Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

Tag: COVID-19

  • National Pollinator Protection Campaign Honors California Almond Industry

    The North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC) on Tuesday presented its Business for Bees Sustainability Award – an honor reserved for standout organizations that go above and beyond to support pollinators – to the Almond Board of California (ABC) and the state’s almond farmers.

    “This is about their long-term dedication to supporting all pollinators in their orchards and throughout our ecosystem,” said Kelly Rourke, executive director of Pollinator Partnership, which founded NAPPC 21 years ago. “We’ve worked with them for many years and this is well-deserved recognition of their steadfast commitment to engaging farmers in pollinator conservation on multiple levels. The Almond Board and the entire almond industry have really moved the needle to raise awareness and generate action to protect pollinators.”

    NAPPC has only given out its Business for Bees Sustainability Award once before. It is given in years when there is a business taking extra special steps to protect bees and all pollinators and to advance sustainability and innovation.

    “ABC’s name is on this award, but it really goes to the 7,600 almond farmers in California,” said Josette Lewis, ABC’s chief scientific officer. “Farmers understand how important pollinators are to growing almonds and to all of agriculture and the environment. They want to be part of the solution.

    The reasons for the award, Rourke said, include ABC’s leadership in founding the California Pollinator Coalition, its work promoting on-farm pollinator habitat and its support of years of research and education about the best practices for providing hospitable environments for pollinators in almond orchards and in other habitats.

    ABC worked with Pollinator Partnership and the California Department of Food and Agriculture last spring to create the California Pollinator Coalition (CPC) which brought together a broad array of grower organizations across the state’s ag and environmental landscape to help promote the health of wild and managed pollinators.

    “The formation of the California Pollinator Coalition was such a big step,” said Laurie Davies Adams, Pollinator Partnership’s Director of Programs, who helped found the CPC. “This is a unique statewide coalition that brings together every grower, farmer and rancher group. I don’t think that’s ever happened before. It’s going to make a real difference on the ground.”

    NAPPC is a collaboration of diverse partners from the U.S., Mexico and Canada. It includes respected scientists, researchers, business people, conservationists and government officials. NAPPC works to promote awareness and scientific understanding of pollinators, to find common ground for solutions and to create innovative initiatives that benefit pollinators. NAPPC is administered and supported by Pollinator Partnership, a non-profit headquartered in San Francisco with a mission to promote the health of pollinators through education, conservation and research.

    The award was announced during NAPPC’s 21st Annual International Conference, held virtually this year for the second time and hosted by the Pollinator Partnership and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. The conference and award ceremony were planned for the Smithsonian before being forced to remain virtual because of COVID-19.

    Rourke and Adams said they would have liked to have given the honor in person to show how much they appreciate ABC’s work. “The strong effort that the Almond Board of California has mounted with the support of the almond industry to engage farmers and the entire agricultural community far beyond almond orchards is really impressive,” Adams said. “Bringing every grower group together to have an agriculturally-led coalition for pollinators is significant. It will provide building blocks for even more engagement and large results. It’s a pioneering effort that other states are seeking to emulate.”

    “This is an outstanding honor for our farmers,” Lewis said, “especially considering all the good work that NAPPC and the Pollinator Partnership do. As much as anyone, almond farmers are tuned in to the importance of pollinators to their crops and our ecosystem. That’s why they work so hard to make their orchards healthy places for pollinators.”

    Almond farmers across California’s Central Valley sit in what is essentially a flyway for pollinators. In recent years, almond farmers have applied to certify more than 110,000 acres of Bee Friendly Farming®, providing pollinator habitat and integrated pest management across the valley to keep that flyway healthy and create badly needed floral resources that compliment and expand beyond the annual almond bloom.

    “Almond farmers have doubled the number of acres of bee friendly habit in California and in that pollinator flyway,” Lewis said. “We’re proud to help lead a broad coalition of agriculture and conservation groups to work together to promote and preserve habitat for pollinators.”

    About the Almond Board of California
    ABC is a Federal Marketing Order dedicated to promoting California almonds to domestic and international audiences through marketing efforts and by funding and promoting research about almonds’ health benefits, efficient and sustainable farming, food safety and more. ABC works on behalf of the more than 7,600 almond farmers and processors in California, many of whom are multi-generational family operations.
     
    About The North American Pollinator Protection Campaign
    For over 20 years, NAPPC has brought together stakeholders from all sectors of the pollinator issue in a collaborative partnership to support pollinator health across the North American continent. More than any other single organization, the collective effort of these 180 plus organizations has made pollinator health a feature in conservation landscape management. From its many Task Forces, NAPPC affects change and moves solid science into real progress on the ground. Managed by the Pollinator Partnership, more can be found about NAPPC at NAPPC | Pollinator.org.

