Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

Category: Non-Video

  • Wonderful® Pistachio Launches A Big Game Campaign

    Wonderful® Pistachio Launches A Big Game Campaign

    Wonderful® Pistachios today announced the launch of a Big Game campaign to make game day snacking even easier, whether attending in person, or watching from home. For those traveling to the big game, or related viewing parties, a partnership with luxe rideshare service Alto will provide discounted transportation and delicious snacking around Los Angeles over the game day weekend. Football fans gearing up for game day at home can enter-to-win an entertainment system through a social media contest, get game day recipe inspiration on Pinterest, and stock up on healthy game day snacks at grocery retailers nationwide with larger-than-life football-themed displays.

    “Football viewing has always been one of the top consumption occasions for Wonderful Pistachios, so we’re giving consumers near and far something to enjoy while watching the Big Game as it happens in our own backyard,” shared Diana Salsa, senior marketing director, Wonderful Pistachios. “In fact, one out of three Wonderful Pistachios consumers say they eat them while watching sports, with football being the most popular of the sports. You can crack open pistachios to take out some of that game day stress!”

    The week leading up to the Big Game is one of the biggest retail sales weeks of the year for the Wonderful Pistachios brand1. Wonderful Pistachios is an ideal game day snack – they are a healthy crowd pleaser offering six grams of plant protein and three grams of fiber per each one ounce serving. With a variety of flavors, and both classic In-Shell and No Shells options, there is something for everyone. Wonderful Pistachios No Shells are now available in four award-winning flavors, including Sea Salt & Vinegar and BBQ, along with the Roasted & Salted and Lightly Salted varieties that consumers know and love.

    Wonderful Pistachios Provides Discounted Rides Around Los Angeles

    In a city known for frustrating commutes, Wonderful Pistachios will alleviate transportation woes the weekend of the Big Game with significant discounts towards rides around Los Angeles. Starting Thursday, February 10th at 9 a.m. PST through the end of day on Monday, February 14th, the brand has partnered with on-demand rideshare company Alto for the 56th Big Game to provide visitors and locals alike 56% off all Los Angeles rides by Alto’s fleet of elevated SUVs. Users who wish to redeem this discount can enter promo code WONDERFUL within the app.

    In addition, passengers will enjoy in-car snacking of Wonderful Pistachios No Shells varieties and a product coupon to continue snacking long after they reach their destination.

    Wonderful Pistachios: Tag Them, Pin Them, Put Them In Your Grocery Cart

    Wonderful Pistachios launched a giveaway on Instagram where one entrant will win the ultimate home entertainment prize package. Until January 27, 2022 at 11:59 p.m., any Instagram user who follows @wonderfulpistachios, posts and tags @wonderfulpistachios in an in-feed photo featuring their favorite way to enjoy Wonderful Pistachios will be automatically entered to win prizes including a big screen TV, sound system, designer cooler, one year’s supply of Wonderful Pistachios and a $200 gift card for game day eats and drinks. The winner will be selected at random.

    Wonderful Pistachios is also launching a campaign on Pinterest featuring mouth-watering game day recipes that add a pop of green color and a savory burst of flavor to any snack or meal spread.

    For more information about Wonderful Pistachios, please visit GetCrackin.com, Facebook at /WonderfulPistachios, and Instagram at @WonderfulPistachios.

    About Wonderful Pistachios

    Wonderful Pistachios is the world’s largest vertically integrated pistachio processor and marketer. Located in California’s Central Valley, our nuts are Non-GMO Project Verified, providing a smart, healthy choice for consumers around the world. Our nuts can be found in stores nationwide and online under the flagship brand, Wonderful® Pistachios. For more, visit: wonderfulpistachios.com, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

    Wonderful Pistachios is part of The Wonderful Company, a privately held $5 billion company that also has iconic brands such as Wonderful® Halos®, FIJI® Water, POM Wonderful®, JUSTIN® Wine, and Teleflora®. To learn more about The Wonderful Company, visit www.wonderful.com, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To view the current Corporate Social Responsibility report, visit www.wonderful.com/csr.

