Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

Category: Non-Video

  • USDA Reminds Ag Producers of Approaching Deadlines

    The USDA is reminding ag producers impacted by increased input costs and natural disasters that the deadlines to apply for safety net and disaster assistance programs designed to protect their financial security are coming soon.  USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) wants to remind producers that the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) program and the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP), both have deadlines in early August. Additionally, thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, eligible landowners have until the end of August to review and consider base acre increases for the first time since 2002 for the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs.

    “Whether it’s disaster assistance, support for specialty crop growers or the first chance in more than two decades to update base acres, I encourage producers not to wait until the last minute,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam. “These deadlines represent real opportunities for producers to recover from market and weather challenges. Reach out to your local FSA office now and make sure you don’t leave assistance on the table.”

    Agricultural producers are reminded of these important upcoming deadlines:

    • Aug. 7 — Deadline to apply for ASCF
    • Aug. 12, — Deadline to apply for SDRP
    • Aug. 31 —Deadline to review base allocations through ARC/PLC

    Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers

    ASCF provides payments to specialty crop producers based on reported 2025 planted acres. Pre-filled ASCF applications are available to producers who reported their 2025 crop acreage for eligible specialty crops. Producers with a secure Login.gov account can access and submit their pre-filled application online. Producers can also request their pre-filled application from their local FSA county office. Eligible crops and payment rates can be found at fsa.usda.gov/ascf. The deadline to apply is Aug. 7.

    Supplemental Disaster Relief Program

    SDRP provides more than $16 billion in disaster relief payments to producers who suffered revenue, quality or production losses to crops, trees, bushes, or vines due to qualifying disaster events in calendar years 2023 and 2024. Producers with indemnified losses can apply through SDRP Stage 1 which leverages Federal Crop Insurance or Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program data as the basis for calculating payments. Producers with non-indemnified (including shallow losses), uncovered (uninsured), and quality losses can apply for Stage 2 assistance. Producers can request an application from their local FSA county office. Aug. 12 is the deadline for both Stages 1 and 2. Additional information can be found at fsa.usda.gov/sdrp.

    Agriculture Risk Coverage/Price Loss Coverage

    ARC and PLC are cornerstone commodity safety net programs that provide financial protection to farmers when market prices or revenues decline. Landowners have the opportunity to increase base acres in preparation for enrollment in ARC and PLC beginning with the 2026 and future crop years as authorized by the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. Nationwide, up to 30 million new base acres can be added by eligible farms.

    Eligible landowners should review their Base Allocation Summary, which outlines potential base acre increases. These Base Allocation Summaries can be accessed online at fsa.usda.gov/arc-plc using a Login.gov account. Landowners who do not currently have a Login.gov account are encouraged to contact their local FSA county office to obtain their Base Allocation Summary and review and take any necessary action by Aug. 31.   

    County Committees

    Additionally, Aug. 3 is the last day to submit nomination forms for eligible candidates to serve on their local FSA county committees. County committees are a critical component of the day-to-day operations of FSA and allow grassroots input and local administration of federal farm programs. Elections occur each year in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA). LAAs are elective areas for FSA county committees in a single county or multi-county jurisdiction. Ballots will be mailed to eligible voters in November. Learn more at fsa.usda.gov/coc.

    More Information

    For more information, producers can contact their local FSA office. Producers can also book an appointment with local FSA farm program and farm loan staff using FSA’s new online scheduling system.   

  • Baking Innovations in Mexico Incentivize Almond Exports

    Mexico has been a market of interest for California almond growers for many years, importing 33.5 million pounds last year — up 8% from the year prior — with California almonds holding a 99% market share. Along the way, the strategy for reaching consumers and food professionals has evolved alongside the market itself.

    Earlier efforts focused on building awareness and familiarity among consumers through the ¡Ponte Almendra! campaign, introducing almonds as a nutritious and versatile food. Those programs helped establish a foundation for the category and positioned almonds as a recognizable ingredient among Mexican consumers.