  • Nut Products Market Outlook and Opportunities in the Post Covid Recovery (2021 – 2028)

    The global Nut Products market is poised to register optimistic growth rates throughout 2021 and 2022 as positive momentum builds in the world economy, though some differences remain among geographies. The pace of change will accelerate in the Nut Products industry and companies quickly re-aligning their strategies will emerge stronger from the unprecedented changes. However, the COVID-19 pandemic remains a major threat for most Nut Products market outlook in addition to concerns of inflation, supply-chain disruptions, and weak consumer demand.

    The Nut Products market report analyzes companies, market size outlook across types, applications, countries along with competitive strategies, trends, drivers, opportunities and market developments. The base year for the study is 2020 and the forecast period is from 2021 to 2028.

    Global Nut Products Market- Post COVID-19 Recovery Scenarios and Impact Analysis

    The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the regional and country-level Nut Products markets worldwide. The report presents three outlook scenarios for the global Nut Products market size for 2021 and 2022.

    • Low Growth: Economic recovery will be slow, supply-chain disruptions continue to pose challenges, and consumer demand remains weak.
    • Medium Growth: Economic recovery will be fast, supply-chain disruptions continue, and consumer demand recovers moderately.
    • High Growth: Rapid economic recovery, supply-chain disruptions handled, and consumer demand will be strong

    The outlook for economic progress across most countries is optimistic for 2021. Assuming localized recurrences of the Coronavirus, economic growth accelerates in the second half of 2021, and consumption returning to pre-pandemic levels in 2021, Chinese real GDP growth is estimated at 7.9% and 8.4% in 2021 and 2022 respectively. Similarly, the US is likely to register 4% growth in 2021 and 3% in 2022 while the European real GDP growth is estimated at 2.7% for 2021 and 5.1% for 2022.

    Nut Products Market Driving Factors, Restraints, and Opportunities

    The global Nut Products market has significant market potential and offers diverse opportunities across countries. Strategic and financial investors are racing to capture the strong potential in the industry. In this report, we examine the main Nut Products trends that will likely influence the future of Nut Products markets. The Nut Products report also identifies promising investment opportunities and offers a view of how players might successfully pursue them. The pandemic led to a widening divide between rural and urban communities, and companies must overcome challenges in the Nut Products industry. Acting with determination and speed is one of the critical success factors in the near to medium future. Detailed analyses of challenges faced by Nut Products companies operating in the market are included in the report.

    Nut Products Market Segmentation Analysis and Outlook

    The report scope encompasses major Nut Products types and major Nut Products applications worldwide and presents a detailed analysis and outlook of each specific Nut Products type and application. Forecasts of individual types and applications are provided at the global level and also analyzed for North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa. In each region, the largest and fastest-growing market types and applications are analyzed. The base year is 2020 and the forecast period is from 2021 to 2028 for all segments.

    Geographic Analysis: Asia Pacific countries are among the fastest-growing markets globally

    We hold an optimistic outlook for both the consumption and market size outlook for Asia Pacific countries. With most countries in the Asia Pacific witnessing their currencies appreciate against the US dollar over 2021, the short-term outlook remains robust across markets. Further, over the long run, driven by attractive demographics profile in the Asia Pacific and an increasing number of middle-to-upper income households, countries in the Asia Pacific Nut Products market will register a strong growth outlook throughout the forecast period. Consumers are also quickly re-prioritizing their spending away from essentials, which will support the Nut Products market growth in the Asia Pacific.

    In addition to the Asia Pacific, the report also analyzes the short-term and long-term outlook of North America Nut Products market, Europe Nut Products market, Latin America Nut Products market, Middle East, and Africa Nut Products markets. Countries covered in the scope of the Nut Products study include United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Middle East, Africa, and others.

    Competitive Landscape: Nut Products Market Companies

    The global Nut Products market is facing intense competitive conditions as more companies continue to target specific customer bases. The recovery from the pandemic is not uniquely spread across geographies and accordingly, most companies are opting for focused strategies to localized market conditions since the start of the pandemic. For instance, the majority of European consumers continue to emphasize seeking brands with strong purpose and good values while there has been a fundamental shift from essential goods in some Asia Pacific markets. The report analyses five leading Nut Products companies including their business operations, SWOT Analysis, and financial profile.