    About Alto

    Founded in 2018, Alto is the first employee-based, on-demand rideshare company rethinking a traditionally inconsistent, gig-based industry. By hiring vetted, professional drivers and managing a dedicated fleet of 5-star crash rated vehicles, Alto offers the safest, most consistent, and most personalized passenger experience on the market today. Alto hires W2-employee drivers, provides in-depth training, manages its owned vehicle fleet and brings advanced logistics and optimization to the ridesharing space. Setting the standard in cleanliness in the rideshare industry, Alto cleans and disinfects vehicles with EPA-registered disinfectants between every ride and shift. With COVID-19, Alto has also doubled-down on its commitment to safety and cleanliness with the installation of industry-leading protective equipment, technology, and cleaning and disinfecting procedures including HEPA cabin air filters and plexiglass barriers. In addition to passenger rides, Alto shops, purchases, and delivers from local brands directly to consumers and offers same-day delivery. Currently available in Dallas, Houston, Miami, Washington D.C. and Los Angeles, Alto has plans to bring its elevated rideshare experience nationally in the near future. For more information, visit www.ridealto.com.

  • The California Walnut Board and Commission Begin Search for New CEO

    The California Walnut Board and Commission Begin Search for New CEO

    The California Walnut Board (CWB) and California Walnut Commission (CWC) is searching for a new CEO/Executive Director as Michelle Connelly, who currently holds the position, has resigned. Connelly’s last day will be February 11, 2022.

    “We are grateful for Michelle’s years of service to our industry. During her nearly 18 years with the CWB and CWC, Michelle led a strong team of professionals that proudly serve our walnut industry and achieved numerous milestones and successes,” said Bill Tos, Chair of the CWB Executive Committee and Bill Carriere, Chair, of the CWC Executive Committee.

    In a letter to Board and Commission, the chairmen highlighted several accomplishments during Connelly’s tenure, including:

    Michelle Connelly

    · Modernization of the Marketing Order to deliver more for the Walnut industry while eliminating outdated provisions.
    · Creation of sustainability work to demonstrate the industry’s good environmental stewardship practices and to support the industry in answering consumer and regulatory expectations.
    · An overall marketing program return on investment of 14:1, eclipsing the 6:1 benchmark ROI for similar commodity programs.
    · Expansion of industry communications to further engage with growers/processors, including 2021’s inaugural walnut conference collaboration.
    · Increased advocacy efforts to raise walnuts visibility among lawmakers to support walnut growers’ and handlers’ ability to produce, process and trade.
    · Creation of a strategic roadmap to market for growth domestically and internationally.

    “It has been a privilege, honor and pleasure to serve the growers and handlers of the California walnut industry. I am beyond proud of what this team has accomplished, and I am confident in the industry’s sustained success,” said Connelly.

    In sharing the news, the chairmen reiterated the efforts of the California Walnut Board and California Walnut Commission are critically important to the success of the industry.

    “The CWB leads the way in helping to increase the understanding of walnuts benefits, expand walnut usage occasions, solve for production and post-harvest challenges, and identify new opportunities for growth and prosperity for California walnut growers and handlers,” said Tos.  “The California Walnut Commission plays a vital role in global market expansion and consumption, conducting nutrition research to address public health issues, and advocating for walnut growers and handlers to lawmakers,” added Carriere.

    A search committee has been formed that will identify a firm to assist with the search process in the coming weeks.

    About the California Walnut Board

    The California Walnut Board (CWB) was established in 1948 to represent the walnut growers and handlers of California. The CWB is funded by mandatory assessments of the handlers. The CWB is governed by a Federal Walnut Marketing Order. The CWB promotes usage of walnuts in the United States through publicity and educational programs. The CWB also provides funding for walnut production, food safety and post-harvest research.

