Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

Tag: ABC

  • Almond Board Announces 2025 Election Results

    The Almond Board of California (ABC) has announced the Board of Directors election results, and the names of the following nominees have been submitted to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture for selection to terms of office beginning Aug. 1, 2025:

    Grower Position #1, Member:
    1-year term
    Paul Ewing, Atwater

    Grower Position #1, Alternate:
    Tobin Barth, Esparto

    Grower Position #2, Member:
    3-year term
    Brandon Rebiero, Modesto

    Grower Position #2, Alternate:
    Brad Klump, Escalon

    Handler Position #1, Member:
    3-year term (only one year of term remaining)
    Chad DeRose, McFarland

    Handler Position #3, Member:
    1-year term
    Darren Rigg, Le Grand

    Handler Position #3, Alternate:  
    Dinesh Bajaj, Orland

    Co-op Handler Position #1, Member:
    3-year term
    Laura Gerhard, Sacramento

    Co-op Handler Position #1, Alternate:
    Mel Machado, Modesto

    The Independent Handler Position #1 is normally a 3-year seat but was vacated part way through the term. The elected candidate for the member seat will only serve the remaining one year of the term. This position will be up for election again in 2026. The alternate position was not up for election.

    The ABC board is made up of five handler and five grower representatives, each with an alternate. It sets policy and recommends budgets in major areas, including marketing, production research, advertising, public relations, nutrition research, statistical reporting, quality control and food safety.

  • Regulators Gain First-Hand Insight at Almond Board Environmental Stewardship Tour

    Almond Board of California — More than 50 representatives from key regulatory agencies attended the Almond Board of California’s (ABC) annual Environmental Stewardship Tour on May 9, an initiative created over 20 years ago to provide policymakers with practical insights into almond farming and industry stewardship practices. This year’s tour took place at orchards owned by the Bowman family in Modesto, where attendees gained a direct view of daily farming decisions and innovative stewardship research.

    Garret Bowman, a fourth-generation almond grower, along with his sons, welcomed attendees and explained his approach to orchard management through the growing season. He covered essential practices for irrigation and nutrient management, pest control, varieties and rootstocks. Bowman’s Pest Control Advisor demonstrated equipment used for monitoring navel orangeworm flights. This demonstration illustrated the complexity and deliberate nature of pest management practices, highlighting the thoughtful decision-making process growers undertake to optimize both crop yield and environmental health.

    Abhijeet Kulkarni, ABC’s principal of technical and trade issues, described the significance of directly engaging regulators in orchard settings. “Fundamentally, it’s about outreach to various regulatory agencies that impact our industry,” Kulkarni explained. “Many of these decision-makers don’t have extensive backgrounds in agriculture, so this tour provides them with the context needed to fully appreciate what growers deal with on a day-to-day basis.”

    A key feature of the tour was a longer-term nitrogen research project led by UC Davis’s Dr. Thomas Harter, examining the impact of moving to high-frequency, low dose nitrogen applications on the potential for off-site movement of nitrogen. With 21 groundwater monitoring wells and sophisticated analysis of nitrogen movement, this multi-disciplinary research provides unique data on agricultural practices’ influence on groundwater quality and greenhouse gas emissions. And it is one of the few locations where current models of leaching are being fact-checked.

    UC Davis’s Thomas Harter describes his ongoing research on nitrogen application and leaching during the tour.

    Early findings indicate significant reductions in nitrogen leaching below the root zone, demonstrating the practice change not only improves nitrogen use efficiency, but can lessen environmental impacts. “This research allows regulators to see firsthand the industry’s proactive efforts to minimize environmental impact through scientifically informed practices,” Kulkarni noted.

    Following the orchard tour, participants gathered for lunch at Marlin Flory’s barn, where ABC staff, led by ABC’s Director of Environmental Policy Gabriele Ludwig, presented additional updates on current stewardship research and outreach efforts. This session sparked active dialogue, with regulatory staff posing thoughtful questions about irrigation practices, almond byproduct utilization, and other aspects of almond production.

    During lunch, ABC’s Gabriele Ludwig answers questions and informed participants of other stewardship research ABC is supporting.