    Scope of the Nut Products Study

    • Historic and Forecast period considered for the study is from 2018 to 2028
    • Base Year for the study is 2020, while the forecast period is from 2021 to 2028
    • The Nut Products market size is presented in value terms, in US Dollars
    • Strategic Analysis Review including Trends, Drivers, Restraints, Key competitive strategies, and porter’s five forces analysis
    • Segments covered include types, applications, and countries/regions
    • Nut Products Countries covered include US, Canada, Mexico, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Brazil, Argentina, Other Asia/Oceania, Other Europe, Other Latin America, Middle East, Africa, and others
    • Nut Products Companies including five key players in the industry and their business overview, SWOT, and financial profiles are detailed.

    Key questions answered

    • What are the possible scenarios of Nut Products market growth outlook in the post-pandemic period?
    • Who are the major end-user industries of Nut Products?
    • The impact of buyer and supplier bargaining power, the threat of new players and substitutes, and competitive rivalry?
    • Which countries will gain market size in the medium to long term future?
    • What are the promising trends and drivers of Nut Products markets?
    • Who are the leading players and how is the competition?

    For more information please click on:
    Nut Products Market Outlook and Opportunities in the Post Covid Recovery (2021 – 2028)

  • EU Demand for US Tree Nuts Expected to Remain Strong

    The United States continues to be the largest supplier of tree nuts to Europe. While EU investment and production of tree nuts continue to increase, production is still far from meeting domestic demand. In 2020, EU-27 tree nuts imports from the United States reached $2.8 billion USD. The COVID-19 health crisis and the logistical issues and delays experienced globally moderately decreased U.S. exports of tree nuts to the EU, but exports began recovering in the first half of 2021. The demand for tree nuts is expected to remain strong, as consumers continue to demand healthy snacks and the hospitality, HRI, and impulse purchase channels are steadily recovering. 

    Executive Summary

    The EU Market: A Key Trading Partner for US Tree Nuts

    In 2020, the European Union (EU)-27 imported $7.2 billion in tree nuts from the world. The United States, with $2.8 billion, is the largest EU-27 tree nuts supplier, accounting for 39 percent of total imports. Turkey is the second largest supplier with 22 percent of imports, followed by Vietnam, Chile, and Iran.

    U.S. almonds (both in-shell and shelled) totaled $1.5 billion , followed by pistachios with $699 million and walnuts with almost $393 million. Within the EU, the most significant importers of U.S. tree nuts (in order of importance) are Germany, Spain, and The Netherlands.
    These numbers prove the importance of the United States as an agricultural trading partner to the EU.

    The Food Processing and the Snack Industry Remain the Most Significant Buyers

    The growing popularity of healthier snacking and eating habits among European consumers continues to encourage consumption of nuts, both tree nuts and ground nuts. Tree nuts are covered in the media and food blogs for their health benefits. Many consumers perceive them as beneficial and increasingly include them in their diets. The desire for general health and wellbeing, the increasing interest in plant-based diets (vegan and vegetarian) – along with the publication of scientific studies highlighting the benefits of nut consumption – continue fueling demand for these products.

    In addition, the European food processing and snack industries are the largest users of tree nuts, both as an ingredient (for traditional sweets and pastries) and for re-processing and re-export to third countries. Almonds are mainly used as an ingredient for the manufacturing of marzipan, nougat, turron (a Spanish traditional Christmas confection), and many other pastries and sweets. European food manufacturers also use walnuts and pistachio nuts as an ingredient for manufacturing ice cream and confectionary products.

    The snacking industry is channeling its efforts to offer consumers new products and new ways to consume nuts. Thus, due to the mature nature of the European market, EU manufacturers are focusing their strategies on launching new value-added innovative products rather than focusing on volume sales. They continue to emphasize the health benefits of tree nuts, both through advertising campaigns and in packaging.

    During the COVID-19 restrictions in 2020, retail was the big winner, particularly in the first half of 2020, with the closure of the HRI channel in most countries. With nuts becoming an increasingly important part of European consumers’ diet, the challenge for retailers will be to find the right balance between price, quality and formats that best suit consumer demand. In addition, consumers are paying more attention to sustainability and responsible consumption. Eco-friendly production, packaging, and distribution is becoming more popular amongst European consumers, especially in northern countries.

    Expanding Business in the EU Market

    The COVID-19 impact on trade shows has been significant since trade shows came to a halt with the pandemic. With the gradual removal of restrictions, the trade show industry is slowly but surely reopening. Trade shows are an excellent opportunity to get to know the market and to meet potential importers. New-to-market exporters interested in getting a better understanding of EU food regulations and market opportunities are encouraged to reference the Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) reports and Exporter Guides produced by various EU FAS Offices.

