Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

Tag: Central Valley agriculture

  • Valadao Welcomes Brooke Rollins to Bakersfield

    Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) hosted USDA Sec. Brooke Rollins last Friday at Allied Potato for a roundtable discussion on the challenges facing Central Valley growers, ranchers and producers.

    The event brought together agricultural leaders from across the region to discuss key industry priorities and celebrate the USDA’s finalizing of the Specialty Crops Farmers program. This will provide $1.6 billion in payments to eligible specialty crop producers to help offset rising input costs and market disruptions — $625 million more than previously announced.

    Prior to the roundtable, Valadao and Rollins toured Allied Potato, where the visited the fields and observed the processing and packaging operations. Attendees included representatives from the California Farm Bureau, Western Growers, Wonderful Citrus, California Dairies Inc., Milk Producer’s Council, California Citrus Mutual, Grimmway Farms, Western Tree Nut Association, Blue Diamond Almonds, California Fresh Fruit Association, California Farmworker Foundation, Family Tree Farms, Monte Vista Farming Company, and Cauzza Growers.

    “Agriculture drives the Central Valley’s economy, and I was honored to welcome USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to Bakersfield for a discussion with local agricultural leaders today,” Valadao said “For years, I’ve worked closely with producers across the Valley to address the challenges they face—rising input costs, workforce shortages, burdensome regulations, and the need for a stronger specialty crop safety net—and this conversation reinforced the importance of continued collaboration. As the sole dairy farmer in Congress, I understand these issues firsthand, which is why I was proud to join the Secretary as she announced USDA finalized $1.6 billion in assistance for specialty crop growers to help offset high costs and market disruptions. I appreciate her engagement with our local leaders, and I look forward to continuing to work with USDA on commonsense policies that support Central Valley agriculture and give producers the certainty they need to plan for the future.”

    “Thank you Congressman Valadao, a leader on the House Commitee on Agriculture, for hosting an incredible roundtable today at Allied Potato here in your beautiful Bakersfield, California. Your extraordinary farmers, ranchers, and dairymen exemplify what it means to feed the country and the world,” Rollins said. “Everyday, the Trump Administration is putting Farmers First. As we announced after the roundtable, we are committed to ensuring the economic strength of our specialty crop operations as  we continue opening  new markets abroad and strengthening demand domestically for American produce. Congressman Valadao was critical to helping pass the Working Families Tax Cut Act, which is already helping over 63,000 California farms sell more agriculture products than any other state, protecting 2 million family farms from the death tax, increasing reference prices for the first time in more than a decade, and making the largest investment in rural America in history. And we are just getting started.”

  • California Orchards Blossom with NRCS Help Managing Pests

    California’s Central Valley is a land of agricultural abundance, known for its incredible diversity of crops including fruits, vegetables and nuts. It produces approximately 25% of the nation’s food.

    But with plenty can come pests – in as many varieties and types as the crops grown in the region. Area farmers have worked with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to implement integrated pest management into their orchard operations with marked results.

    Sandra and Mike Smith of Smith Family Farm in Fresno, California, showed NRCS Chief Aubrey Bettencourt the benefits of the practices that they have incorporated with NRCS assistance as they toured their 36-acre almond orchard.

    Established in 1903, the farm is on the cusp of welcoming its fifth generation of farmers. By adapting their operations to increase conservation and sustainability practices, the Smiths hope to pass on a rich legacy to their young granddaughters.

    The Smiths highlighted the impact that integrated pest management practices – notably hormone disruptors – have had in their fight to combat navel orangeworms in their almond orchards.

    “We were at 17.1% loss of our almond crop two years ago because of the infestation of navel orangeworms,” Mike Smith told Chief Bettencourt. “Once we implemented the mating disrupters, we were able to bring our almond reject numbers down to 1.1%.”

    Navel orangeworms burrow into almond nuts to feed on the kernel, damaging the nut and impacting producers’ overall yield and harvest quality. Deploying pheromone-based mating disruption tools can reduce navel orangeworm populations by hindering male moths’ ability to locate females.

