Category: Non-Video

  • American Pistachio Growers Awarded $1 Million for Regional Pest Management Collaboration

    American Pistachio Growers (APG), in collaboration with Washington State University, University of California – Riverside, UC Cooperative Extension, the USDA Agricultural Research Service and regional nut industry partners, has been awarded a $1 million grant through the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Biologically Integrated Farming Systems (BIFS) Program to develop a Regional Integrated Pest Management (IPM) network for Navel Orangeworm (NOW) — the most damaging pest in California’s tree nut industry.

    The project, led by Dr. Houston Wilson (UC Riverside), Dr. David Crowder (WSU), Dr. Jhalendra Rijal (UC IPM), and Dr. Charles Burks (USDA ARS) will pilot a groundbreaking Decision Aid System (DAS) that integrates real-time trap data, weather models, and crop phenology into a single communication platform. The goal is to improve the timing and precision of pest control decisions while fostering regional cooperation among almond, pistachio, and walnut growers.

    “This project moves us beyond the farm gate,” said Joe Coelho, APG’s Director of Sustainability and Member Outreach, who serves as Technical Agronomist and PCA on the project. “For the first time, growers across commodities will have access to shared regional data and communication tools that allow them to anticipate pest pressure before it hits their fields and ultimately make precise, timely treatment decisions. The outcome is fewer sprays, lower costs, and higher quality nuts.”

    Through field-level data acquisition, the system’s meta-analytics will identify regional flight trends coupled with crop-specific phenological development and enhance forecasting of NOW flights — critical steps in breaking the pest’s lifecycle across neighboring farms. Ultimately, the program is expected to help reduce pesticide use, improve nut quality, and lower aflatoxin risk associated with pest damage.

    APG will serve as the grower administration partner, coordinating grower participation and outreach. Carlee Branco, APG Grant Programs Administrator, will conduct on-farm grower coordination, engagement and data collection. “This is a major milestone for sustainable pest management,” said Coelho, “and it demonstrates APG’s leadership in advancing research that directly benefits growers.”

    The Regional IPM for Navel Orangeworm Project represents a pivotal step toward the state’s Sustainable Pest Management (SPM) Roadmap by providing a scalable, data-driven framework that can be expanded statewide.

    “This is exactly the kind of innovation California agriculture needs,” said Dr. Wilson. “Regional coordination is essential to long-term pest reduction, especially for highly mobile insects like the navel orangeworm, and this project will now put those ideas into practice at scale.”

    The program launches in early 2026, with pilot regions in West Fresno County and Modesto, serving as the foundation for a future statewide expansion. Growers within these territories who are interested should contact Carlee Branco for more information at cbranco@americanpistachios.org.

    American Pistachio Growers (APG) is a non-profit trade association representing more than 800 growers and processors across California, Arizona, and New Mexico. APG’s mission is to enhance grower profitability through global marketing, industry research, and sustainability initiatives that promote economically viable and environmentally responsible pistachio production.

  • Commercializing Almond Hulls as Food Ingredients

    Almond Board of California — Historically used for dairy cattle feed, almond hulls have had a consistent place in the animal nutrition space. However, a declining dairy herd, in combination with hulls being traded below their production cost, has propelled the industry and the Almond Board of California (ABC) to think about alternative revenue-generating opportunities.

    Helping lead this charge is ABC’s Biomass Working Group, formed in 2017 to explore new applications for almond co-products.

    “This biomass working group is where business meets science,” said Michael Kelley, chairman of the committee and president of Central California Almond Growers Association (CCAGA). “We have become exceedingly appreciative of the ideas and the potential for the commercialization of products using almond hulls.”

    Nutrition Potential

    One area almond hulls have shown strong potential for is human food products. Because of their high fiber content, natural sugars, phytochemicals, minerals, and processing versatility, they offer multiple benefits in the value-added ingredients food space.

    Being that they make up 50% of the almond fruit, they are also abundant in California, creating a reliable and readily available supply for large-scale product development.