    U.S. Cooperators Active in the EU Market

    Trade associations like the Almond Board of California, American Pistachio Growers and the California Walnut Commission continue to develop strategies for the EU market. These trade associations, in cooperation with FAS offices, work actively to further develop the market for U.S. tree nuts. Read the full report from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, including specifics on almonds, walnuts and pistachios HERE.

  • Pistachios Included in New $159.4 Million USDA Food Assistance Purchases

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it will purchase up to $159.4 million in domestically produced seafood, fruits, legumes, and nuts for distribution to a variety of domestic food assistance programs, including charitable institutions. These purchases are being made utilizing funds under the authority of Section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act (Pub. L. 74-320), as amended (Section 32). This is one of many actions USDA is taking to address the disruptions in the food system supply chain and worsened food insecurity resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “The impacts of COVID-19 reverberated from our farms to our oceans,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “U.S. fisheries and the American seafood industry were dealt a heavy blow. Today, USDA is pleased to make the largest single seafood purchase in the Department’s history. These healthy, nutritious food purchases will benefit food banks and non-profits helping those struggling with food hardship as the Biden Administration works to get the economy back on track for American families.”

    Selected commodities include: Alaska pollock, apricots (canned, dried, and frozen), chickpeas, dry peas, Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic wild-caught shrimp, lentils, navy beans, Pacific pink shrimp, Pacific rockfish fillets, Pacific whiting fillets, pistachios, prepared peaches, and sockeye (red) salmon. The inventories of these commodities are in high oversupply due to a decrease in demand because of the COVID-19 pandemic and disruption in the supply chain, as restaurants and other outlets closed during the pandemic. This is the largest purchase of U.S. raised seafood by the USDA to date.

    Within a few days of approval, USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service will offer these commodities to their networks. Orders should be received during the first week of June with solicitations being issued mid-June and awards occurring near the end of the month. Deliveries should start to occur by mid-August.

    Solicitations will be available electronically through the Web-Based Supply Chain Management (WBSCM) system and on the Agricultural Marketing Service’s website at www.ams.usda.gov/selling-food. To be eligible to submit offers, potential contractors must meet the AMS vendor qualification requirements and be domestic operations.

    The purchase amounts are as follows:

    USDA also announced today a policy change that makes food fish and other aquatic species eligible for the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP) under the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). Previously, only farm-raised game and bait fish were eligible for death loss ELAP benefits. Beginning June 1, eligible aquaculture producers can request ELAP assistance for 2021 losses. This policy change is for the 2021 and subsequent program years. You can learn more here.

  • USDA Announces New & Expanded Pandemic Assistance for Farmers

    Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is establishing new programs and efforts to bring financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and producers who felt the impact of COVID-19 market disruptions. The new initiative—USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers—will reach a broader set of producers than in previous COVID-19 aid programs. USDA is dedicating at least $6 billion toward the new programs. The Department will also develop rules for new programs that will put a greater emphasis on outreach to small and socially disadvantaged producers, specialty crop and organic producers, timber harvesters, as well as provide support for the food supply chain and producers of renewable fuel, among others. Existing programs like the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) will fall within the new initiative and, where statutory authority allows, will be refined to better address the needs of producers.

    USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers was needed, said Vilsack, after a review of previous COVID-19 assistance programs targeting farmers identified a number of gaps and disparities in how assistance was distributed as well as inadequate outreach to underserved producers and smaller and medium operations.

    “The pandemic affected all of agriculture, but many farmers did not benefit from previous rounds of pandemic-related assistance. The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to helping as many producers as possible, as equitably as possible,” said Vilsack. “Our new USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative will help get financial assistance to a broader set of producers, including to socially disadvantaged communities, small and medium sized producers, and farmers and producers of less traditional crops.”

    USDA will reopen sign-up for CFAP 2 for at least 60 days beginning on April 5, 2021. The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has committed at least $2.5 million to improve outreach for CFAP 2 and will establish partnerships with organizations with strong connections to socially disadvantaged communities to ensure they are informed and aware of the application process.

    The payments announced today (under Part 3, below) will go out under the existing CFAP rules; however, future opportunities for USDA Pandemic Assistance will be reviewed for verified need and during the rulemaking process, USDA will look to make eligibility more consistent with the Farm Bill. Moving forward, USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers will utilize existing programs, such as the Local Agricultural Marketing Program, Farming Opportunities Training and Outreach, and Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, and others to enhance educational and market opportunities for agricultural producers.

    USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers – 4 Parts Announced Today

    Part 1: Investing $6 Billion to Expand Help & Assistance to More Producers

    USDA will dedicate at least $6 billion to develop a number of new programs or modify existing proposals using discretionary funding from the Consolidated Appropriations Act and other coronavirus funding that went unspent by the previous administration. Where rulemaking is required, it will commence this spring. These efforts will include assistance for:

    • Dairy farmers through the Dairy Donation Program or other means:
    • Euthanized livestock and poultry;
    • Biofuels;
    • Specialty crops, beginning farmers, local, urban and organic farms;
    • Costs for organic certification or to continue or add conservation activities
    • Other possible expansion and corrections to CFAP that were not part of today’s announcement such as to support dairy or other livestock producers;
    • Timber harvesting and hauling;
    • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other protective measures for food and farm workers and specialty crop and seafood producers, processors and distributors;
    • Improving the resilience of the food supply chain, including assistance to meat and poultry operations to facilitate interstate shipment;
    • Developing infrastructure to support donation and distribution of perishable commodities, including food donation and distribution through farm-to-school, restaurants or other community organizations; and
    • Reducing food waste.

    Part 2: Adding $500 Million of New Funding to Existing Programs

    USDA expects to begin investing approximately $500 million in expedited assistance through several existing programs this spring, with most by April 30. This new assistance includes:

    • $100 million in additional funding for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), which enhances the competitiveness of fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops.
    • $75 million in additional funding for the Farmers Opportunities Training and Outreach program, administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement, which encourages and assists socially disadvantaged, veteran, and beginning farmers and ranchers in the ownership and operation of farms and ranches.
    • $100 million in additional funding for the Local Agricultural Marketing Program, administered by the AMS and Rural Development, which supports the development, coordination and expansion of direct producer-to-consumer marketing, local and regional food markets and enterprises and value-added agricultural products.
    • $75 million in additional funding for the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program, administered by the NIFA, which provides funding opportunities to conduct and evaluate projects providing incentives to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by low-income consumers
    • $20 million for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to improve and maintain animal disease prevention and response capacity, including the National Animal Health Laboratory Network.
    • $20 million for the Agricultural Research Service to work collaboratively with Texas A&M on the critical intersection between responsive agriculture, food production, and human nutrition and health.
    • $28 million for NIFA to provide grants to state departments of agriculture to expand or sustain existing farm stress assistance programs.
    • Approximately $80 million in additional payments to domestic users of upland and extra-long staple cotton based on a formula set in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 that USDA plans to deliver through the Economic Adjustment Assistance for Textile Mills program.

    Part 3: Carrying Out Formula Payments under CFAP 1, CFAP 2, CFAP AA

    The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, enacted December 2020 requires FSA to make certain payments to producers according to a mandated formula. USDA is now expediting these provisions because there is no discretion involved in interpreting such directives, they are self-enacting.

    • An increase in CFAP 1 payment rates for cattle. Cattle producers with approved CFAP 1 applications will automatically receive these payments beginning in April. Information on the additional payment rates for cattle can be found on farmers.gov/cfap. Eligible producers do not need to submit new applications, since payments are based on previously approved CFAP 1 applications. USDA estimates additional payments of more than $1.1 billion to more than 410,000 producers, according to the mandated formula.
    • Additional CFAP assistance of $20 per acre for producers of eligible crops identified as CFAP 2 flat-rate or price-trigger crops beginning in April. This includes alfalfa, corn, cotton, hemp, peanuts, rice, sorghum, soybeans, sugar beets and wheat, among other crops. FSA will automatically issue payments to eligible price trigger and flat-rate crop producers based on the eligible acres included on their CFAP 2 applications. Eligible producers do not need to submit a new CFAP 2 application. For a list of all eligible row-crops, visit farmers.gov/cfap. USDA estimates additional payments of more than $4.5 billion to more than 560,000 producers, according to the mandated formula.
    • USDA will finalize routine decisions and minor formula adjustments on applications and begin processing payments for certain applications filed as part of the CFAP Additional Assistance program in the following categories:
      • Applications filed for pullets and turfgrass sod;
      • A formula correction for row-crop producer applications to allow producers with a non-Actual Production History (APH) insurance policy to use 100% of the 2019 Agriculture Risk Coverage-County Option (ARC-CO) benchmark yield in the calculation;
      • Sales commodity applications revised to include insurance indemnities, Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program payments, and Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus payments, as required by statute; and
      • Additional payments for swine producers and contract growers under CFAP Additional Assistance remain on hold and are likely to require modifications to the regulation as part of the broader evaluation and future assistance; however, FSA will continue to accept applications from interested producers.