    The Smiths have also leaned on NRCS technical assistance to implement other conservation techniques to increase the health of their orchard. The family now prioritizes composting and increasing organic matter, guided by the knowledge gained through NRCS collaboration.

    Further north, Chinchiolo Farming Co., Inc., a family-run business located in Lodi, California, is managing orchards of a different kind while embracing similar production practices.

    Producer James Patrick Chinchiolo has worked to uphold a century-old farming legacy, started by great grandfather Italian immigrant James Joseph Chinchiolo. Chinchiolo has worked with NRCS to incorporate a number of conservation practices including cover crops, tractor replacements, orchard removal and soil incorporation.

    Like the Smiths, Chinchiolo has dealt with pest issues, incorporating a Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems (BIOS) approach in managing his orchards. The BIOS system aligns with NRCS principles, embracing the implementation of conservation practices like cover cropping, beneficial insect habitat, and compost application to keep pests at bay.

    “We aim to foster a more ecologically balanced environment within our orchards,” Chinchiolo said during his discussion with Chief Bettencourt. “We are focusing on minimizing our inputs and creating more habitat for beneficial insects to flourish to help control unwanted pests.”

    Conservation practices like cover cropping and compost application not only help pollinators flourish – a crucial part of growing beautiful cherries – they also protect the trees’ overall health, improving soil structure and water retention.

    After last summer’s heat impacted this year’s cherry crop, Chinchiolo is working to take additional measures to make his trees more heat resistant in preparation for next season.

    “Growing cherries is never predictable. But it’s always beautiful.” Chinchiolo said.

    Helping People Help the Land

    During her visit, Chief Bettencourt emphasized that the agency’s primary focus is to give producers the tools that they need to be the best producers that they can be – increasing their yield while stewarding the nation’s natural resources.

    “Producers are the solution, and we want to empower them by getting our highly skilled staff out in the field to provide technical support. We want to streamline our programs to work better and faster for producers,” she said.

    NRCS helps farmers, ranchers and forest landowners make critical investments in their operations and local communities by helping them implement proven practices to ensure all of America’s farms, ranches and private lands are economically viable and thriving.

    If you are interested learning how these programs can help you achieve your operational and land management goals, find your local USDA Service Center and get started today.

    Follow the Chief through our blog series as she meets with producers across the country to learn how NRCS has helped their operations. — By Debra Denhart, Public Affairs Specialist, USDA

  • Fresh Vintage Farms Launches Refined Almond Oil for Clean, High-Heat Cooking

    Fresh Vintage Farms, the California-based family brand known for its clean-label, cold-pressed nut oils, has just introduced its newest product: Refined Almond Oil & Garlic Almond Oil. Made exclusively from California-grown almonds, this small-batch oil is designed for home cooks and chefs who want a healthier, neutral-flavored option that performs well in the kitchen. With its ultra-light texture and high smoke point, the new refined almond oil is perfect for sautéing, roasting, and baking, all without overpowering other ingredients.

    Unlike most industrial seed oils or mass-produced refined oils, Fresh Vintage Farms’ refined almond oil is crafted through a minimal-ingredient heat and filtration process, preserving heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and naturally occurring vitamin E. The result is an oil that’s clean in both taste and label, offering a plant-based, non-GMO alternative that holds up to high temperatures while supporting a healthier cooking routine. Free from chemical solvents and artificial additives, it gives consumers a refined oil option they can feel good about.

    This launch marks another milestone for founder Tommy Tickenoff, a third-generation almond farmer from California’s Central Valley who continues to prioritize transparency, local sourcing, and sustainability. As one of the only small-batch producers of refined almond oil in the U.S., Tickenoff brings a rare level of traceability and care to every bottle. From the orchard to the kitchen, Fresh Vintage Farms is committed to delivering oils that meet both culinary and nutritional standards.

