Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

Tag: American Pistachio Growers

  • American Pistachio Growers Awarded $5 Million Healthy Soils Grant

    American Pistachio Growers (APG) has been awarded a $5 million grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to help growers adopt healthy soils practices in the Golden State.  The grant is a part of the California Healthy Soils Initiative, a collaboration of state agencies and departments that promotes the development of healthy soils on California’s farmlands and ranchlands.

    The grant to APG is among 14 grants funded through the CDFA Healthy Soils Block Grant Pilot Program, which awarded $62 million in soils block grants in 2023 to various organizations.  The program will fund projects for three years, with a limit of $200,000 per project over the lifetime of the grant. The objective is to better connect farmers and ranchers with programs that encourage and incentivize the implementation of management practices that sequester carbon, reduce atmospheric greenhouse gases, and improve overall soil health.

    “As the non-profit trade association for the pistachio industry, American Pistachio Growers is uniquely positioned to assist growers in implementing and managing various Healthy Soils Block Grant qualified projects,” said Wes Wilson, APG Director of Member Services and Communications. “We look forward to connecting growers with these valuable programs that will not only improve the overall health of our California soils, but have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon, all while increasing yields and reducing traditional inputs.”

    The agreement with the CDFA Office of Environ mental Farming and Innovation (OEFI) was executed on December 5, 2023, with grower applications opening January 1, 2024.  APG anticipates funding more than 30 projects, with special consideration given to growers who qualify as Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers or have farms of 500 acres or less.

    APG will conduct outreach and accept applications from growers in Kern, Tulare, Kings, Fresno, Madera and Merced counties. Under the program, qualifying practices include compost application, cover crop planting and management, mulching, hedgerow planting, nutrient management that results in a 15% or greater reduction in fertilizer application, residue and tillage management, and prescribed grazing.

    “Our pistachio growers are true innovators and conservationists, and this grant will bring even greater awareness to the importance of healthy soils in our pistachio orchards,” added Wilson. “It’s a benefit not only for growers but also for all Californians.”

    Growers who have questions or need additional information can contact Wilson at (559) 289-9375, wwilson@americanpistachios.org, or Carlee Branco at (559) 410-7482, cbranco@americanpistachios.org.

    American Pistachio Growers is the non-profit trade association representing more than 865 growers and member processors in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.

  • IKD Concern for Golden Hills Pistachio Variety

    Internal Kernel Discoloration (IKD) is a recent cosmetic concern discovered in the Golden and Lost Hills varieties of pistachios, which now make up about half of the total planted acreage of California pistachios.  While IKD is only noticeable inside the kernel and does not alter the flavor of the nut and is of no food safety concern, USDA Specialty Crops Inspection has indicated that they intend to consider this as a defect under the voluntary USDA Grades and Standards for pistachios and would score it as “damage”.  The industry strongly disagrees with USDA on this as it would cause unnecessary and costly problems should they choose to move forward with this.  Watch this brief interview with Bob Klein from the California Pistachio Research Board to learn more.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor G3 Enterprises for their industry support.

  • Boxing Champion Jose Ramirez Joins and Supports Pistachio Industry

    World Champion Boxer and Olympian Jose Ramirez grew up in the Central Valley and spent some of his youth working in the fields.  Both inside and outside the ring, he has been an advocate for farm water rights, immigration reform, farmers, and farm workers.  Watch this brief interview at the American Pistachio Growers annual luncheon featuring Jose taking his involvement with agriculture to the next level.  Read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor G3 Enterprises for their industry support.

  • Bob Schramm Retires, APG Selects New Federal Advocacy Firm

    Back at the annual American Pistachio Growers (APG) Conference, longtime federal advocate for the association — Bob Schramm was paid special tribute for his dedicated service to the U.S. pistachio industry.  Schramm is now transitioning into retirement, and he has worked with APG in selecting a new firm to take his place in representing and protecting the interests of the pistachio industry at the federal level. Watch this video to learn more, and be sure to keep up with the activities of APG in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Thunder Creek Equipment for their industry support.

  • World Boxing Champion Jose Ramirez to be Featured at American Pistachio Growers Luncheon

    American Pistachio Growers (APG) Annual Membership luncheon is coming up on Friday, July 28th at the Visalia Convention Center.  In addition to pistachio crop and marketing updates, APG is excited to have world boxing champion and Central Valley native Jose Ramirez joining the growers for the program.  Watch this video featuring Wes Wilson from APG to learn more, and register to attend HERE.  Pacific Nut Producer Magazine is proud to partner with APG for this special event, so be sure to see us there.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Thunder Creek Equipment for their industry support.