    Part 4: Reopening CFAP 2 Sign-Up to Improve Access & Outreach to Underserved Producers

    As noted above, USDA will re-open sign-up for of CFAP 2 for at least 60 days beginning on April 5, 2021.

    • FSA has committed at least $2.5 million to establish partnerships and direct outreach efforts intended to improve outreach for CFAP 2 and will cooperate with grassroots organizations with strong connections to socially disadvantaged communities to ensure they are informed and aware of the application process.

    Please stay tuned for additional information and announcements under the USDA Pandemic Assistance to Producersinitiative, which will help to expand and more equitably distribute financial assistance to producers and farming operations during the COVID-19 national emergency. Please visit www.farmers.gov for more information on the details of today’s announcement.

    USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean-energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

  • Vaccination Update for Agriculture Workers

    The Almond Alliance has been in touch with County Health Officers about the number of vaccinations available in each county and to gather information on how the vaccinations are being distributed.  As you have heard and read, the process of vaccination has differed in each region and in many cases has been confusing.

    Vaccinations are being distributed categorically as defined by the California Department of Public Health with input from the Community Vaccine Advisory Committee. Given the limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines, CDPH recommends balancing the prioritization of these scarce resources to maximize the goal of achieving community immunity for all Californians.

    Vaccine Supply is Limited, But Preparations Are Underway for Phase 1B

    Preparations are underway to begin rolling out vaccines to those eligible in Phase 1B as soon as possible but that is dependent on vaccine availability.  For those eligible in Phase 1B, including educators, public safety, social services and food and agriculture workers some counties are evaluating and/or planning for worksite vaccinations, so you should expect that employees may start making inquiries.  The next phases of COVID Vaccine Distribution are as follows:

    Both federal and state distribution of vaccines has been delayed. As of January 13, a total of 971,829 vaccine doses have been administered statewide. As of January 13, a total of 2,948,350 vaccine doses, which includes the first and second dose, have been shipped to local health departments and health care systems that have facilities in multiple counties.

    Vaccination plans for each county are available at county websites. Find your county’s COVID-19 website, Click Here.

    It has also been reported that Phase 1B may be divided into two tiers. The first could include 1.4 million education and child-care workers including teachers, 1.1 million emergency services workers, 3.4 million food and agriculture workers including grocery store workers and 2.6 million people who are 75 or older.

    Recommendations from the Almond Alliance in preparation for food and agriculture vaccinations.

    1. Know your County Health Officer and Ag Commissioner (we can provide contact information and introduction). We are strengthening those relationships for our industry and are happy to share what we know. It will be critically important to familiarize yourself with your county’s vaccination plan and you should expect it to evolve as we move through initial phases of vaccine roll-out, e.g. the recent move-up in priority of those 65 and older.  It is likely there will be multiple vaccination pathways for you and your staff including worksites (mentioned above), community vaccination sites (e.g. schools, churches or fairgrounds), community clinics, pharmacies and healthcare providers

    2. Offer you site and a location to administer the vaccination if it makes sense.

    3. Provide your workforce educational materials about the vaccination.

    4. Make sure your workers understand what information they will need to receive the vaccination. No officials’ instructions have been provided, but we recommend the following:

    Staff should be prepared to show one or more of the following four pieces of identification to prove they are food and agriculture workers:

    • Employee badge with photo, OR
    • Professional license AND a photo ID, OR
    • Signed letter from employer on facility letterhead AND a photo ID, OR
    • Payment stub from employer with your name AND a photo ID.

  • Storing and Preserving Fresh Nuts

    One of the many wonderful things about California’s climate is that in many regions of the state you’ll find orchards of walnut, almond, pecan, pistachio or chestnut trees. You may be growing or planning to grow one or more of these trees in your yard so you can enjoy consuming the nuts. But do you know how to safely store, and preserve these fresh nuts?

    There are just a few simple steps to follow. First, be sure to promptly remove the hull (the fibrous outer covering) that may still be remaining on some of the nuts. (If you have hulled walnuts before you will know they’ll stain your hands brown, so you should wear gloves to hull walnuts.)

    During this time of COVID-19, you may be tempted to wash your fresh nuts, but don’t. Washing the nuts in their shell could increase their moisture and provide the environment for mold or bacteria to grow. Although not required to safely store the nuts, to decrease the likelihood of walnuts, almonds, pecans and pistachios developing mold, you may want to dry them. For walnuts and almonds, spread them out preferably single layer on a flat screen or tray that allows good air circulation. To prevent birds and other critters from making off with them while they are drying, cover them with another screen or plastic netting. Stir and move the nuts around daily.