    About the California Walnut Commission

    The California Walnut Commission, established in 1987, is funded by mandatory assessments of the growers. The CWC represents over 4,800 growers and approximately 90 handlers (processors) of California walnuts in export market development activities and conducts health research. The CWC is an agency of the State of California that works in concurrence with the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).

  • Pacific Nut Producer January Issue

    Pacific Nut Producer January Issue

    PNP122
    Pacific Nut Producer January Issue

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    Contents of the January Issue:

    Hazelnuts Grown by Heroes
    Ladonna Avakian Finds Fulfillment on the Farm
    Nuts & Bolts
    Nut Industry News Briefs
    January Orchard Tasks
    Almonds, Hazelnuts, Pecans, Pistachios, Walnuts

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  • Will Complacency Cost CA Walnut Farmers a Critical Tool?

    Will Complacency Cost CA Walnut Farmers a Critical Tool?

    California walnut farmers should add one more item on your list of things to do before the end of the year – vote in the referendum to determine if the California Walnut Board should be continued.

    Ballots are due December 31 and growers who produced walnuts in California from September 2020 through August 2021 are eligible to vote.  Like all voters these days, walnut growers have disparate opinions. The pros and cons of the California Walnut Board (CWB) are no exception.  Some believe the promotion and education programs of the Board are responsible for moving product from store shelves and have grown consumer demand for walnuts. Some disagree.  I would encourage everyone to read an economic study conducted by Dr. Harry Kaiser of Cornell University that considers these and many other activities of the CWB. In its conclusion, this study found that without the investments made through the Walnut Board, grower returns would have been 18 cents per pound lower, which equates to $360 per ton.

    I represent the Walnut Bargaining Association (WBA), a grower cooperative devoted to sharing market intelligence and recommending grower prices so our members are informed on whether or not they are getting a fair price from their handlers. As the Executive Director of the WBA, I see tremendous benefits when growers band together and we believe our program has also contributed to higher returns for California walnut farmers.

    I don’t want to argue the merits of consumer advertising and promotion.  Instead, I need to point out the many CWB activities in addition to advertising and promotion that may be even more valuable to walnut growers and to organizations like the WBA.

    First of all, when it comes to grower profits, few things are more important than yield and cost per acre.  Over the years, walnut yields in California have increased significantly.  A great deal of this is attributed to improved varieties.  Over 60 percent of California’s walnut crop is from the Chandler variety which was developed through the California Walnut Board’s breeding programs.  Who will develop these improved varieties if the Walnut Board doesn’t exist?

    Yields have also been increased through new growing practices that have improved planting density and efficiency. The work done to accomplish this came as a result of CWB’s extensive research program which has also provides growers with information on how to lower inputs and improve irrigation schemes. The Walnut Board has also been a leader in researching the healthy attributes of eating more walnuts.

    Members of our Board at WBA work hard to ensure growers are getting the best returns possible.  To do this we must have accurate information and data.  The WBA relies heavily on crop estimates, statistics on bearing acreage and tree plantings and monthly reports on movement for inshell and meat pounds. This information is critical for growers to make planting and production decisions and has a big impact on the prices they receive. ALL of this data, and more, is provided by the Walnut Board. I can assure you this information would be difficult or impossible to attain were it not for the California Walnut Board.

    Some growers may be surprised to know this same kind of information from the CWB was used to directly help support more than $400 per ton paid to walnut growers for damages they incurred as a result of tariff issues. CWB information is also used to secure government purchases for public feeding programs under Section 32 to help alleviate supply imbalances.