    While some may question their safety for human consumption, there are positive indicators that prove almond hulls can meet food-grade quality standards. ABC Associate Director of Food Research and Technology, Guangwei Huang, noted that almond hulls have long been used safely in livestock feed, with no negative effects on animal health or performance. Studies have also shown that pesticide residue and toxicity exposure are not a concern.

    To explore these possibilities further, ABC partnered with Mattson, a product innovation firm, to develop samples of what could be done with hulls.

    These included a high-fiber bar made with 15% almond hulls, delivering five grams of fiber per serving, and a coffee beverage crafted from coarse-ground, roasted hulls. When added to coffee, almond hull powder helped reduce bitterness and enhanced sweetness. In baked goods like bread, it boosted both fiber and phytochemical content.

    Opportunity in “Upcycled” Markets

    Another advantage almond hulls offer is that by adding just 10% or more of almond hull powder to a product, it can qualify for a new third-party “upcycled” certification. While “upcycling” is a relatively new term, it’s become increasingly important to consumers concerned about food waste, noted Daniel Kurzrock, founder and CEO of Upcycled Foods.

    After working with upcycled ingredients across various commodities, Kurzrock said he’s seen firsthand the wide-ranging benefits. These include improved sustainability and circularity, the creation of new revenue streams, reduced disposal costs and stronger alignment with shifting consumer values.

    “The almond industry is not alone in seeing this potential,” he said. “There’s profit potential for every aspect of the stakeholder chain if we’re able to create uses that are solving problems for companies that buy ingredients.”

    Because the end-market for almond hulls is still being widely explored, he also suggested that at this stage in development, it’s important to initiate customer conversations before deciding what to invest in.

    “An approach that we find to be working with other materials is doing a pilot to produce some quantity of viable hulls that can go to a miller or a secondary processor to start those customer conversations,” he said.

    Steps for Commercialization

    While it’s not realistic to expect the hulls to be process-ready when leaving the huller/sheller, Huang said efforts to clean and improve their quality can still make a significant impact.

    “When the time comes, the industry needs to set minimal specifications or quality requirements for almond hulls for food uses,” Huang said. “We are trying to minimize foreign material, and most importantly, we need the involvement and attention of stakeholders. We’re not expecting the huller/seller to get hulls to the ready-to-process stage, but they can minimize those foreign materials down to less than 5%.”

    The industry must also complete a GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) assessment for human consumption, a requirement mandated by the Food and Drug Administration since hulls haven’t previously been used as a food ingredient. This assessment  is expected to be completed by late 2025, Huang said.

    Innovations in Processing

    Several companies in the almond industry are already investing in hull-cleaning systems to ensure they are ready for when almond hulls receive food-safe approval. One of those pioneer companies is Cortez Growers Association.

    Recognizing almond hulls as a potential revenue stream, Cortez implemented a cleaning system to remove unwanted materials – sticks, shells, and almond meats – that typically end up in the hull pile. By separating these components, they could sell the almond meats as hash, a “refreshing benefit” to add value to what was once considered waste, said general manager, Dave Thiel.

    Other processors are also refining their methods. Corbin Sturdivan of Wilkey Industries explained that current hull cleaning systems include an aspirator to remove the shell from the hull and a detwigger deck to remove sticks from the hulls.

    “While this has worked for many years to reduce the fiber content for dairy feed, there is more refinement that we can do with this system by introducing additional screening and additional aspiration,” Sturdivan said.

    Through their trials with ABC, Sturdivan and his team discovered that by adding a screen to sift through the hulls, they could be better classified and ranked.

    “We would de-twig the product; it would be screened, and the screen would sift out all of the fines from the hulls,” he said. “What is left over is what we would call scalped hulls, and this is your larger, good material created from the early stages of hulling.”

    From their observation, Wilkey Industries also found that 1 to 1.3% of total hull weight can actually be recoverable kernel.

    “That translates to roughly 3% of your kernel production that is actually sitting in the hull pile,” he said. “So, by integrating a screen and some additional aspiration, not only can we clean the hulls, but we can also reclaim those kernels and hash that have much higher value to be sold instead of letting them go to dairy feed uses.”