    “Regulators asked insightful questions on everything from how growers choose almond varieties to irrigation technology and sustainability practices,” Kulkarni said. “For many, this was their first time in an almond orchard, and the experience clearly opened their eyes to the intricate realities growers navigate daily.”

    Attendees included senior staff from agencies such as the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, California Air Resources Board, California Department of Food and Agriculture, the head of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service for California, and the head of Region 9 of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). By the following Monday, EPA officials in Washington D.C. had already heard about the value of the tour.

    “We can’t directly influence regulatory decisions,” Kulkarni concluded, “but through education and open dialogue, we can ensure decision-makers understand our industry’s proactive role in environmental stewardship.”

  • Almond Board Helps Growers with NRCS Funding Applications

    The Almond Board of California (ABC) has introduced a new feature in its California Almond Stewardship Platform (CASP) that streamlines the process for growers applying for Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) funding from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

    The new CSP report in CASP is designed to facilitate the initial visit to NRCS offices. While it doesn’t change the paperwork required by NRCS, it helps start the conversation with NRCS conservationists by translating the practices implemented on the farm into NRCS practice codes. “This translation makes it easier for NRCS staff to understand the grower’s operation(s) and assess their eligibility for the CSP program,” said Michael Roots, ABC’s manager of field outreach and education.

    The new feature is designed to add value to the CASP system, which already helps growers self-assess their orchards. ABC worked closely with NRCS and CASP-partners SureHarvest to ensure the report’s usefulness for both growers and NRCS offices. By having this new report, growers will be well-equipped when beginning conversations with their local NRCS office about funding for conservation practices.

    Roots noted that the summary report creates an easy snapshot of a grower’s operation, possibly identifying other potential funding opportunities. “By simplifying the initial visit and providing a comprehensive overview of farm practices, the report opens doors to various incentive programs that can benefit growers and enhance their operations.”

    The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) provides assistance for growers who are looking to implement soil health practices. Roots said that a lot of growers are already doing some of these practices and could find funding to help expand those efforts. “The CSP program offers per-acre payments to growers for implementing practices that enhance soil health and overall farm sustainability,” he said. “These practices can include cover cropping, planting hedgerows and dust reduction on farm roads, as well as others. While the specifics of eligible practices are best understood by consulting local NRCS offices, the CSP program aims to reward growers for their efforts in maintaining and improving their stewardship practices.”

    Roots emphasized the importance of contacting local NRCS offices to understand the current status of funding and application acceptance. “Given the fluctuations in funding availability, reaching out to local offices can provide clarity on whether new applications are being accepted and what steps growers can take to prepare their applications”.

    Beyond the new CSP report, the California Almond Stewardship Platform offers numerous benefits to growers. After taking the initial self-assessment, the Platform provides tools like irrigation and nitrogen calculators, comparison reports, and a data share option that allows growers to share their data with handlers to help their conversations with buyers. These features help growers optimize their practices and contribute valuable data to the almond industry’s story.

    For growers interested in learning more about CASP and the new CSP report, visit AlmondStewardship.org. To check the availability of NRCS programs and start the application process, contact your local NRCS office.

  • Overwhelming Grower Support to Continue Almond Board of California

    The Almond Board of California is pleased to announce that California almond growers voted to continue their almond federal marketing order program for five more years.

    Voting was held Dec. 4 to Dec. 20, 2024, and 90.5 percent of voting growers, who together made up 93.3 percent of the almond volume represented in the voting, supported continuing the marketing order.

    The USDA conducts a continuance referendum every five years for the Almond Board of California (ABC) marketing order. The marketing order was established by the industry in 1950 to help growers and handlers work together to address the ever-changing demands on the industry changes and to drive global demand and drive marketing success.

    For the marketing order to remain in effect, it required approval from at least two-thirds of voting growers or two-thirds of the volume of almonds represented in the vote. Growers must have produced California almonds between Aug. 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024 to take part in the voting.

    The vote represents the California almond industry’s confidence in the Almond Board and the many programs it administers and funds with industry assessment dollars. California almonds are the state’s No. 1 crop by acreage, No. 1 ag export, No. 5 crop by value and the No. 1 specialty crop export in the U.S.