    The decision to continue the California Walnut Board will be determined by growers.  Often, the voices of those who are unhappy outweigh those who are complacent.  Let’s not lose one of the most important tools walnut growers have at their disposal because you didn’t act to keep it. Please vote today. Additional details on the referendum can be found here. — By Jonathan Field, Executive Director, Walnut Bargaining Association

  • Meet CA Walnut Grower Georgia Crain of Crain Ranch

    Recently, the California Walnut Board talked with walnut grower Georgia Crain of Crain Ranch about her career evolution in the industry, how she used technology to modernize the logistics department, who her female role models are in the male-dominated industry, and more. Georgia is part of the third Crain generation to work on the ranch since her grandfather planted his first walnut tree in 1962. The Crain family is committed to driving the industry forward both on and off the ranch. Georgia’s father and uncle serve on the California Walnut Board, where they help guide activities to support the industry and increase demand for California walnuts, complementing efforts at the ranch level. Read on to hear more:

    Q – You’ve worked in many roles at Crain Ranch. Tell us about your career and your current role.

    A – Growing up I always helped with the family’s business, whether it be in the office or out in the orchard. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Business Information Systems from Chico State University and used what I learned to guide me when I started working in the logistics department of Crain Ranch.

    I’ve been working full-time in the industry for 12 years now, and in the last five years, I’ve been working in sales. I’m currently merging kernel and in-shell sales together, while also negotiating and meeting with customers domestically and internationally.

    Q – What has been your biggest career success, so far?

    A – Linking together various Crain Ranch departments in a way that has streamlined information and communication more effectively. This has leveled up the team and created a more cohesive environment.

    Q – What other impacts have you made at Crain Ranch?

    A – Through my work in the logistics department, I created a structure for inventory tracking that allows us to have more accurate, real-time data. Previously, we would manually track all the walnuts that came in, which wasn’t the most effective system. I created an automated system that tracks walnuts from the time they come in from the grower to when they go out on an outbound load. We also know how many walnuts are being processed.

    Q – As a woman, how did you evolve in your role in this male dominated industry? What advice do you have for other women in similar positions?

    A – The nut industry is certainly male dominated, with most women working in the broker or customer side of the industry. It takes a different type of female to be successful in a male dominated industry, but it’s not impossible. Over the years, I’ve learned to not let the big personalities get to me. My advice is to be direct, and most importantly, to be brave.

    Q – Who are your female role models in the industry?

    A – Detrie Smith is someone in the industry who everyone knows and respects. I look up to her because she’s a hard worker and a great person to work with. My grandma, Alice Crain, is also someone I have always deeply admired. She’s done everything from accounting, growing, sales and so much more. The company wouldn’t be where it is today without her. It was great growing up with such a determined mentor in the family and industry.

  • CA Walnut Board Supports Industry Growth In New Ways With Retail, Research And Advocacy Programs

    CA Walnut Board Supports Industry Growth In New Ways With Retail, Research And Advocacy Programs

    During the 2020-2021 crop year, California walnut growers and handlers worked together with the California Walnut Board and California Walnut Commission to advance the industry in new ways. Growers produced a record crop of 785,000 tons, a 20 percent gain over the 2019 crop. The California Walnut Board (CWB) and Commission (CWC) promoted walnuts through marketing campaigns that increased sales, leveraged new CWC-funded health research to sustain consumer interest in walnut consumption, conducted new production and post-harvest research to help maintain competitiveness, and accessed government dollars.

    “In a year where a pandemic has altered so many aspects of the way Americans live and work, the Board’s contributions to the industry have been critical,” says Michelle Connelly, Executive Director of California Walnut Board.

    Retail Campaign Generates Double-Digit Sales Growth

    Retail programs drove sales and consumption during seasonal time periods when walnuts are not typically a priority for consumers. During American Heart Month in February, the CWB worked with retailers nationwide on a campaign to display walnuts with messaging about their heart-health benefits*. With 34 participating retailers, operating 10,400 locations, retailers saw an average sales lift of 22.5 percent. Additionally, television and radio advertising during this program reached 52% of US households.

    In May through August, a summer snacking campaign signed-on 26 retailers with 7,400 locations to execute in-store promotions and specials. The first-of-its-kind snacking-focused program encouraged retailers to think of new ways to promote walnuts by tying into the consumer trend. Retail elements were supported with consumer outreach, and the average US consumer saw the message on walnuts and snacking six times. The campaign drove year-over-year walnut sales increases, when comparing the summer months.