    Today, the Almond Board of California’s (ABC) efforts in Mexico are centered on a different opportunity: the country’s bakery industry. That shift is grounded in market research and analysis commissioned by ABC, which identified Mexico’s bakery sector as a strong short-term growth opportunity for California almonds.

    The work extends beyond traditional marketing. ABC is also creating opportunities for bakery professionals to connect more closely with California almonds through educational programming, chef engagement and industry events. This includes participation in leading bakery trade shows such as ExpoPan and MexiPan, where bakers can see new applications for almonds and learn how the ingredient can be incorporated into a wide range of products. Planned activities also include bringing influential bakery professionals and industry partners closer to the California almond story through programs that highlight how almonds are grown and produced.

    At the heart of the strategy is a simple goal: helping make almonds a more frequent ingredient choice in one of Mexico’s largest food categories. Every time a bakery introduces an almond-filled pastry, a sweet bread topped with sliced almonds or a new premium product featuring almond ingredients, almonds become part of consumers’ everyday purchasing decisions. Those choices create opportunities for repeat use and long-term category growth.

    Across Mexico, bakery professionals are responding to changing consumer preferences, introducing more premium products, experimenting with new flavors and formats, and blending traditional Mexican bakery with influences from Europe and other global baking trends. As bakeries look for ways to elevate their offerings and differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive marketplace, almonds are well positioned to play a larger role.

    To support that opportunity, ABC has shifted its focus toward engaging directly with bakery professionals through trade marketing, industry partnerships and targeted outreach. Marketing efforts now include bakery-focused advertising, media relations and digital communications. The messaging centers on the role almonds can play in enhancing baked goods through flavor, texture, visual appeal and versatility, whether they are used as toppings, inclusions, fillings or ingredients in specialty formulations.

    Mexico’s bakery sector continues to innovate, and ABC sees an opportunity to ensure California almonds are part of that evolution. By staying engaged with the professionals developing new products, influencing ingredient decisions and shaping consumer trends, ABC is working to position almonds as a valued ingredient in the next generation of Mexican baked goods. The result is a strategy focused not only on increasing awareness, but on creating lasting demand by encouraging greater almond usage throughout the bakery category and strengthening the connection between California almonds and one of Mexico’s most important food industries. — Story contributed by the Almond Board of California

  • Regulators gain Insight at ABC’s Environmental Stewardship Tour

    Sixteen regulatory staff got a firsthand look at almond farming during the Almond Board of California’s (ABC) 18th annual Environmental Stewardship Tour on May 8 at Chamisal Creek Ranch in Arbuckle. Grower Mike Dougherty and his daughter Emma welcomed representatives from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, State Water Board and Central Valley Regional Water Board for an on-the-ground conversation about how almonds are grown and how stewardship practices play out in the field.

    Designed to help regulators have a better sense of what it takes to grow almonds; the annual tour gives regulators an opportunity to see the range of factors growers face throughout the season. Attendees spent more than four hours in the field engaging directly with growers and ABC staff through open dialogue and seeing almond trees up close.

    Beyond giving regulators a firsthand look at almond production, the tour also provides ABC with an important opportunity to demonstrate the depth of knowledge, research and practical information it can offer as a resource on almonds. Through conversations throughout the day, ABC staff and growers can answer questions, share context and strengthen relationships with regulatory audiences who play a key role in shaping the environment in which California almonds are grown.

    “It’s really just time for them to ask in-depth questions,” said Danielle Veenstra, ABC Senior Manager of Global Stewardship. “These tours create space for candid conversations and help show that we’re open and we’re here to share the real-world realities of farming.”

    Throughout the morning, participants saw both young and mature orchards, providing an almond growing 101-education while learning how growers approach key decisions around irrigation, nutrient management and crop protection. ABC staff also highlighted the organization’s investment in research and the outreach efforts that help translate science into practical, on-farm solutions.

    Natalie Henderson, ABC Director of Global Communications, emphasized the value of bringing new regulatory staff to the farm each year. “They leave more educated and more knowledgeable,” Henderson said. “That understanding doesn’t stop there, it spreads across agencies. And these growers get to share their challenges directly with the people helping shape regulations.”