    Additional Sorting Techniques

    As cleaning technologies continue to advance, innovations in color sorting are emerging as a key tool for preparing almond hulls for food-grade applications. The team at Chandler Automation has spent time working on this, and the initial models have been successful at “creating pure hull piles in one pass,” said CEO, Sean Chandler.

    More research is needed to determine where this best fits in the manufacturing process – be it at the huller, processor, or a separate site and how it will be financially feasible.

    “We have to do more research on our side to see the best way to mechanically clean hulls, mechanically feed it, and mechanically pass it through our systems because the technology is there to create that pure, premium hull,” he said.

    Looking Ahead

    As ABC continues to refine its strategy for marketing almond hulls as a food ingredient, the industry is taking proactive measures to position itself for success, and that starts with collaboration among all players involved.

    “We are about to begin a new journey to generate more revenue from almond hulls,” Huang concluded. “It will take a while and more effort to develop the market and demand, but if you are interested in creating more value out of almond hulls, many of us can work together to shorten the process.”

  • Oakville Bluegrass Cooperative Opens Enrollment for Reimbursable Cover Crop Seed

    Oakville Bluegrass Cooperative is pleased to announce open enrollment for the USDA’s newly expanded Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) program—building on last year’s successful Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities initiative. This year, the program is expanding direct funding to producers, and the new incentive will reimburse producers for the purchase of up to ten acres worth of seed for any perennial conservation cover.

    One choice for the incentive, Oakville bluegrass, is dormant from April through September and doesn’t compete with cash crops for water or nutrients making it ideal for California permanent crops. This low growing, drought tolerant cover crop will last over ten years when well managed, significantly reducing labor and input costs for growers.

    As part of the USDA’s AMP initiative, producers can now access:

    • Full seed cost coverage for up to 10 acres of Oakville bluegrass
    • An additional $100/acre incentive for up to 100 acres.
    • Support in the form of a grower’s guide, educational field days, and guidance on carbon removal credits.

    “We’re thrilled to put more money in producers’ hands under the Advancing Markets for Producers program, ” said Jeff Thiel, Director at Oakville Bluegrass Cooeprative. Perennial cover like Oakville bluegrass can reduce operating costs over time while also building soil health and conserving water. We’re especially excited to help producers tap into the growing carbon credit market while establishing a proven, cost-effective cover crop.”

    Interested growers can attend an online informational session on October 21 at 11 am by registering at https://bit.ly/ampobc25 or visit https://www.obc.ag/advancing-markets-for-producersfor more information.

    The Oakville Bluegrass Cooperative collaboratively creates solutions to the most pressing challenges facing growers. Members work together to uncover best practices in sustainable agriculture tailored to the needs of specialty crop growers. Learnings are shared so all members can benefit from adopting practices that will ensure the long-term sustainability of profits from their farms.

  • Tank-Mix Compatibility, Flexibility with New Active for Tree Nuts

    Stop Tough Broadleaves from Cluttering Orchard Floors with Rinskor® active

    Sponsored Content

    California tree crop producers can now choose Hulk® CA herbicide, featuring a new active ingredient for the tree crop market, to strengthen their herbicide resistance management efforts. Producers also get reliable control of challenging broadleaf weeds to maintain cleaner orchard floors.

    With systemic activity that translocates to key weed-growing points for thorough knockdown, Hulk CA herbicide prevents regrowth of treated weeds and can be integrated into most weed management programs. It is also tank-mix compatible with other herbicides and complements a preemergence or burndown program in the fall or spring.

    “We aren’t the only ones excited about Hulk CA herbicide. The tree nut producers we spoke to clearly understand the importance of adding a new active ingredient to their weed control arsenal,” said Daniel Abruzzini, coastal district market development specialist with Corteva Agriscience. “Hulk CA herbicide brings excellent efficacy for reliable control of tough Conyza broadleaf weeds such as hairy fleabane and horseweed.”

    Hulk® CA herbicide with Rinskor® active can be applied when the crop is dormant or nondormant, extending the window of application flexibility. This allows Hulk CA herbicide to be added to weed control programs and used year-round.