    ABC’s initiatives have strengthened key areas such as domestic and international marketing, nutrition research, data collection, production research, environmental stewardship and food safety and quality. By working together, the almond industry has developed valuable tools for growers, driven demand worldwide and achieved impressive milestones over the years.

    More than 200 industry members serve on the Almond Board’s Board of Directors, committees and work groups, and ABC works to engage as many industry members as possible in planning ABC programs and to encourage growers from widely diverse segments of the almond industry to participate in activities.

    Industry members are encouraged to attend one of ABC’s many public committee and Board of Directors meetings held throughout the year. A meeting schedule may be found at Almonds.com/Events.

  • Almond Board of California Calls for 2025 Board of Directors Candidates

    The 2025 election cycle for the Almond Board of California (ABC) Board of Directors launches on Friday, Feb. 7 with the call to all potential candidates to file their intent to run by April 1, 2025.

    A one-year and a three-year seat are open to represent independent growers in the 2025-26 crop year, and a one-year and a three-year seat are also open to represent independent handlers. Alternate seats for those positions are open, as well. Voting starts April 21 and ends May 22.

    To qualify for an independent grower or alternate seat, candidates must be a current grower and must submit a petition signed by at least 15 independent almond growers, which ABC will verify. Independent handler and alternate candidates must declare their intention in writing to ABC.

    All details, documents, open positions, the election timeline and deadlines, and frequently asked questions can be found at Almonds.com/Elections.

    All petitions and declarations must state the position for which the candidate is running and be sent to abcbodelections@almondboard.com or printed and mailed to ABC, 1150 Ninth St., Suite 1500, Modesto, CA 95354. The deadline for all filings is April 1. Potential candidates who’d like more information can contact ABC at abcbodelections@almondboard.com.

    “The ABC Board of Directors plays a crucial role in the success of our industry,” said ABC President and CEO Clarice Turner. “More than 7,600 growers and 100 handlers count on Board leadership to guide the work of the Almond Board. It’s crucial to have dedicated people from across the industry to help navigate these complicated times and work toward a positive, prosperous future.”

    The ABC board sets policy and recommends budgets in major areas, including marketing, production research, public relations and advertising, nutrition research, statistical reporting, quality control and food safety.

    Serving on the Board provides an opportunity to help shape the future of the almond industry and to help guide ABC in its mission to promote California almonds to domestic and international audiences through marketing efforts, funding and promoting studies about almonds’ health benefits, and ensuring best-of-class agricultural practices and food safety.

    ABC encourages eligible women, minorities and people with disabilities to consider running for a position on the Board of Directors to reflect the diversity of the industry it serves.

  • Almond Board Announces Exceptional 2025 Almond Leadership Class

    The Almond Board of California is proud to announce the Almond Leadership Program class of 2025, a group of 18 exceptional professionals expected to help lead the industry into the future.

    Bayer Crop Science has sponsored the Almond Leadership Program (ALP) for a number of years and is again the sponsor of this 2025 class of next-generation leaders who were chosen from more than 40 highly qualified applicants. They come from diverse backgrounds across the full range of the industry and include growers and processors, sales representatives, agronomists, pest control advisors, supply chain analysts, ag realtors and more.

    ALP began in 2009 and has graduated 244 industry members. Dozens now serve on ABC workgroups, committees and even the Board of Directors.

    “This 2025 class is outstanding. They are bright, accomplished and they care about our industry,” said Rebecca Bailey, the ABC senior specialist who oversees ALP. “This program helps great people become great leaders and our industry continues to see the huge benefits from 16 years of this program. We are certain these 18 people will continue to be great assets and advocates for the almond industry.”

    Members of this 16th class – while still working at their jobs – will be immersed in every aspect of the industry, including ABC activities in global marketing, production, nutrition research, food safety and more. They’ll sharpen their communication skills and build lasting relationships with industry leaders, ABC staff and each other.

