting safe, high-quality American agricultural products into more markets,” said Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg. “Getting producers face-to-face with buyers cultivates long-term trade relationships in vibrant, rapidly developing markets—ensuring our producers have multiple avenues to meet global demand instead of relying on a single buyer.”
In 2025, U.S. agricultural product exports to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand reached more than $3 billion in total. This regional total includes $1.3 billion to Thailand and $1 billion to Malaysia. In Singapore, U.S. exports reached $769 million, with consumer-oriented products— such as tree nuts, dairy products, wine and processed foods—making up 65% of that value.
In addition to brokering business-to-business meetings, FAS staff and regional experts will hold in-depth market briefings and host site visits and networking events to strengthen trade relationships throughout the mission.
USDA anticipates significant growth opportunities in the region for several product categories, including:
- Tree nuts
- Food preparations, such as baking ingredients
- Seafood
- Beef
- Wine and distilled spirits
- Processed fruits and vegetables
- Dairy, eggs and egg products
- Pet food
- Pulses, such as dry yellow and green split peas
In 2025, USDA trade missions connected more than 250 U.S. companies with buyers in Hong Kong, Thailand, Peru, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Taiwan and Mexico, generating projected 12‑month sales of $125 million.
Singapore will be USDA’s final Agribusiness Trade Mission for 2026—a year in which USDA sent delegations to Malaysia, Indonesia, Guatemala, El Salvador, the Philippines, Vietnam, Argentina, and Ecuador. USDA will announce 2027 missions soon.
For information on these and other trade missions, visit https://www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions.
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Free Business Skills Training Offered to Growers, Ranchers and Food Vendors
UC Ag and Natural Resources and F3 are offering free skills training courses to help California growers navigate the hurdles of planning, marketing, social media, capital access and buyer engagement.
Small- to mid-size growers, ranchers, fishers, food producers and food business owners are invited to join the Business Launchpad, a free, cohort-based business development program designed to help them build stronger, more resilient businesses.
Growing and preparing exceptional food is only part of what it takes to build a successful food business. Today’s producers are expected to be marketers, financial managers, regulatory experts and sales professionals – all while continuing to farm, ranch, fish or manufacture food products. While they excel at their craft, many people would benefit from developing the business skills needed to grow and sustain their operations.
“We are recruiting up to 40 participants across the state to be part of a nine-week virtual cohort designed to improve the financial stability and operational resilience of small- to mid-sized agricultural enterprises in California,” said Tracy Celio, regional director of F3 Local Farm and Food Innovation and UC ANR’s Southwest Regional Food Business Center.
Business Launchpad participants will receive practical instruction from experts on key business topics, including recordkeeping, business planning, access to capital, marketing, branding and food safety. In addition to weekly online sessions, participants will receive individualized technical assistance and have opportunities to connect with peers and buyers in person.
The fall 2026 cohort will run from October through December 2026. Participants will attend one online session each week, with each session lasting approximately 2.5 hours. Weekly educational sessions and coaching are delivered virtually, while regional networking and resource fair events will be held in person in Northern California, Central California and Southern California.
The course will cover:
- Business planning
- Financial literacy
- Regulatory compliance
- Marketing and branding
Participation will be hybrid with:
- Virtual courses
- 1:1 coaching
- Regional networking events for professional growth
Applications will be accepted until Sept. 1, and applicants will be notified of acceptance by Sept. 10, 2026.
Learn more and complete the application for Business Launchpad: Growing Resilient Roots For Food, Farm and Ranch Businesses at https://bit.ly/Foodbizlaunch.