    Following the orchard visit, the group continued to Dunnigan Hills Huller & Sheller, where the focus shifted to what happens after harvest. There, attendees saw how almond hulls and shells are utilized, from traditional livestock feed to value-added products that extend the value of every part of the crop.

    “They had products we could actually touch and feel, which really helped bring the story to life,” said Dan Sonke, Environmental Stewardship Workgroup Chair. “The byproduct story came through clearly, showing the full picture of how nothing goes to waste.”

    The visit also highlighted how co-product innovation contributes to the industry’s overall environmental footprint, reinforcing the role almonds play in a circular, resource-efficient system. According to ABC staff, these conversations often provide new perspectives for regulators, particularly when they see how interconnected farming practices, economics and environmental outcomes can be.

    By the end of the tour, participants left with a deeper understanding of the complexities of almond production, and the continuous improvements being made through research, innovation and grower-led stewardship.

    As Veenstra noted, “These opportunities help close the gap between perception and reality. When regulators see it firsthand, it changes the conversation.”

    — Story contributed by the Almond Board of California

  • The Future is Here: Redefining Nitrogen Management with RDX-N®

    —Sponsored Content—

    Nitrogen is the backbone of crop production — no matter the crop, the region, or the state of the ag economy. But getting the most out of every pound you apply can differentiate a good season from a poor one. That’s where RDX-N® from Redox Bio-Nutrients comes in. This patented, plant-active botanical extract helps your crop use nitrogen more efficiently. It is the result of more than a decade of research and development.

    “RDX-N® is a flagship product because we now know how to make synthetic nitrogen fertilizer better,” said Redox Owner, Founder and CEO Darin Moon. “This is a long-term use, because use rates are extremely low and it’s very cost effective. Whether nitrogen is $1,000 a ton or $200 a ton, RDX-N® is cost-effective across the board because it is helping metabolize and make that nitrogen better. This should be integrated as a long-term play.”

    Real Results in the Field

    Redox agronomists are already working alongside nut growers throughout the Central Valley, and the reports are encouraging, including stronger overall crop health and improved yield.

    We continue to receive more data on product efficacy through a variety of sources, including commercial use, company research, and third party analysis from universities and contract research organizations.

    Redox Bio-Nutrients is among the top 20 biostimulant companies in the world, according to market research by DunhamTrimmer. The company’s technology is now trusted on a wide variety of crops and turf grass throughout the United States and around the globe.

    The Science Behind the Results

    At the core of RDX-N® — and the entire Redox product line — are Redox Active Molecules (RAM), plant-active compounds that regulate energy flow inside the plant. That regulation is what keeps a plant balanced, and a balanced plant is the single most important factor in yield and quality. Balanced plants channel energy into growth, yield and reproductive development. When it’s out of balance, that energy gets diverted into correction instead of production.

    So what exactly is RDX-N®? It’s important to start with what it isn’t: it is not a biological, a nitrogen stabilizer, or a nitrogen-fixing bacteria. When used in small amounts alongside synthetic nitrogen, it allows growers to cut nitrogen use by up to 50 percent — without sacrificing performance. This is possible because RDX-N® was built to support a plant’s natural metabolism and utilize applied nitrogen more efficiently. It’s easy to use and drops right into your existing fertility program. The result is reduced oxidative stress caused by nitrates and a significant boost in season-long uptake, utilization and performance unmatched in the industry.

    “I believe that RDX-N® is the future of agriculture,” said A.J. Borges, Redox Agronomist in Central California. “It’s uniquely using a biostimulant to stimulate the plant for better performance, helping the health and vitality of the plant. It’s a highly versatile product that can eliminate a lot of the nitrogen issues being experienced.”

    Get More From Your Nitrogen

    Growers face no shortage of challenges every season. The right technology can help you build a smarter, more resilient fertility program — one that delivers higher performance and more consistent results, year after year. Getting the most from your nitrogen isn’t just good agronomy; it’s good business.