    The clarified refined almond oil joins the brand’s existing lineup, which includes their popular Pure Cold‑Pressed Almond Oil, Pure Cold‑Pressed Walnut Oil, and Garlic‑Infused Almond Oil. All products are non-GMO, chemical-free, and packaged sustainably in recyclable glass bottles with cork caps.

    Fresh Vintage Farms’ clarified almond oil is now available online at freshvintagefarms.com, with special wholesale pricing available for retailers and chefs.

    About Fresh Vintage Farms

    Fresh Vintage Farms is a family-owned brand based in California’s Central Valley, offering premium, cold-pressed Almond and Walnut Oils made from California-grown nuts, many from their own farm. Founded by Tommy and Tara Tickenoff, Fresh Vintage Farms produces oils that are not only pure and nutrient-rich but also eco-friendly, using imperfect nuts to reduce waste. Their commitment to quality and sustainability shines through in every bottle, providing a healthier, cleaner alternative to traditional oils. Focusing on family values and community, Fresh Vintage Farms aims to make healthy oils accessible to everyone without compromising taste or quality.

  • California Walnut & Ag Industry Leader Jonathan Field Passes

    California’s agriculture industry is mourning the loss of Jonathan W. Field who served as Manager of the California Tree Fruit Agreement for over a decade, led the Walnut Bargaining Association and served as the Compliance Officer for the California and Arizona Leafy Greens Marketing Agreements and the California Cantaloupe Advisory Board.

    Field, 77, of Lincoln, California, passed away peacefully August 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

    Field’s passion for agriculture began at age six when he received his first sheep on Christmas morning. A lifelong 4-H member, he spent nine months in Kenya, Africa with the 4-H and Peace Corps, teaching crop rotation and agricultural best practices. He always maintained his own sheep and cattle, fulfilling his lifelong dream of farming.

    He attended California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo where he earned an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Business and then a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from University of California, Davis.

    Field’s professional journey as part of California’s agricultural industry was as expansive as it was impactful. He began his career with California Agricultural Statistics Service and then as an economist for the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) where he worked on programs for iceberg lettuce, fresh tomatoes, carrots, celery, potatoes, cling peaches and processing pears. While at CDFA, Field wrote the first Marketing Agreement program and was the economist assigned to the first Commission laws created in California.

    In 1981, Field became Assistant Manager for the California Tree Fruit Agreement (CTFA), a conglomerate of marketing order programs representing California-grown peaches, plums, nectarines and pears. He became Manager in 1987, serving until 2000 where he championed growers, strengthened industry standards and left a lasting mark on California’s tree fruit sector. Importantly, he was integrally involved in the litigation which went successfully to the U.S. Supreme Court upholding the legality of mandatory commodity programs.

    “During the 1990s, the California Tree Fruit Agreement was extremely fortunate to have Jonathan Field as its Manager,” said Melvin Enns, a tree fruit grower-shipper who served on the CTFA Board for many years.  “Jon was well-versed in the intricacies of government regulations. He formed a diverse team of experts in the areas of merchandising, export development, communications and grower relations to create programs that complied with these directives. And, together with the 1500+ growers of California peaches, pears, plums, and nectarines, Jonathan and his team built a federal and state marketing order that was the envy of tree fruit growers in every other state.”

    Not only did Field leave a lasting impression on the California fruit industry, but he championed several causes impacting California agriculture in general. Working with a group of marketing order and commission managers (who are now retired) including:  Bruce Obbink, California Table Grape Commission; Dennis Balant, California Walnut Board; Rich Peterson, California Prune Board; Terry Stark, California Raisin Advisory Board, and Dave Riggs, California Strawberry Commission, Field was instrumental in founding the Alliance for Food and Farming, the Agricultural Issues Forum, the Minor Crop Farmer Alliance, the California Specialty Crop Council and the Buy California Marketing Agreement, or “California Grown”.

    After leaving CTFA, Field formed Paradigm Consulting Company where he worked for several organizations including as Executive Director of the Walnut Bargaining Association, a cooperative of California walnut growers.