    “Hulk CA herbicide features an active ingredient different from glyphosate, glufosinate and PPO inhibitors, which are frequently used in tree crop production,” Abruzzini said. “It also has a favorable environmental profile. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has classified Rinskor active as a reduced-risk herbicide.”

    Cleaner orchard floors allow growers to more easily operate irrigation and fertilizer equipment and maximize harvest efficiency. Put Hulk CA herbicide with Rinskor active in your tree nut program, control troublesome broadleaf weeds and share in the success other California orchard managers are having with Hulk CA herbicide.

    For more information, visit Corteva.us/HulkCA or contact your local Corteva Agriscience representative.

    ™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. Hulk® CA is only registered for sale or use in California. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Rinskor® is a registered active ingredient. Always read and follow label directions. ©2025 Corteva.  032861  BR (10/25)  CAAG5HULK055

  • Texas pecans Near Harvest in Challenging Season

    Texas pecan growers are preparing for the 2025 harvest season with a crop outlook that reflects the state’s diversity in weather and geography, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert.

    Photo Caption: Pecan harvest is about to begin in parts of the state and will continue into winter. (Laura McKenzie/Texas A&M AgriLife)

    Monte Nesbitt, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension pecan specialist and assistant professor in the Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences, Bryan-College Station, forecast the state’s crop at 32 million pounds, a number that falls near the middle of Texas’ recent production history.

    Texas’ all-time high pecan production was 91 million pounds in 1979, while the record low – 5 million pounds – occurred in 1951.

    “This year would be considered average — maybe mediocre,” Nesbitt said. “Some regions are looking at decent yields, but weather conditions created challenges for others, and crop losses are expected.”

    Weather drives regional differences

    Harvest is about to get underway, but Nesbitt said conditions throughout the growing season created clear contrasts around Texas. He said nut quality remains in question. Cooler, wetter weather around the state helped trees recover from years of drought and triple-digit temperatures, but it also created higher pressure from pecan scab, a fungal disease that can cause fruit loss and reduce nut quality.

    In East Texas, abundant rainfall and more moderate summer temperatures helped tree health but fueled pecan scab. He said pecan yield and quality losses to the disease could be significant in the region, especially for backyard and smaller commercial producers.

    “Even with best management practices, including fungicide applications, we’ve seen crop injury that would suggest the possibility of quality losses for East Texas,” he said. “Scab is the No. 1 biological threat to pecans, and it was back in full force this year.”

    Central Texas pecan trees in some areas encountered spring frost, but the region overall saw better rainfall and a departure from prolonged drought of the previous three years. Many orchards were in an “off year” of their natural alternate bearing cycle and scab was similarly more of a problem in Central Texas than usual. July flooding in some areas also caused tree damage and crop losses.

    In West Texas, the pecan crop potential was lowered in some orchards by an early spring frost and then hail in late spring, but otherwise the growing conditions have been normal and conducive to good production.

    Market challenges persist

    Even as growers look toward the upcoming harvest, market prices remain a pressing concern for producers, Nesbitt said. Wholesale pecan prices have lingered below $2 per pound in recent years, creating financial strain for many producers.

    “There’s frustration across the industry,” Nesbitt said. “Growers don’t understand why prices are so low. It shouldn’t be from oversupply since domestic production has not been really high. It’s generally thought to be a mix of global trade factors and a reduction in the number of shellers.”

    Retail and direct-to-consumer sales remain strong, with increased consumer awareness of expanded ways to cook with pecans beyond traditional holiday baking. Promotion at state, national and local levels are helping boost that awareness, Nesbitt said, but the wholesale outlook remains uncertain.

    “There’s optimism that new markets, like India, could help,” he said. “But right now, the perception among many growers is that current wholesale prices are not sustainable.”

    Long-term perspective for Texas pecans

    Despite market and weather-related pressures, Nesbitt said Texas pecan producers are hoping better days are ahead. The state’s size and regional diversity mean productivity often shifts year by year, creating statewide consistency overall despite localized highs and lows.

    As growers and pecan industry organizations mobilize to raise the nut’s profile with consumers, researchers like Nesbitt continue to work on solutions for pecan scab and other pest and disease issues that increase costs and hamper production.