    Find out more at RedoxGrows.com or reach out to us at info@RedoxGrows.com to connect with your regional Redox Agronomist.

  • Blue Diamond Almond Crop Estimate Revised to 2.6B Pounds

    Since releasing our initial May 2026 estimate, Blue Diamond Growers has continued to monitor orchard conditions across all growing regions. The company’s observations continue to indicate a crop size in the range of 2.65 to 2.7 billion pounds. Their initial estimate had an upper range of 2.72 billion pounds, which they now believe peaks at 2.70 billion pounds because of growing downward pressure on crop potential, suggesting a slightly lower midpoint of 2.67 billion pounds. As it remains early in the season, the range indicates both downside risk and variability of the 2026 crop.

    Over the past several weeks, in‑field managers have continued to survey orchards across the valley, noting additional observations related to nut progression, irrigation patterns, and early-season stress indicators. These insights, combined with updated grower feedback — they said — reinforce their assessment.

    Key factors informing this follow‑up include:

    • Continued orchard‑to‑orchard evaluations and comparisons to identify variations in quality and crop performance
    • Updated monthly grower survey responses reflecting expectations across season-to-date performance
    • Ongoing evaluation of economic, water, and weather pressures that may influence yield outcomes

    Blue Diamond Growers will continue to monitor crop conditions and provide updates as conditions evolve. At this stage, indicators support a modestly lower estimate, with variability driven largely by input levels.

    Crop Influences

    The 2026 almond season to date reflects a mix of moderate weather conditions and ongoing operational and economic challenges for growers. While temperatures have remained warm without any critical heat wave conditions, several factors may still impact the crop before harvest.

    Growers continue to face high production costs, resulting in measured resource management. Fertilizer and fuel costs, cash flow pressures and overall market prices have led many growers to reduce inputs. Growers have had ample water for irrigation, supporting orchards without major challenges. However, the cost of electricity required to pressurize water for irrigation remains a budgetary challenge.

    Current Crop Development Observations

    Orchard conditions are varying widely this season, shaped largely by differences in nutrition and input management.

    Lower input orchards are showing lighter crop loads and weaker conditions, while a notable number of orchards with heavier crop loads are showing signs of weak spur development. This points to fertility concerns that could carry over into next year’s crop.

    By contrast, many well-nourished orchards are showing overly vigorous growth, a potential indicator of poor crop loads. Growers and in-field teams have also reported thicker hulls and shells in several varieties, which could adversely affect turnout percentages and lead to reduced final crop weights beyond what may be apparent through pre-harvest observations.

    Forward Outlook

    Conditions will continue to evolve across the regions over the coming weeks, and the impact of crop stressors will become clearer. Ongoing monitoring will ensure that any significant changes are factored into future outlooks.

    Further insights will be shared by Blue Diamond in subsequent Market Reports, with later reports refining the forecast once harvest is underway. — Story contributed by Blue Diamond Growers

  • California Walnut Commission Voices Support for 0% EU Tariff

    The California Walnut Commission CWC voiced its support after the European Union reduced the tariff on U.S.-grown tree nuts — including walnuts — to 0%. This lowering of rates became effective as of July 1. In a public statement on the order, the CWC stated:

    “The California Walnut Commission (CWC) welcomes this positive development for the California walnut industry and European customers and consumers.

    “The quota basis tariff reduction provides access to an important market, which is the walnut industry’s largest export market, importing about 30% of global supply. Improved access allows European importers, distributors, retailers and consumers to have access to high-quality California walnuts, while supporting the long-term sustainability of California walnut growers.

    “The news comes at a critical time for California walnut growers, many of whom continue to face rising production costs, increasing supply and a competitive and uncertain global marketplace.

    “The CWC appreciates the efforts of U.S. and European policymakers, trade officials and industry stakeholders whose work contributed to this development.”

    The Almond Board of California also praised this development, saying it “brings welcome certainty after months of escalating trade tensions.”