    “The Almond Leadership Program brings together passionate people from all parts of the industry to learn, collaborate and grow,” said Katie Driver, a class member and technical service manager with UPL. “Through this experience, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the almond industry so that I can better support the growers, who make it all happen.”

    Class members are guided by volunteer mentors – many of them ALP graduates – who will help them develop the skills, knowledge and perspective to improve their industry and their communities.

    “Being a mentor gives me the chance to pass along not just what I’ve learned in the last 25 years as a farmer and a conservation biologist but the new challenges we face every year,” said mentor Christine Gemperle, a grower and member of ABC’s Board of Directors. “I believe this next generation of industry leaders has the ability to take that knowledge and grow an even better future for California almonds.”

    The leadership program will also offer class members thorough looks at the impacts on the industry of social, economic, environmental and regulatory issues. In addition,

    participants will take on a yearlong, self-directed project focused on improving the California almond industry. Some past projects have led to important breakthroughs for the industry.

    Leadership class members kicked off their training with a two-day orientation at the ABC offices in Modesto, which included one-on-one talks with their mentors and hearing from ABC CEO Clarice Turner.

    Once again, class members will raise money for California FFA, pledging to raise more than $25,000 in scholarships for high school students interested in pursuing agriculture in college. Through the years, ALP has raised more than $320,000 for FFA.

    The 2025 Almond Leadership class members are:

    • Arik Bains of Turlock, a pest control advisor with Wilbur Ellis.
    • Cristal Da Silveria of Modesto, a plant and food safety supervisor with Grizzly Nut.
    • Katie Driver of Woodland, a technical service manager with UPL.
    • Raquel Gomez of Atwater, a technical agronomist with Brandt.
    • Zach Harcksen of Ballico, a pest control advisor with Mid Valley Agricultural Services.
    • Evan Koftinow of Los Banos, an operations manager with RPAC.
    • Laine LaGrande of Colusa, a product and system specialist of high value crops with John Deere.
    • Brenden Lusk of Modesto, an ag realtor with Real Broker.
    • Joseph McManus of Shafter, a farm manager with Wilson Ag.
    • Luis Mendoza of Denair, a sales representative with Syngenta.
    • Rajan Nagra of Yuba City, a sales representative with Flory Industries/COE Orchard Equipment.
    • Crystal Nay of Manteca, the managing editor of Modern Ag Media.
    • Ricky Robledo of Colusa, a sales manager with TRECE Inc.
    • Kiki Sandrini of Bakersfield, a regional sales manager with Chandler Automation.
    • Ranvir Tung of Selma, the general manager of Tung Corporation.
    • Elizabeth Vander Weide of Sacramento, a supply chain analyst for Blue Diamond Growers.
    • Jake Wiley of Chico, a sales manager with ProFarm Group.
    • Bobbie Williams of Tracy, a clinical dietitian and almond grower with Sutter Memorial Medical Center in Modesto and WMD Farms.

  • Almond Board of California Announces 2024 Elections

    Elections for the Almond Board of California (ABC) Board of Directors will launch for the 2024-2025 crop year on Friday, Feb. 9 with the call to all candidates to file their petitions or declarations of candidacy by April 1, 2024.

    The industry will choose people to hold two independent grower positions and two independent handler positions on the ABC Board of Directors in voting that starts April 22 and ends May 23. Alternate seats for those spots are also open.

    To be considered for an independent grower or alternate seat, candidates must be a current grower and must submit a petition signed by at least 15 independent almond growers (as verified by ABC). Independent handler and alternate candidates must declare their intention in writing to ABC.

    All details, documents, open positions, the election timeline and deadlines, and frequently asked questions can be found at Almonds.com/Elections. All petitions and declarations must state the position for which the candidate is running and be sent to abcbodelections@almondboard.com or printed and mailed to ABC, 1150 Ninth St., Suite 1500, Modesto, CA 95354. The deadline for all filings is April 1. Potential candidates who’d like more information can contact ABC at abcbodelections@almondboard.com.

    “The ABC Board of Directors is tremendously important to the success of our industry,” said ABC President and CEO Clarice Turner. “More than 7,600 growers and 100 handlers count on them to guide the work of the Almond Board and to help the industry navigate these complicated times and work toward a positive future.”