    “Jon Field was a true representative for our industry,” said Donald Norene, Chairman of the Walnut Bargaining Association (now known as the Walnut Alliance of California.). “He was committed to empowering walnut growers with the financial information necessary to successfully negotiate a fair return for their walnut crop and his analysis was highly regarded by bankers, growers and handlers.”

    In 2007, Field began working as the first Compliance Officer for the newly formed California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (LGMA) and its sister organization the Arizona Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement to help ensure leafy greens growers are following stringent food safety practices. In 2012, he began performing these same functions as the Compliance Officer for the California Cantaloupe Advisory Board. Field finally retired in 2023.

    “I had known Jon for many years prior to bringing him on at the LGMA as our very first Compliance Officer,” said Scott Horsfall, former president and CEO of the California LGMA. “He was the perfect person for this role with his strong background in working with CDFA, his knowledge of marketing orders and agreements and his strong desire to help the agricultural industry through challenges. He will be missed.”

    Jon is survived by his wife, Christine, of 52 years; and children Erin, Jonathan and Heather; seven grandchildren, sister, Shirley and many nieces, nephews and cousins.  The family will provide more information about a Celebration of Life at a later date.

  • NFL MVP and Pistachio Farmer Josh Allen Teams with Wonderful Pistachios as the Brand’s New Spokesman

    Wonderful® Pistachios has announced a major partnership with Buffalo Bills star quarterback and pistachio farmer Josh Allen, uniting the NFL’s reigning Most Valuable Player with America’s #1 Nut brand. A native of California’s Central Valley, where Wonderful Pistachios are grown and processed, Allen is part of a fourth-generation farming family whose crops include pistachios, and Wonderful Pistachios is the world’s largest pistachios producer and brand.

    As part of the partnership, Allen will be featured in a national advertising campaign, set to launch this fall at the start of the upcoming football season. The details of the campaign will not be unveiled until its debut but will include comedic television commercials that will roll out across TV, digital and social media platforms. The commercials will showcase the quarterback’s iconic presence and promote Wonderful Pistachios as a powerhouse snack for athletes, football fans, and families alike.

    Beyond the spotlight, the collaboration also brings together the brand and Allen’s shared commitment to giving back to the Central Valley community that raised Allen and where the majority of the world’s pistachios are grown. Wonderful Pistachios and Allen are establishing a college scholarship fund for high school students in California’s Central Valley, supporting local youth in their pursuit of higher education and continued success, which will be unveiled this fall.

    “Agriculture has always been part of my life on our family farm, and pistachios have been a smart, protein-forward snack to fuel my training,” said Allen. “Partnering with Wonderful Pistachios feels like coming full circle. We’re both built on strong roots, and I’m excited to help spotlight a product that’s as real and hardworking as the people in California’s Central Valley.”

    A fourth-generation farmer who grew up in Firebaugh, CA, Allen knows firsthand the value of hard work and the role pistachios play in healthy, active lifestyles. Allen’s family farm grows pistachios that supply Wonderful Pistachios, making this partnership a natural fit rooted in shared values, local pride, and a commitment to wellness.

    “This partnership marks a homegrown alliance that starts where both our stories began, in the Central Valley of California, which grows 95% of the pistachios in America,” said Andy Anzaldo, who leads grower relations at Wonderful Pistachios and is chief operating officer of corporate social responsibility for its parent company, The Wonderful Company. “Josh’s authenticity, work ethic, and deep ties to pistachio farming make him a true ambassador for our brand. Together, we’re investing in the future of the region we both proudly call home.”

    “We’re thrilled to welcome Josh Allen to the Wonderful Pistachios family, and work together to inspire healthier snacking,” shared Michael Perdigao, president of The Wonderful Agency. “One in three people who snack on Wonderful Pistachios do so while watching sports, with football being the most popular, making this partnership a real touchdown.”

    For more information about Wonderful Pistachios, visit wonderfulpistachios.com, or Get Crackin’ with @wonderfulpistachios on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.