    Production Research Delivers Short- and Long-Term Benefits

    The CWB continued investment in research programs to maintain competitiveness in walnut production and processing, as well as invested in applied projects that directly benefit immediate grower needs. Topics including pest management, food safety, product quality, and more were prevalent in these programs. UC Davis’ CWB-funded walnut breeding program released a new varietal, UC Wolfskill, in hopes of finding more desirable traits such as a late leafing, early harvesting Chandler-like variety.

    The CWB Grades and Standards Committee approved 11 post-harvest research projects, three of which are exploring byproduct utilization for the walnut industry to add further value across the supply chain while promoting sustainability. The Committee also funded a project to develop methods and a database to help differentiate walnuts from various origins and cultivators which can help preserve the integrity and reputation of California walnuts.

    “Our research programs are key in providing growers and handlers the resources they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive space,” says Connelly.

    Steps Taken to Increase Efficiencies and Mitigate Market Disruptions

    In September, the CWB voted to suspend the mandatory outbound inspections of walnuts to mitigate market disruptions like labor shortages or shipping constraints, while reducing redundancies. The suspension brings further efficiencies to the industry, while allowing resources to be saved.

    “The Federal Marketing Order rules governing inspections are obsolete as market and customer quality demands have since surpassed USDA grade standards,” added Connelly. “The Board’s vote to suspend the inspections stands to benefit both producers and processors.”

    CWC and CWB Do More Together to Advance Industry

    In lock step with the CWB, CWC activities also contributed to and supported the industry throughout the year. As a result of the Commission’s efforts, walnut growers received over $85MM in direct payments from the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) 1 alone and millions more through CFAP 2. Ensuring the walnut industry’s voice was heard, the CWC, as part of a coalition, also worked with sectors of the CA government to urge lawmakers in the Department of Pesticide Regulations to not increase mill tax for at least two years.

    Furthermore, 17 scientific papers published that were funded or supported by the CWC, including findings in the areas of heart health, cognition, gut health and longevity. Sharing those health findings with health professionals and reporters resulted in 431 articles mentioning the health benefits of walnuts in mainstream media. The average US consumer saw the message 22 times.

    Connelly shared more about why a robust, ongoing health research program is important, “Health is a top reason why consumers eat walnuts and demands are always evolving. New research discovers breakthrough results and makes important health advancements.”

    Growers who want to learn more about how the CWB/CWC are doing more for the walnut industry are encouraged to sign up for newsletters to hear directly from the Board, follow our social channels on LinkedIn and @GrowCAWalnuts on Facebook, and learn more at walnuts.org/walnut-industry.

    *Supportive but not conclusive research shows that eating 1.5 ounces of walnuts per day, as part of a low saturated fat and low cholesterol diet and not resulting in increased caloric intake, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. (FDA) One ounce of walnuts offers 18g of total fat, 2.5g of monounsaturated fat, 13g of polyunsaturated fat including 2.5g of alpha-linolenic acid – the plant-based omega-3.

    About the California Walnut Board

    The California Walnut Board (CWB) was established in 1948 to represent the walnut growers and handlers of California. The CWB is funded by mandatory assessments of the handlers. The CWB is governed by a Federal Walnut Marketing Order. The CWB promotes usage of walnuts in the United States through publicity and educational programs. The CWB also provides funding for walnut production, food safety and post-harvest research.

    About the California Walnut Commission

    The California Walnut Commission, established in 1987, is funded by mandatory assessments of the growers. The CWC represents over 4,800 growers and approximately 90 handlers (processors) of California walnuts in export market development activities and conducts health research. The CWC is an agency of the State of California that works in concurrence with the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).

  • The Almond Conference in a Nutshell

    The Almond Conference in a Nutshell

    Almond Board of California — The 49th annual Almond Conference returned to Sacramento with a bang. Renovations to the newly named SAFE Credit Union Convention Center forced the conference to shift locations in 2019, and COVID-19 precautions forced the 2020 conference to a virtual format.

    The Almond Board of California (ABC), abiding by Sacramento County safety mandates, welcomed 3,308 industry members back to downtown Sacramento with the biggest trade show in Conference history. 270 exhibitors blanketed the bottom level of the convention center with the latest products and innovations available to growers.

    Day one of the conference, Tuesday, December 7, was dedicated for tradeshow time and the State of The Industry address. ABC President and CEO Richard Waycott and 2021/2022 Board Chairman Brian Wahlbrink headlined the address as co-anchors of “AlmondCenter”, a fast moving and informative ninety minutes of almond action news. ABC staff were positioned as field reporters who brought the latest information to attendees about shipping delays, water issues, marketing efforts, industry resources and more.

    At the conclusion of the “AlmondCenter” production, Waycott and Wahlbrink announced the winners of the annual industry awards. George Goshgarian Sr. was presented with this year’s Almond Achievement Award, and Ken Stevenson was the recipient of the new Almond Technical Achievement Award. ABC and the industry thanked both award winners for their dedication and service to the industry over their respective careers. The industry then adjourned back to the tradeshow for an opening reception.

    (From left to right) Brian Wahlbrink, Swati Kalgaonkar, George Goshgarian Sr., Karen Lapsley and Richard Waycott (Photo Courtesy of the Almond Board).

    The vast amount of information dispersed at The Almond Conference began on day two, Wednesday, December 8. Growers and industry members learned the latest about key topics during three blocks of four consecutive sessions at 8:40 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. A break in the action on day two was during lunch as Mattson President and Chief Innovation Officer Barb Stuckey addressed attendees. She talked about the latest in product development such as almond milk base – a 100 percent almond powder that when water is added becomes almond milk. Stuckey also identified areas that she sees as opportunities for almonds to enter the market like almond baked goods, pizza crusts, pastas and tortilla chips.

    Mattson President and CIO Barb Stuckey addressing attendees at lunch on day two (photo courtesy of the Almond Board).

    Educational sessions continued into day three of the conference with 11 more talks on marketing tactics, production information and more. Attendees also got a chance to hear the incredible story of Dan On, global CEO of Dan-D Pak. Born in Saigon, Vietnam — now known as Ho Chi Minh City – On’s journey includes escaping the Vietnam War, surviving pirate attacks on the open sea and living in a Malaysian refugee camp. On ultimately was brought to Canada through a Hope Lutheran Church program. After being adopted by Irish Canadian parents who sold granola, On came up with the idea to sell the ingredients separately which became a lucrative business decision. The Dan-D Group is now an importer, manufacturer, and distributor of cashews and other tree nuts, nut butters, dried fruits, snack foods and spices from around the world with approximately 1,000 employees in Canada, Vietnam, Thailand, United States, Taiwan, Hong Kong and China, with headquarters in Richmond, British Columbia.

    The Almond Conference 2021 wrapped up with the annual Conference Gala Dinner, with a twist. This year, the Gala Dinner was transformed into the Nuthouse Honky Tonk Bar with a private concert from up-and-coming country music star Tyler Rich. As a California native, Rich entertained hundreds of industry members with original songs such as “The Difference” and “Leave Her Wild”.

    ABC also included a few special presentations at the Gala Dinner. The 2020/2021 Almond Leadership class was recognized for their dedication and effort over the past two years, as the Covid-19 pandemic extended the 2020 class experience. ABC also recognized the lifetime contributions of Bill Morecraft Jr. who is retiring from Blue Diamond Growers after 35 years in the industry.

    During the three-day event, ABC and the Almond Leadership Program ran a silent auction that netted over $11,000 for California Future Farmers of America. Thanks to the generosity of Emerald Sponsor Qcify, that total will be increased to over $36,000 going towards scholarships for graduating FFA students planning to pursue a degree in agriculture.