    “The good news is that scab-resistant varieties exist,” Nesbitt said. “We’re working to identify and develop trees that can hold up and produce good pecans with fewer inputs. That’s the future for growers and homeowners alike.”

  • California Walnut Commission Announces New Board Members

    The California Walnut Commission is announcing its newly elected commission board members who will serve two-year terms beginning Sept. 1, 2025, and ending Aug. 31, 2027. The commission’s board consists of eight producer members and four handler members, as well as alternates for each seat. For this upcoming term, seven new individuals will be joining the board as noted below.

    DISTRICT 1

    Producer Member: Jay Colombini, Linden

    Producer Alternate: Jack Vickery, Winters

    Producer Member: Ashley DeValentine McKenzie, Rio Oso

    Producer Alternate: Donald Norene, Rio Oso

    Producer Member: R. Davin Norene, Woodland

    Producer Alternate: Henry Gilbert, Wheatland (New)

    Producer Member: Kali Dittrich, Clements (New)

    Producer Alternate: John Heier, Live Oak (New)

    DISTRICT 2

    Producer Member: Darrell Cordova, Denair

    Producer Alternate: Gordon Heinrich, Modesto

    Producer Member: Andrew Souza, Crows Landing (New)

    Producer Alternate: Gurjant Khosa, Fowler

    Producer Member: Neil Jolliff, Modesto (New)

    Producer Alternate: Open

    Producer Member: Everett Souza Jr, Crows Landing (New)

    Producer Alternate: Open

    HANDLERS

    Handler Member: Brian Dunning, Olivehurst

    Handler Alternate: Jeffrey Sleeper, Orland

    Handler Member: Jack Mariani, Winters

    Handler Alternate: William Carriere, Glen

    Handler Member: Charles R. Crain Jr., Los Molinos

    Handler Alternate: William Crain, Los Molinos

    Handler Member: Christopher Cromwell, Stockton (New)

    Handler Alternate: Matt Langford, Stockton

    “Our new commission board members represent the next generation of leadership for California Walnuts,” said Robert Verloop,Executive Director and CEO of the California Walnut Commission. “Their expertise, vision, and dedication will be key as we work to grow global demand, support innovation and ultimately drive grower prosperity.”

    Commission board members will help advance the strategic priorities outlined in the industry’s strategic plan. These include delivering the best quality California walnuts; international trade and consumer marketing, supporting global retail and foodservice sales; fostering walnut innovation; defining sustainability as a point of differentiation; and conducting nutrition and health research and more.

    About the California Walnut Commission

    The California Walnut Commission (CWC) represents more than 3,700 California walnut growers and approximately 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 CWC, established in 1987, promotes the usage of walnuts through domestic and export market development activities as well as supports health research associated with consuming walnuts.

    To explore recipes and learn more about California walnut growers, industry information and health research, visit walnuts.org.

  • Shield Your Yield with Spectra™

    SPONSORED CONTENT

    Shield your yield with Tidal Grow® Spectra™, a bioactive fungicide, bactericide, and nematicide that’s now approved for California growers. Spectra™ fights pests and pathogens directly, enhances natural crop defenses, and fortifies against abiotic stressors. It also boosts nutrient uptake, root function, growth, and yield while working synergistically with other active ingredients.

    Growers are effectively fighting California crop threats like Almond Blossom Blight, Shot Hole, and Powdery Mildew with Spectra™. In fact, in a 2023 almond trial, Spectra™ provided a 15% reduction of Shot Hole over Grower Standard while also helping offset its cost by enabling reduced use of the Grower Standard fungicide.

    Protect your crops and shield your yield with Spectra™. Click the button below to learn more.

  • California Orchards Blossom with NRCS Help Managing Pests

    California’s Central Valley is a land of agricultural abundance, known for its incredible diversity of crops including fruits, vegetables and nuts. It produces approximately 25% of the nation’s food.

    But with plenty can come pests – in as many varieties and types as the crops grown in the region. Area farmers have worked with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to implement integrated pest management into their orchard operations with marked results.