    It will take several days for them to dry. To determine when they are sufficiently dry, remove the shell from several nuts. Break apart the almond kernels, or walnut meat. If they are rubbery, they’re not dried sufficiently. If they are crisp or brittle when broken, then they are dried adequately.

    For pecans, they should be dried slowly in air temperatures 75–85 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent the shells from cracking. A fan blowing on the nuts will speed up the drying process, which can take up to 10 days. The pecans are dry when they’re brittle and the membrane between the kernel halves separate easily from the kernels.

    Pistachios can be dried in the sun on a plastic tarp, or they can be dried in the oven at 140–160 degrees Fahrenheit for 10–14 hours. They are dried when the kernels are crisp, but not brittle.

    Before consuming or storing at room temperature, fresh home-grown walnuts, almonds, pecans, pistachios or chestnuts, or those bought at farm stands, pasteurize them to kill any insects or insect eggs. To pasteurize, simply place them in the freezer for 48 hours. (Make sure your freezer is set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.)

    To store your walnuts, almond, pecans or pistachios, place them in clean moisture free, odor tight packaging, such as glass or plastic jars or other containers. The nuts can be stored shelled or unshelled. They can be stored up to a year in your refrigerator set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Almonds can be stored in your freezer (set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or lower) for a year or more, walnuts and pecans for two years plus, and pistachios for three years. 

    Chestnuts are different from the other nuts because they’re more like potatoes than tree nuts. They usually develop mold within two weeks if stored at room temperature. Unshelled chestnuts can only be stored for two to three months in the refrigerator, but shelled chestnuts can be stored for a year in the refrigerator. Both shelled and unshelled chestnuts can be stored in the freezer for one year or more.  Enjoy your stored nuts throughout the year! — By Kathy Low, UC Master Food Preserver of Solano & Yolo Counties

    For more information about the UC Master Food Preserver Program, including the Food Preservation Video Library, visit mfp.ucanr.edu.

  • State Farm Service Agency Director named Almond Champion of the Year

    Connie Conway, Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency in California, has been honored as the Almond Alliance of California’s 2020 Almond Champion of the Year for the agency’s outstanding efforts in assisting almond growers with the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP.)

    The Almond Champion of the Year Award is presented annually to those who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in education, coalition building, partnerships and promoting legislation and policies that encourage the advancement and protection of California agriculture and the California almond industry.

    The CFAP consists of direct payments to almond growers for losses suffered as a result of COVID-19 as well as disruptions to the supply chain. The Almond Alliance advocated for federal funding for the original program and the subsequent program known as CFAP 2. To date, the California almond community has received over $125 million through the programs.

    The Farm Service Agency (FSA) administers the funding and provides technical assistance to potential applicants. Almond Alliance Chair Mike Curry praised Conway for her leadership in providing access to the program. “Some of these programs can be incredibly technical and complex. Connie and her team have been very attentive and worked with our industry members above and beyond what would normally be expected,” he explained. “Her team has conducted numerous educational webinars for our members and addressed literally hundreds of questions about the program and how it works. Her leadership and commitment to excellence in providing this assistance during these unprecedented times is truly appreciated.”

    Prior to her appointment, Conway ran her own consulting business, focusing on strategic planning, business development, and government relations services. She also served as an assemblywoman for the California State Legislature where she served as Minority Leader and on the Agriculture, Transportation, Labor and Health Committees. She also served as a member of the Tulare County Board of Supervisors.

    About the Almond Alliance of California

    The Almond Alliance of California (AAC) is a trusted non-profit organization dedicated to advocating on behalf of the California almond community. California almonds generate more than $21 billion in economic revenue and directly contribute more than $11 billion to the state’s total economy. California’s top agricultural export, almonds create approximately 104,000 jobs statewide, over 97,000 in the Central Valley, which suffers from chronic unemployment. The AAC is dedicated to educating state legislators, policy makers and regulatory officials about the California almond community. As a membership-based organization, our members include almond processors, hullers/shellers, growers and allied businesses. Through workshops, newsletters, conferences, social media and personal meetings, AAC works to raise awareness, knowledge and provide a better understanding about the scope, size, value and sustainability of the California almond community.


    For more information on the Almond Alliance, visit https://almondalliance.org/ or check out the Almond Alliance on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

  • New Resources Available on Cal/OSHA Emergency COVID-19 Regulations

    Almond Alliance of California — On November 19, 2020, the California Occupational Health & Safety Standards Board unanimously adopted 21 pages of emergency Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) safety regulations. The Regulations are broad. They apply to all employees and places of employment except: 

    • Those places of employment with one employee who does not have contact with others.
    • Employees working from home. 
    • Employees covered by Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 5199 (e.g., health care facilities, police services, labs, etc.). 
    Yesterday, the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) released a press release specific to the Cal/OSHA Regulations to Protect Workers from COVID-19. 