    The Almond Conference 2021 would not be possible without the support of sponsors. ABC would like to thank the 2021 Metal Sponsors for their generosity this year.

    All Conference presentations will be available soon HERE. The Almond Conference will again be in Sacramento at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in 2022. Industry members are encouraged to save December 6-8, 2022 as dates for the conference.

  • Blue Diamond Growers Host Annual Meeting, Announce Chairman’s Ambassador Award Recipient

    Blue Diamond Growers Host Annual Meeting, Announce Chairman’s Ambassador Award Recipient

    With a theme of “Rising to the Challenge,” the 111th Blue Diamond Growers Annual Meeting highlighted the remarkable people that help power California’s largest almond cooperative.

    In a virtual presentation to Blue Diamond almond growers on November 17, Mark Jansen, President and CEO, Blue Diamond Growers, and Dan Cummings, Blue Diamond Growers Board Chairman and Director, District 1, provided business updates and acknowledged key milestones for the cooperative. Three board members either new to the board or recently re-elected to continue service were also announced, including:

    • Dan Cummings, Director, District 1, Chico, CA
    • George A. te Velde, Director, District 4, Escalon, CA
    • Nick Blom, Director, District 6, Modesto, CA


    Following the meeting, Cummings was selected to continue his role as Board Chair and board member Steve Van Duyn, District 5, Modesto, CA, was named Vice Chair for the board. Additionally, in August, Kristen Daley of San Francisco, CA, was named as a new Director-At-Large, completing the 11-person board. “The exceptional leadership and dedication of our board is invaluable in guiding Blue Diamond Growers toward a continued successful future,” said Jansen. “I’m grateful for each of them and the wisdom and perspectives they bring to the co-op, along with their willingness to invest their time and talents to help address challenges and embrace opportunities.”

    Retiring board members Charles Crivelli III, District 6, Turlock, CA, and Kevin Fondse, District 4, Ripon/Escalon, CA were also recognized as part the annual meeting program.

    During his presentation, Cummings announced Christine Gemperle District 6, as the 2021 Chairman’s Grower Ambassador of the Year. A self-described “science nerd,” Gemperle, and her brother farm 135 acres of almonds in Ceres, CA. She is dedicated to sustainable almond production and focuses extensively on water savings, orchard weed control, integrated pest management, soil health and more.

    “Christine is a remarkable ambassador for Blue Diamond Growers and the California almond industry as a whole,” said Cummings. “Each day, she practices what she preaches in terms of hands-on, ‘real-world’ sustainability, and she also helps to educate countless consumers about what the almond industry is doing to produce a wholesome, sustainable crop for all to enjoy – generation after generation.”

    Further illustrating Blue Diamond Growers’ unwavering commitment to sustainability, Cummings announced that in 2021 alone, one-third of Blue Diamond almond growers achieved the gold level of the California Almond Sustainability Program (CASP) rigorous assessment initiative, while another two-thirds accomplished either the silver or bronze CASP achievement level.

    In his meeting remarks, Jansen acknowledged numerous challenges facing California agriculture and Blue Diamond almond growers, including the drought, supply chain disruptions, ongoing pandemic impacts, rising input costs, labor shortages, inflation and more.

    “Even with the remarkable headwinds that we face, we are capable of extraordinary success and rising to the challenges,” said Jansen. “We are resilient and were able to exceed targeted grower returns in 2021 – thanks to the perseverance of the growers themselves and the strength of the Blue Diamond Growers team. I truly believe the best is yet to come.”