    Sandra and Mike Smith of Smith Family Farm in Fresno, California, showed NRCS Chief Aubrey Bettencourt the benefits of the practices that they have incorporated with NRCS assistance as they toured their 36-acre almond orchard.

    Established in 1903, the farm is on the cusp of welcoming its fifth generation of farmers. By adapting their operations to increase conservation and sustainability practices, the Smiths hope to pass on a rich legacy to their young granddaughters.

    The Smiths highlighted the impact that integrated pest management practices – notably hormone disruptors – have had in their fight to combat navel orangeworms in their almond orchards.

    “We were at 17.1% loss of our almond crop two years ago because of the infestation of navel orangeworms,” Mike Smith told Chief Bettencourt. “Once we implemented the mating disrupters, we were able to bring our almond reject numbers down to 1.1%.”

    Navel orangeworms burrow into almond nuts to feed on the kernel, damaging the nut and impacting producers’ overall yield and harvest quality. Deploying pheromone-based mating disruption tools can reduce navel orangeworm populations by hindering male moths’ ability to locate females.

    The Smiths have also leaned on NRCS technical assistance to implement other conservation techniques to increase the health of their orchard. The family now prioritizes composting and increasing organic matter, guided by the knowledge gained through NRCS collaboration.

    Further north, Chinchiolo Farming Co., Inc., a family-run business located in Lodi, California, is managing orchards of a different kind while embracing similar production practices.

    Producer James Patrick Chinchiolo has worked to uphold a century-old farming legacy, started by great grandfather Italian immigrant James Joseph Chinchiolo. Chinchiolo has worked with NRCS to incorporate a number of conservation practices including cover crops, tractor replacements, orchard removal and soil incorporation.

    Like the Smiths, Chinchiolo has dealt with pest issues, incorporating a Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems (BIOS) approach in managing his orchards. The BIOS system aligns with NRCS principles, embracing the implementation of conservation practices like cover cropping, beneficial insect habitat, and compost application to keep pests at bay.

    “We aim to foster a more ecologically balanced environment within our orchards,” Chinchiolo said during his discussion with Chief Bettencourt. “We are focusing on minimizing our inputs and creating more habitat for beneficial insects to flourish to help control unwanted pests.”

    Conservation practices like cover cropping and compost application not only help pollinators flourish – a crucial part of growing beautiful cherries – they also protect the trees’ overall health, improving soil structure and water retention.

    After last summer’s heat impacted this year’s cherry crop, Chinchiolo is working to take additional measures to make his trees more heat resistant in preparation for next season.

    “Growing cherries is never predictable. But it’s always beautiful.” Chinchiolo said.

    Helping People Help the Land

    During her visit, Chief Bettencourt emphasized that the agency’s primary focus is to give producers the tools that they need to be the best producers that they can be – increasing their yield while stewarding the nation’s natural resources.

    “Producers are the solution, and we want to empower them by getting our highly skilled staff out in the field to provide technical support. We want to streamline our programs to work better and faster for producers,” she said.

    NRCS helps farmers, ranchers and forest landowners make critical investments in their operations and local communities by helping them implement proven practices to ensure all of America’s farms, ranches and private lands are economically viable and thriving.

    If you are interested learning how these programs can help you achieve your operational and land management goals, find your local USDA Service Center and get started today.

    Follow the Chief through our blog series as she meets with producers across the country to learn how NRCS has helped their operations. — By Debra Denhart, Public Affairs Specialist, USDA

  • Fresh Vintage Farms Launches Refined Almond Oil for Clean, High-Heat Cooking

    Fresh Vintage Farms, the California-based family brand known for its clean-label, cold-pressed nut oils, has just introduced its newest product: Refined Almond Oil & Garlic Almond Oil. Made exclusively from California-grown almonds, this small-batch oil is designed for home cooks and chefs who want a healthier, neutral-flavored option that performs well in the kitchen. With its ultra-light texture and high smoke point, the new refined almond oil is perfect for sautéing, roasting, and baking, all without overpowering other ingredients.