    The ABC board sets policy and recommends budgets in major areas, including marketing, production research, public relations and advertising, nutrition research, statistical reporting, quality control and food safety.

    Getting involved provides an opportunity to help shape the future of the almond industry and to help guide ABC in its mission to promote California almonds to domestic and international audiences through marketing efforts, funding and promoting studies about almonds’ health benefits, and ensuring best-of-class agricultural practices and food safety.

    ABC encourages eligible women, minorities and people with disabilities to consider running for a position on the Board of Directors to reflect the diversity of the industry it serves.

    About the Almond Board of California
    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. ABC is a non-profit organization that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the USDA. It was established in 1950 and is based in Modesto, CA. For more information on the Almond Board or California almonds, visit Almonds.com.

  • California Almonds Take Over Mexico City

    Mexico is one of ten markets in the Almond Board of California’s (ABC) diversified portfolio of countries focused on building global demand for California almonds. ABC marketing initiatives in Mexico began in 2018 and ABC is optimistic about the continued growth potential in the market with consumers looking for healthy food options. Position report numbers for the region strengthens that optimism as shipments to Mexico through May 2023 have increased 9% over the previous crop year.

    During the first two months of 2023 and around National Almond Day efforts, California almonds took to the streets of Mexico by driving two mobile billboard trucks, covered with almond advertising creative, to top locations in Mexico City. “For the first time ever, the board hosted a special event-based activity in this market through a variety of in-person gatherings and by driving interactive mobile billboard trucks around the city”, said Becky Jeffers, ABC manager, North America marketing. The billboard trucks visited nine shopping malls, 20 supermarkets and 15 gyms. At each stop, ABC hosted interactive events like snack workshops, giveaways, and yoga and meditation classes. “This type of activity reinforces the relevancy of almonds to consumers and is a great complement to our year-long advertising and public relations efforts in the Mexico marketplace”, Jeffers added.

    ABC partnered with popular influencers for the special events – which included podcast host Romina Sacre who has over 230K Instagram followers, Soulfood Luz Colsa who has over 630K Instagram followers, and fitness trainer Ceci Aguilera who has over 150K Instagram followers.

    Colsa held a snack workshop showing how to add almonds into tasty foods that Mexican consumers are accustomed to enjoying. Aquilera hosted a fitness bootcamp and Sacre hosted a meditation workshop. Sacre also invited a select few lucky consumers to her podcast recording studio where she recorded an episode about almonds. Each of these influencers also posted on social media about why they love almonds and these special events. Through the different activities and mobile advertising, the campaign reached over 360 million impressions in the Mexico market. — Article & Image Courtesy of the Almond Board of California

  • New Directors at Almond Board of California Begin Terms

    The new Board of Directors of the Almond Board of California (ABC) took their seats this week with four voting members beginning new terms to help guide ABC’s support of one of California’s most important crops.

    Board members, whose terms officially began Aug. 1, also elected Alexi Rodriguez as chair and re-elected George Goshgarian Jr. as vice chair.

    “Our industry is facing many challenges right now,” said Rodriguez. “I’m looking forward to working with this talented and dedicated board and organization. I believe we have the resources and experience to navigate these complicated times.”

    The 10-member ABC board has five grower members – three representing independent growers and two representing cooperative growers – and five handler members, also with three independent and two co-op representatives. Some members sit in three-year seats, others in one-year positions.

    The grower representatives elected or re-elected in this year’s elections are:

    • Paul Ewing, an independent from RPAC, LLC in Los Banos. He was re-elected to a one-year term.
    • Brandon Rebiero, an independent grower from Gold Leaf Farming in Modesto who previously served as an alternate and was elected to a three-year term.

    The handler representatives were re-elected in both positions this year. They are:

    • Darren Rigg, an independent handler from Minturn Nut Co. in Le Grand. He was re-elected to a one-year term.
    • Mel Machado, a co-op handler with Blue Diamond Growers from Modesto re-elected to a three-year term.