    About Blue Diamond

    Blue Diamond Growers, a grower-owned cooperative representing over 3,000 of California’s almond growers, is the world’s leading almond marketer and processor. Established in 1910, it created the California almond industry and opened world markets for almonds. Blue Diamond is dedicated to delivering the benefits of almonds around the world and does so by providing high-quality almonds, almond ingredients, and branded products. Headquartered in Sacramento, the company employs more than 1,800 people throughout its processing plants, receiving stations and gift shops. To learn more about Blue Diamond Growers, visit www.bluediamond.com and follow the company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

  • Pacific Nut Producer December Issue

    Pacific Nut Producer December Issue

    PNP1221
    Pacific Nut Producer December Issue

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    Contents of the December Issue:

    Orchard Views
    In Thy Dark Streets Shineth…
    Nick & Pete Blom Navigate Water Challenges
    Growing Forward to Keep from Falling Behind
    Nuts & Bolts
    Nut Industry News Briefs
    December Orchard Tasks
    Almonds, Hazelnuts, Pecans, Pistachios, Walnuts

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  • How is Drought Affecting Irrigation Water for Pecans?

    How is Drought Affecting Irrigation Water for Pecans?

    The holidays are a time to bake pecan pies and make salted pecans. And for the more daring, making pralines. And it seems the pecan pie has been around for about a hundred years now, originating in Texas!

    The pecan industry is substantial, according to USDA statistics. On average, pecan orchards produced around 250 million pounds of nuts per year in the past decade. The industry is valued at about $400 million USD. (We won’t calculate the number of calories in these values!)

    Pecan pie is considered a specialty of Southern U.S. origin. Credit: Canva Pro

    New Mexico was the leading state for growing pecans in 2018, beating out Georgia. This could be due to lingering effects of Hurricane Michael on Georgia’s orchards, which broke many limbs and branches. In addition, Georgia suffered from hot, dry weather in the peak nut-ripening months of August through September 2018.

    No matter who started this delicious tradition, pecans continue to be a holiday favorite. But they are grown in the south, which has been experiencing increasing drought. This is especially true in New Mexico, where some researchers studied the effects of using brackish water to irrigate this tasty nut.

    A pecan orchard. The trees grow tall, and typically are watered for 14 to 21 days during the growing season. Flowers typically bloom in spring. Credit: Jerry A. Payne

    Water in the southwest is already in jeopardy. Winter snow and rains are not replenishing water sources. Summer heat increases its evaporation. When water comes in contact with rocks or other sources of salt, some salts dissolve in the water – a natural process. But as the water evaporates, that increases the salinity of the water, because salt does not evaporate along with the water. This salty water is called brackish, which has less salt than ocean water.

    An ancient civilization called the Hohokam found out the effects of using brackish water a long time ago. In good years, when rains could wash out some of the salt in the soils, crops did well. But over time, the soils became unproductive, and the Hohokam had to move on.

    Pecans are grown in the south, where conditions are warm for the fruits to grow. Shown: pecan nuts in shell on a tree. Credit: Brad Haire

    Some crops can tolerate higher amounts of salt than others. So, the New Mexico State University team tested pecans in the greenhouse by irrigating with various levels of salt in their irrigation water. They tested both the levels of salt in the irrigation water as well as the type of soil the pecans were grown in.

    Their results indicate that continuous irrigation with salty water can be done for up to one year. However, after that, the plants showed signs of stress: “burned” leaf edges, yellowing of leaves, and branch dieback. They also observed salt accumulation due to the water evaporation at the soil surface in their test plants.

    Current conditions in New Mexico mean that scientists and engineers need to step in and work to find ways to reduce the amount of salt in irrigation water. To be able to continue pecan production under drought conditions, the water will need to be desalinated. There are several methods to do this, but they are expensive. An alternative is to breed pecans that are more drought, and salt, tolerant.

    Pecans in their brown shell with pecan nuts woven throughout. Shelled pecans are eaten alone, or used as an ingredient in pies, pralines, and more. The 2020 value of the pecan market in the United States was about $400 million, with New Mexico being the leading state of production. Credit: Scott Bauer

    This article was written by Susan V. Fisk from research published in the Soil Science Society of America Journal: “Brackish groundwater and RO concentrate influence soil physical and thermal properties and pecan evapotranspiration,” doi:10.1002/saj2.20281.