    Unlike most industrial seed oils or mass-produced refined oils, Fresh Vintage Farms’ refined almond oil is crafted through a minimal-ingredient heat and filtration process, preserving heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and naturally occurring vitamin E. The result is an oil that’s clean in both taste and label, offering a plant-based, non-GMO alternative that holds up to high temperatures while supporting a healthier cooking routine. Free from chemical solvents and artificial additives, it gives consumers a refined oil option they can feel good about.

    This launch marks another milestone for founder Tommy Tickenoff, a third-generation almond farmer from California’s Central Valley who continues to prioritize transparency, local sourcing, and sustainability. As one of the only small-batch producers of refined almond oil in the U.S., Tickenoff brings a rare level of traceability and care to every bottle. From the orchard to the kitchen, Fresh Vintage Farms is committed to delivering oils that meet both culinary and nutritional standards.

    The clarified refined almond oil joins the brand’s existing lineup, which includes their popular Pure Cold‑Pressed Almond Oil, Pure Cold‑Pressed Walnut Oil, and Garlic‑Infused Almond Oil. All products are non-GMO, chemical-free, and packaged sustainably in recyclable glass bottles with cork caps.

    Fresh Vintage Farms’ clarified almond oil is now available online at freshvintagefarms.com, with special wholesale pricing available for retailers and chefs.

    About Fresh Vintage Farms

    Fresh Vintage Farms is a family-owned brand based in California’s Central Valley, offering premium, cold-pressed Almond and Walnut Oils made from California-grown nuts, many from their own farm. Founded by Tommy and Tara Tickenoff, Fresh Vintage Farms produces oils that are not only pure and nutrient-rich but also eco-friendly, using imperfect nuts to reduce waste. Their commitment to quality and sustainability shines through in every bottle, providing a healthier, cleaner alternative to traditional oils. Focusing on family values and community, Fresh Vintage Farms aims to make healthy oils accessible to everyone without compromising taste or quality.

  • Almonds Are Key to Achieving Coach PRIME’s Renewed Health Goals

    Deion “Coach PRIME” Sanders is back for another college football season, persevering after challenges with his health. As he gears up for the hustle and grind, his commitment to personal health is stronger than ever, with a mission to motivate others to live a healthy life, part of which includes eating better-for-you snacks like almonds. Packed with nutrients, almonds are more than just a snack; they are a cornerstone of the healthy lifestyle Coach PRIME is championing.

    Whether Coach PRIME is leading his team and family toward success or motivating others to make the right decisions, he is deeply committed to living with purpose, and that includes how he takes care of his body. Backed by research, daily almond snacking supports his intentional approach to health. Almonds are his go-to snack in the locker room, his office and even on the sidelines, making them a meaningful partner in his everyday routine.

    “I take my health seriously—now more than ever—and others gotta do the same to be their best and stay prime,” said Sanders. “Almonds aren’t just a snack, they’re part of the process, and I’m committed to the process. Take your health seriously, be consistent, and eat your dern almonds every day. Don’t wait another second to focus on what your body needs.”

    Snacking can be a healthy habit when done right, and Coach PRIME is calling on everyone to start today by making smarter snack choices that fuel the body and promote overall health. Almonds are a powerhouse snack, delivering steady energy and satiety through a natural blend of 6g of protein, 4g of fiber, 50% DV of vitamin E, 20% DV of magnesium, 13g of “good” unsaturated fats and only 1g of saturated fat in one serving (23 almonds). From aiding heart and metabolic health to gut support and beyond, almonds play a valuable role in healthy living. Plus, almonds’ versatility makes them a smart choice for anyone looking for simple, consistent nutrition.

    Tune in for more from Coach PRIME and California Almonds with ads airing on national and cable TV networks like CBS Sports and ESPN. Visit almonds.com and follow California Almonds on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see how almonds are a key part in Coach’s renewed health journey.

    About California Almonds 

    California Almonds make life better by what we grow and how we grow. The Almond Board of California promotes natural, wholesome and quality almonds through leadership in strategic market development, innovative research, and accelerated adoption of industry best practices on behalf of the more than 7,600 almond farmers and processors in California, most of whom are multi-generational family operations. Established in 1950 and based in Modesto, California, the Almond Board of California is a non-profit organization that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture.