Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

Tag: Almond Industry

  • Almond Award Nominations Open

    The Almond Board of California honors two industry or allied industry members annually. The nomination deadline for the 2026 awards is October 9, 2026. The winner of the Almond Achievement Award and the Almond Technical Achievement Award will be announced at the Wednesday, Dec. 9 luncheon at The Almond Conference.

    Almond Achievement Award

    Beginning in 2011, the goal of the Almond Achievement Award is to recognize an industry member who has added value through long-term service for the betterment of the California almond industry. Award recipients are individuals with long-standing and direct involvement, who demonstrate lasting impact on, and commitment to, the California almond industry.

    Ross Blackburn received the 2025 Almond Achievement Award at The Almond Conference in December.

    Nominate someone for the Almond Achievement Award here.

    Almond Technical Achievement Award

    Beginning in 2021, the goal of the Almond Technical Achievement Award is to recognize an industry or allied industry member who has contributed a significant technical advancement for the betterment of the California almond industry through research, innovation or facilitated adoption of practices. Award recipients have contributed significant research, facilitated an innovative practice, or assisted in the adoption of a practice for the betterment of the industry.

    Christine Gemperle was awarded the 2025 Almond Technical Achievement Award at The Almond Conference in December.

    Nominate someone for the Almond Technical Achievement Award  here.

  • Almond Alliance Gives Growers a Seat at the Table

    The California almond industry is resilient, but input cost, labor and water access remain constant worries for growers. The Almond Alliance is working at the state and federal level to give a voice to the growers of over 80% of the world’s almond supply. Matthew Malcolm with California Ag Network took the time to talk with Alliance Chair Blake Vann to learn about what’s going on in their organization. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Legal Compliance in the Almond Industry

    California can feel like a legal minefield with the potential lawsuits that almond growers can face. Knowing the latest laws and regulations, and how to be compliant with them, is more important than ever. Henderson Arreola Partner Stacy Henderson spoke with Matthew Malcolm to discuss some tactics for how growers can stay ahead of regulations. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Are GLP-1s a Threat or an Opportunity for the Almond Industry?

    GLP-1 weight loss drugs have been found to decrease consumption and lower household spending, thereby generating much discussion about their impact on appetites and on the almond industry. Terrain Ag analyst Matt Woolf spoke with Matthew Malcolm from California Ag Network to discuss what these drugs could mean for almond growers in California. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Almond Hulls Receive GRAS Status from FDA

    Almond hulls were recently given Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status by the FDA. This designation opens the door for them to be used in a variety of different food products, as they are high in fiber and phytonutrients. Almond Board of California CEO and President Clarice Turner spoke with Matthew Malcolm at California Ag Network to discuss this recent breakthrough and what it means for the almond industry. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Almond Board Announces 2026 Board of Directors

    The Almond Board of California (ABC) announced the results of the 2026 Board of Directors election. The names of the following nominees have been submitted to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture for final selection to terms of office beginning Aug. 1.

    “The success of our industry depends on the dedicated individuals willing to step forward and serve,” said Clarice Turner, president and CEO of the Almond Board of California. “On behalf of ABC, I want to thank all of the candidates who participated in this year’s election. Your commitment to advancing the California almond industry is deeply valued.”

    The Almond Board of California is made up of five grower and five handler representatives, each with an alternate, who collectively help guide the strategic direction of the almond industry. The Board sets policy and recommends budgets across key areas such as marketing, production research, nutrition research, quality control, and food safety.

    Independent Grower Position

    Grower Position No. 1: One-year term

    • Member: Tobin Barth, Esparto
    • Alternate: Paul Ewing, Atwater

    Independent Handler Positions

    Handler Position No. 1: Three-year term

    • Member: Dinesh Bajaj, Turlock
    • Alternate: Raj Samran, Ballico

    Handler Position No 3: One-year term

    • Member: Chad DeRose, McFarland
    • Alternate: Patrick Anderes, Fresno

    Cooperative Positions

    The following cooperative nominees were selected through their respective cooperative processes and will serve on the Almond Board of California:

    Cooperative Grower Position No 1: Three-year term

    • Member: George Goshgarian, Jr.
    • Alternate: Cathy Marsh

    Cooperative Handler Position No. 2: Three-year term

    • Member: Kabir Tumber
    • Alternate: Alicia Rockwell

    “The success of our industry depends on the dedicated individuals willing to step forward and serve,” said Clarice Turner, president and CEO of the Almond Board of California. “On behalf of ABC, I want to thank all of the candidates who participated in this year’s election. Your commitment to advancing the California almond industry is deeply valued.”