  • Setton Farms Chocolate Pistachios Selected as Good Housekeeping Awards Winner

    Setton Farms announced that their Dark Chocolate Pistachios with Sea Salt have been named Best Sweet Pistachios in Good Housekeeping’s 2026 Snack Awards. The full list of awards can be found on goodhousekeeping.com/snacks2026.

    Setton’s Dark Chocolate Pistachios with Sea Salt are made in-house in small batches. They’re made with whole pistachios, dry-roasted, with a touch of sea salt that enhances the chocolate’s flavor while balancing overall sweetness. Made with a simple ingredient list, they provide 3 grams of protein per serving. Forgoing a traditional glaze, the Dark Chocolate Pistachios with Sea Salt presents a natural chocolate finish, complemented by a new packaging design.

    Setton also has a premium, award-winning line of seasoned pistachio kernel flavors, including hot honey, Tajín®, buffalo wing, jalapeño, garlic onion, salt and pepper and scorpion pepper. Other products include an in-shell and shelled organic line and a selection of premium dry-roasted in-shell pistachios. — Story contributed by Setton Farms

  • Almond Board Seeks Volunteers for Industry Committees

    More than 150 active almond industry members volunteer on board-appointed committees, subcommittees and working groups to further the work of Almond Board of California (ABC). The Board is always on the lookout for new volunteers and accepts applications throughout the year; the committees are seated in August. Committee descriptions and Statement of Interest Forms are hyperlinked below.

    The Board seeks to ensure that its programs and policies are inclusive and would like to enhance the diversity of its volunteers. Eligible women, minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to consider applying to participate. Growers, handlers, huller/shellers and any allied industry members along the supply chain or affiliated with the almond industry are encouraged to get involved.

    The following board-appointed committees further the work of the Almond Board

    The committee and workgroup descriptions below provide an overview on the opportunities to serve and shape future research and programs. Those interested in joining can fell out a statement of interest for before July 10 for consideration.

    Almond Quality, and Food Safety and Services Committee

    Mission Statement:To ensure the quality and safety of California Almonds, through science, research, industry wide education.

    The Almond Quality, Food Safety and Services Committee considers and recommends to the Board rules and regulations pertaining to the federal marketing order. This committee also provides oversight for other marketing order services and educational activities which are necessary to maintain the high quality standards and safety of the California almond industry. This committee consists of seven members. In addition, this committee oversees an Industry Services Subcommittee and a Biomass Task Force.

    Statement of Interest Form

    Biomass Workgroup

    Mission Statement: To maximize value added utilization for all orchard products, other than the edible nut, which are financially viable and environmentally friendly.

    The Biomass Workgroup aims to maximize value-added utilization for all orchard products, other than the edible nut, which are financially viable and environmentally friendly. Among other responsibilities, this group will review research proposals and RFP’s; make funding recommendations for research projects and analytical testing for almond woody and fleshy biomass.

    Statement of Interest form

    Environmental Stewardship Workgroup

    Mission statement: Fosters, supports, and steers environmental stewardship strategy for California almonds, the almond industry and the Almond Board of California, in support of ABC’s 3 core strategic goals – driving global demand, maintaining a favorable regulatory environment and maximizing industry efficiency. Also provides oversight of sustainability thought leadership tactics like partnerships, round tables and corporate visibility initiatives.

    Statement of Interest form

    Finance and Audit Committee

    Mission Statement: The Almond Board of California (ABC) Finance and Audit Committee’s (F&AC) mission is to ensure the financial integrity of ABC and act as fiduciary guardian of grower funds collected for the purpose of executing the organization’s annual programs and budgets. F&AC is comprised of five members and five alternates. The ABC Treasurer is the committee chair.

    Statement of Interest Form

    Global Communications Committee

    Mission Statement: Fosters, supports, and steers strategy for industry and external communications about California almonds, the almond industry, and the Almond Board of California (ABC) in support of driving global demand.

    The Global Communications Committee guides and informs strategy for industry and external communications about California almonds, the almond industry and the Almond Board of California. The committee will provide stakeholders and consumers with information about the almond industry and its practices, anticipate and provide counsel on various issues and potential crises, and disseminate industry-funded research findings to a variety of audiences. This group also engages members of the almond community by creating programs and events that motivate industry members to become more efficient in and out of the orchard.

    Statement of Interest form

    Global Market Development Committee

    Mission Statement: To deliver the Almond board of California’s #1 strategic objective, Driving Global Demand, the mission of the Global Market Development committee is to guide the marketing investments of ABC with a strategic lens. This includes utilizing consumer market research, in-market results, and macro-economic trends to align on markets to prioritize for investment, address key issues/opportunities in each market (across marketing, trade stewardship and market access) and approve the strategies and key tactics to execute upon. The GMDC strives to make decisions for short-, mid- and long-term that will lead to the optimal long-term outcome for the entire industry.

    The Global Market Development Committee evaluates growth opportunities available to the almond industry and makes recommendations to the Board. These recommendations include a worldwide market research and market development program for each crop year. The committee also administers government-funded marketing and research programs and may also recommend to the Board changes in the marketing order rules and regulations, granting credit to handlers for qualified promotional activities. These credits are granted based on the proportion of assessment credit determined to be granted for each type of promotional activity.

    Statement of Interest form

    Nutrition Research Committee

    Mission Statement: Guide ABC’s nutrition research investments to advance the science on the impact of almond consumption on human health and enhance ABC’s ability to communicate almond’s health benefits globally.

    The Nutrition Research Committee focuses on ongoing nutrition research which adds to the existing body of almond science and is utilized by the Board in global marketing outreach programs to promote the consumption of almonds. Current strategic research areas focus on the relationship between consumption of almonds and heart health, diabetes/prediabetes, weight management, gut health, cognition, skin health, exercise recovery and other areas.This committee is comprised of seven members and three alternates, consisting of food scientists, nutritionists, almond growers and other almond industry representatives.

    Statement of Interest form

    Organic Advisory Panel

    Mission Statement:To address issues impacting organic almond production, trade, and consumer awareness.

    The mission of the Organic Advisory Panel is to address issues impacting organic almond production, trade and consumer awareness. This panel will direct staff on areas of focus including research, marketing, national and local organic initiatives, and other areas.

    Statement of Interest form

    Production Stewardship Workgroup

    Mission Statement: Support and identify innovative production research and technology to support Almond Board’s vision and mission to make life better by what we grow, how we grow, and accelerate adoption of industry best practices.

    Our Production Stewardship Workgroup identifies innovative production research and technology to support Almond Board’s vision and mission to make life better by what we grow, how we grow, and accelerate adoption of industry best practices. Areas of research and extension that this group advise include orchard configuration, tree growth, breeding, pest management, irrigation, nutrient management, soils, harvest, precision ag. technology, environmental sustainability, and others.

    Statement of Interest form

    Strategic Ag Innovation Committee

    Mission Statement: This committee focuses on how almonds are grown, providing strategic direction on research to provide information and tools that will improve industry efficiency. This spans not only on-farm practices but also post-harvest, regulatory and market implications around almond production. The committee is supported by workgroups with specific technical expertise. The committee guides a broad-based research program, addressing agricultural and environmental challenges, that will ultimately ensure the long-term sustainability and profitability of almond growing, meeting the needs and expectations of stakeholders globally.

    The Strategic Ag Innovation Committee is the “strategic forward thinker” for the almond industry and is supported by specialty-area research working groups. This committee shall consider and recommend projects that maintain the almond industry’s leadership role as a “Crop of Choice” for California, and which reflect the overall production and environmental research needs of the almond industry. This committee consists of ten members and oversees the six specialty-area research working groups listed below. All of the working groups review research proposals and make funding recommendations to the Strategic Ag Innovation Committee.

    Statement of Interest form

    Technical & Regulatory Affairs Committee

    Mission Statement: Provide support and leadership in identifying, monitoring, and resolving those regulatory and/or market access issues impacting the production and unimpeded global trade of California almonds.

    The Technical & Regulatory Affairs Committee provides support to and cooperates with almond industry stakeholders and other Almond Board committees, focusing on those issues that impact the production and worldwide marketing of California Almonds. This synergy will enable greater integration and contribute to the overall success of the industry.

    Statement of Interest form

  • EU Opens New 0% Tariff Rate Quota for U.S. Almonds

    California almond exporters have a new opportunity in one of the world’s largest premium food markets following the European Union’s approval of a new duty-free tariff rate quota (TRQ) for U.S. almonds.

    The measure is part of the recently finalized EU-U.S. trade agreement, which expands market access for several U.S. agricultural products through zero-duty tariff rate quotas. For almonds, qualifying shipments can now enter the European Union at a 0% tariff until the quota is filled, providing a more competitive position for U.S. almonds in the marketplace. The new regulations are scheduled to remain in effect through the end of 2029.

    The announcement brings welcome certainty after months of escalating trade tensions. Earlier this year, the European Union had proposed a 25% retaliatory tariff on a range of U.S. products in response to broader U.S. trade actions. While almonds were discussed as part of those potential countermeasures, the tariffs were repeatedly delayed as negotiations continued, creating uncertainty for exporters serving European customers.

    Prior to the new agreement, U.S. almonds generally entered the EU under the bloc’s existing tariff structure, including limited tariff-rate quotas that offered reduced-duty access for specified volumes. The new agreement expands preferential access by establishing a dedicated 0% tariff rate quota for eligible U.S. almond exports, improving market access and helping maintain the competitiveness of California almonds in Europe.

    For California’s almond industry, the development reinforces the value of stable trade relationships. The European Union remains an important destination for California almonds, where demand for nutritious snack foods and food ingredients continues to support long-term consumption. Lower import costs under the new quota can help strengthen the industry’s position with European manufacturers, retailers and consumers while reducing the uncertainty that has surrounded transatlantic trade discussions over the past year. — Story provided by the Almond Board of California

  • Honey Bees Can Detect Viruses in Food

    Honey bees encounter viruses in their environments, especially when they forage on flowers and other food sources. Being able to detect viruses is important for reducing infection and the spread of disease. Many insects, including honey bees, can detect viruses indirectly with sick nestmates, but it has been unclear if honey bees can directly detect viruses in food sources.

    To help beekeepers protect their colonies by reducing viral spread, ARS researchers from the Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics, and Physiology Research Unit in Baton Rouge, LA, studied if honey bees could sense viruses such as deformed wing virus, black queen cell virus, and chronic bee paralysis virus in contaminated food sources.

    In an experimental study, the researchers found that when honey bees were presented with the choice between a spiked sugar solution with viruses and a plain sugar solution, the honey bees preferred the virus-spiked solution.

    “These findings demonstrate that honey bees can directly detect the presence of viruses in contaminated food sources, which has important implications for pathogen transmission within pollinator communities and disease management strategies aimed at improving honey bee health,” said Michael Simone-Finstrom, ARS Research Molecular Biologist.

    According to Simone-Finstrom and ARS Research Entomologist Elizabeth Walsh, both co-lead authors of the study, the results highlight the need to control viral infections and spread in bee colonies.

    One major concern is viral spread from Varroa mites, parasitic pests that feed on honey bees. Currently, controlling Varroa mite populations is one of the most effective ways to protect honey bee colonies. Beekeepers can consider changing how they feed honey bees to limit outside insects from getting access to their food, according to Simone-Finstrom and Walsh.

    “Open feeding scenarios where bees from different colonies and other insects, who may carry viruses, get food from the same source may not be in the honey bees’ best interest,” said Walsh. “Beekeepers can consider an alternative like an individual colony feeder where only honey bees from one colony have access to the food.”

    It is unknown what mechanisms cause bees to gravitate towards the contaminated food sources. More research is underway to better understand honey bees’ foraging behaviors and how the viral presence affects their behaviors.

    “The study’s findings will help us with providing data-driven decisions in honey bee management and ecological decisions,” said Walsh. – By Jessica Ryan, ARS Office of Communications