    In addition, the board has three alternates elected or re-elected this year:

    • Katie Staack-Dorsett, an independent grower with Grizzly Nut, LLC from Waterford This is her first term as an alternate.
    • Chad DeRose, an independent handler with Famoso Nut Co., LLC in McFarland, who was re-elected.
    • Mark Jansen, a co-op handler with Blue Diamond Growers from Sacramento who was also re-elected.

    This is the full board:

    VOTING MEMBERS                                                                                      TERM

    Grower #1:            Paul Ewing, RPAC, LLC                                                 1 year

    Grower #2:            Brandon Rebiero, Gold Leaf Farming                            3 years

    Grower #3:            Joe Gardiner, Treehouse California Almonds, LLC       3 years

    Handler #1:           Alexi Rodriguez, Campos Brothers                                3 years

    Handler #2:           Bob Silveira, Vann Family Orchards                              3 years

    Handler #3:           Darren Rigg, Minturn Nut Co. Inc.                                  1 year

    Co-op Grower #1: George Goshgarian Jr., Goshgarian Farming Co.        3 years

    Co-op Grower #2: Christine Gemperle, Gemperle Orchards                      3 years

    Co-op Handler #1: Mel Machado, Blue Diamond Growers                          3 years

    Co-op Handler #2: Alicia Rockwell, Blue Diamond Growers                       3 years

    ALTERNATES

    Grower #1:             Katie Staack-Dorsett, Grizzly Nut, LLC

    Grower #2:             Vacant

    Grower #3:             Chris Bettencourt, Suvik Farms

    Handler #1:            Ron Fisher, Fisher Nut Company

    Handler #2:            Dexter Long, Hilltop Ranch, Inc.

    Handler #3:            Chad DeRose, Famoso Nut Company, LLC

    Co-op Grower #1:  Kelli Evans, Evans Farming

    Co-op Grower #2:  Kent Stenderup, Stenderup Ag Partners

    Co-op Handler #1: Mark Jansen, Blue Diamond Growers

    Co-op Handler #2: Dean LaVallee, Blue Diamond Growers

    The ABC board sets policy and approves budgets in major areas, including production research, public relations and advertising, nutrition research, statistical reporting, quality control and food safety.

    ABC is a Federal Marketing Order dedicated to promoting California almonds to domestic and international audiences through marketing efforts and by funding and promoting studies about almonds’ health benefits, as well as ensuring sustainable agricultural practices and food safety.

    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, ABC is a non-profit organization that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. For more information on the Almond Board of California or almonds, visit Almonds.com or check out California Almonds on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and the California Almonds blog.

  • California Almond Subjective Forecast Estimates Smaller Crop

    The 2022 California Almond Subjective Forecast published by the U. S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) estimates that the crop harvested in 2022 will come in at 2.8 billion pounds, 4 percent below last year’s 2.92 billion pounds.

    Forecasted yield is 2,040 pounds per acre, 8 percent below the 2021 yield of 2,210 per acre.

    Richard Waycott, Almond Board of California

    “A lower crop estimate was not totally unexpected versus last year’s 2.9 billion pounds,” said Richard Waycott, president and CEO of the Almond Board of California (ABC). “Some growers’ crops this spring were impacted by frost, while all growers are managing continuing concerns about water availability. However, demand for California almonds around the globe remains strong and California almond growers are prepared to meet that demand.”

    The Subjective Forecast is the first of two production reports from NASS for the coming crop year. It is based on opinions from a phone survey conducted from April 19 to May 6 of randomly selected California almond growers. The sample of growers, which changes every year, is spread across regions and different sized operations.

    On July 8, NASS will release its second production estimate, the 2022 California Almond Objective Report, which is considered more accurate and is based on actual almond counts using a more statistically rigorous methodology to determine yield.

    This Subjective Forecast comes two weeks after NASS released the 2021 California Almond Acreage Report, which gave a preliminary estimate for bearing acreage in 2022 at 1.37 million acres, about 3.8 percent larger than its estimate for 2021 of 1.32 million bearing acres.

    NASS conducts the annual Subjective Forecast, Objective Report and Acreage Report to provide the California almond industry with the data needed to make informed business decisions. These reports are the official industry crop estimates.