    The Almond Board of California is made up of five grower and five handler representatives, each with an alternate, who collectively help guide the strategic direction of the almond industry. The Board sets policy and recommends budgets across key areas such as marketing, production research, nutrition research, quality control, and food safety.

    Independent Grower Position

    Grower Position No. 1: One-year term

    • Member: Tobin Barth, Esparto
    • Alternate: Paul Ewing, Atwater

    Independent Handler Positions

    Handler Position No. 1: Three-year term

    • Member: Dinesh Bajaj, Turlock
    • Alternate: Raj Samran, Ballico

    Handler Position No. 3: One-year term

    • Member: Chad DeRose, McFarland
    • Alternate: Patrick Anderes, Fresno

    Cooperative Positions

    The following cooperative nominees were selected through their respective cooperative processes and will serve on the Almond Board of California:

    Cooperative Grower Position #1: 3-year term

    • Member: George Goshgarian, Jr.
    • Alternate: Cathy Marsh

    Cooperative Handler Position #2: 3-year term

    • Member: Kabir Tumber
    • Alternate: Alicia Rockwell

  • Shifting Economic Factors Impact Almond Growers

    The changing economic landscape is affecting growers across the board, and almonds are no exception. Factors like inflation are having an impact on orchards and are pushing back growers’ break-even years after planting. Matthew Malcolm with California Ag Network spoke recently with Matt Woolf of Terrain Ag to discuss the changing economics of almond growing. Watch this quick video and read more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Almond Market Reaching Stability

    Bearing acreage for California almonds has declined for the first time since 1995 and total acreage has been declining for over four years as the business reaches equilibrium. However, growers in California will continue to contribute about 80% of the global supply as production in other countries remains flat. Matthew Malcolm with California Ag Network talked to the Almond Board of California President and CEO Clarice Turner about these recent developments in the almond industry. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • High Heat Could Lead to Early Almond Harvest

    High early heat could result in a smaller nut set for almonds, though some larger hulls are being found. Meanwhile, orchards enjoyed a good bloom and growers may expect to harvest as early as July. Bountiful.ag Founder and CEO Megan Nunes spoke with Matthew Malcolm from California Ag Network about these findings in their first almond crop forecast of the 2026 season. Watch this video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Blue Diamond Growers Issues Almond Crop Estimate

    Blue Diamond Growers released its 2026 almond crop estimate recently at 2.69 billion pounds, falling between a total estimated range of 2.675 to 2.72 billion pounds. This estimate reflects early-season observations and data across California’s Central Valley, along with direct input from its nearly 3,000 grower-members. The report outlines the factors that inform the crop range and will guide the outlook as the season progresses.

    With the changes made to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s almond crop estimates, Blue Diamond is providing a scenario-based range intended to help stakeholders plan for the season ahead. The cooperative’s estimate is based on field-level observations, historical performance data and structured feedback gathered across varieties and counties.

    “Crop estimating is never a single-number exercise—conditions can vary dramatically by region, variety, and orchard management,” said Blue Diamond’d Chief Ag Officer Mel Machado. “By sharing a range and the inputs behind it, we aim to provide a practical, early framework that reflects what our team is seeing in the field and hearing directly from growers.”

    “Our cooperative was built to bring stability and market access for California almond farming families,” said Jeff Hatfield, chief global supply officer of Blue Diamond Growers. “Providing a clear, data-informed outlook supports better planning and helps reduce surprises that can create unnecessary volatility for growers and customers alike.”

    Blue Diamond noted that in-season conditions including heat events, pest pressure, water availability, and orchard investment decisions, can materially influence final receipts. The cooperative expects to continue sharing crop and market updates and will refine its outlook as additional information becomes available throughout the season. — Story provided by Blue Diamond Growers