  • Midseason Pistachio Crop Forecast and Shipment Update

    As U.S. Pistachio growers anticipate a larger crop this season, watch this brief interview with Richard Matoian from American Pistachio Growers on just how large a crop may come to fruition this season, as well as some great news on the rise in pistachio export shipping trends.  Read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine. (Editor’s Note: We are pleased to announce an additional news anchor, Joseph Malcolm, debuted in this video report)

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Thunder Creek Equipment for their industry support.

  • LeadOn, American Pistachio Growers Leadership Program Introduces Largest Class Ever

    American Pistachio Growers (APG) recently announced its 13th LeadOn pistachio industry leadership class.  Selecting motivated individuals with vested interest in the success and future of the U.S. pistachio industry, APG has developed this program to prepare the next generation of pistachio industry leaders.  This year-long program is designed to provide a unique experience, consisting of leadership training and industry education seminars led by APG and industry leaders, hands-on educational opportunities that build upon the knowledge base provided by seminar presenters, field experience and a firsthand view of how the pistachio Committees/Board work, to prepare participants for leadership service.<

    En route to graduate at APG’s annual conference in February 2024, this will be the largest class to go through the program.  The LeadOn class this year includes:

    -Mindy Cunha, P Cunha Farms

    -Phillip Cunha, P Cunha Farms

    -Yazmin DeLeon, Horizon Nut Company

    -Adrian Diaz, Chandler Automation

    -Amarinder Dosanjh, Doaba Farming

    -Karandeep Gill, Prestige Ranch LLC

    -Carolyn Gleason, West Hills Farm Services

    -Matthew Guzman, Sol Aureus Farms

    -Martin Herrera, California Ag Solutions

    -Udhay Kahlon, RHM Farms

    -Mitchell Keenan, Keenan Farms

    -Matthew Malcolm, Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

    -Amir Pars, Primex International

    -Julio Ramos, Setton Farms

    -April Ramos, Touchstone Pistachio Company

    -Jonathan Romero, Laborde Land Co LLC

    -Scott Schuil, Schuil Ag Real Estate

    -Jason Searle, Searle Ranch

    -Brandon Spain, Manulife Investment Management Farmland Management Services

    -Holly Sylvester-Lopez, Horizon Nut Company

    -Chase Thomas, Ultra Gro

    -Hector Vaca, M&E Vaca Farms

    -Jimi Valov, Valov Brothers Farms

    -Tyler Zion, Meridian Growers

    Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm

    Pacific Nut Producer is proud to have its Editor-In-Chief, Matthew Malcolm, in the LeadOn program this year.  “I have always admired American Pistachio Growers, the organization’s leadership and members,” Malcolm shared.  “I’m thrilled to participate with my fellow class members in learning to become a stronger advocate and voice for the western pistachio industry through this program.”

    APG convened its 13th LeadOn program at the International Agri-Center in Tulare on March 16th, where APG President, Richard Matoian provided an orientation of the program and overview of the mission of APG, which is to collectively advance the American Pistachio industry through research, promotion, advocacy and programs that directly benefit our members. Following Matoian’s remarks, UCCE Farm Advisor Emeritus Bob Beede spent the rest of the day with the group covering Pistachio Production 101.  This was the first of many gatherings for the new LeadOn class.  Those going through the program will invest 62-74 hours over the course of a year participating in board/committee meetings, training seminars, industry tours, and of course, APG’s annual Pistachio Industry Conference.

    American Pistachio Growers President Richard Matoian addressing the 13th LeadOn class for their initial orientation and training in Tulare, CA.

  • Yan Can Cook with Pistachios, Introducing APG’s Newest Ambassador

    American Pistachio Growers was pleased to introduce their newest ambassador Martin Yan at their recent annual conference in a fun cooking competition setting.  World-renowned chef, famous for his 1982 cooking show, Yan’s new motto might very well be “Yan Can Cook with Pistachios and So Can You.” Watch this video and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

    Special Thanks to American Pistachio Growers for sponsoring this video.

  • Pistachios Named Nut of the Year and Economic Impact

    In a recent national food trends report, pistachios were named nut of the year.  Pistachio color, flavor and natural health benefits were highlighted as an official 2023 trend.  Watch this brief interview with Judy Hirigoyen from American Pistachio Growers (APG) as she explains the significance of this announcement.  Hirigoyen also highlights APG’s recent economic impact study.  Read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

    Special Thanks to American Pistachio Growers for sponsoring this video.

  • Remarkable Export Market Growth Shared at American Pistachio Conference

    Watch this interview with American Pistachio Growers President Richard Matoian as he provides the latest shipment trends for US pistachios with remarkable results.  As shared at their annual pistachio industry conference, Matoian also conveys a realistic forecast for the future of the western pistachio industry, weighing out both concerns and confidence moving ahead.

    Special Thanks to American Pistachio Growers for sponsoring this video.