    “Cal/OSHA has posted FAQs and a one-page fact sheet on the regulation, as well as a model COVID-19 prevention program. Employers are invited to participate in training webinars held by Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services branch. Cal/OSHA will convene a stakeholder meeting in December that will include industry and labor representatives to review the requirements of the emergency regulation and solicit feedback and recommend updates. 

    While Cal/OSHA is willing to meet and work with employers during the implementation of this standard, they have provided some materials that may be helpful, which include FAQs, a fact sheet, a model COVID-19 prevention plan, training modules, and other support and consultation services to assist with compliance. They have indicated that they plan to be reasonable and flexible during implementation, meaning they will consider your good faith effort to comply and evidence of working towards compliance.

    The Office of Administrative Law (OAL) has approved the temporary emergency standards on COVID-19 workplace hazards, and the regulation is in effect now.  The Almond Alliance continues to express our members’ perspective, so please continue to send us examples of the challenges of compliance. This is critical as we advocate for revisions to the regulations. 

    The Almond Alliance intends to be part of the stakeholder meeting and will continue to engage and monitor the issue and will provide updates to members as new developments occur.  

    Employers may consider the following to prepare for these changes:
    • A thorough review of all obligations required and how they apply to your employment arrangements at each workplace.
    • HR and management training in implementation and administration.
    • A proper record of compliance.
    • Updated policies and Illness and Injury Prevention Programs.
    We are in the process of working with legal counsel to interpret these new regulations for your operation and plan to develop templates and materials for your use. Please email or call the office if you have any questions. Below is the press release from DIR that was released yesterday.
    Department of Industrial Relations News Release:
    Cal/OSHA Emergency Regulations to Protect Workers from COVID-19 in Effect

    Cal/OSHA’s emergency regulations requiring employers to protect workers from hazards related to COVID-19 are now in effect, following their approval yesterday by the Office of Administrative Law.

    “These are strong but achievable standards to protect workers. They also clarify what employers have to do to prevent workplace exposure to COVID-19 and stop outbreaks,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Doug Parker.

    The emergency standards apply to most workers in California not covered by Cal/OSHA’s Aerosol Transmissible Diseases standard. The regulations require that employers implement a site-specific written COVID-19 prevention program to address COVID-19 health hazards, correct unsafe or unhealthy conditions and provide face coverings. When there are multiple COVID-19 infections or outbreaks at the worksite, employers must provide COVID-19 testing and notify public health departments. The regulations also require accurate recordkeeping and reporting of COVID-19 cases.

    As emergency standards, these regulations become effective immediately.

    “We understand the need to educate and assist employers as they implement the new provisions of the emergency standards,” Parker noted. “For employers who need time to fully implement the regulations, enforcement investigators will take their good faith efforts to implement the emergency standards into consideration. However, aspects such as eliminating hazards and implementing testing requirements during an outbreak are essential.”

    Cal/OSHA has posted FAQs and a one-page fact sheet on the regulation, as well as a model COVID-19 prevention program. Employers are invited to participate in training webinars held by Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services branch.

    Cal/OSHA will convene a stakeholder meeting in December that will include industry and labor representatives to review the requirements of the emergency regulation and solicit feedback and recommend updates.

    Cal/OSHA helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Employers and workers who have questions or need assistance with workplace health and safety programs can call Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch at 800-963-9424.


    Complaints about workplace safety and health hazards can be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices.

  • Tree Nuts Market Research and Outlook, 2020 – 2026

    Tree Nuts market trends, outlook, growth opportunities and companies to 2025 presents analysis and outlook of Tree Nuts types, end user industries and countries. The global F&B market witnessed significant growth over the past decade. The report presents key trends in the Tree Nuts market and provides an overview of global and regional markets, market size forecasts, drivers and challenges across markets.

    The Tree Nuts market has been one of the rapidly recovering industries from the harsh COVID market conditions in 2020. The long-term outlook for Tree Nuts market size remains robust as companies emphasize investments in new product launches and process optimization.

    COVID-19 impact on the Tree Nuts industry

    Tree Nuts companies are strategizing focused R&D investments and planning new product launches post- COVID conditions from 2021. Further, strengthening relations with distributors, performance improvement, and cost optimization are largely observed strategies during 2020.

    Tree Nuts industry outlook and post COVID-19 pandemic opportunities:

    The report presents forecasts for Tree Nuts market revenue over the next six years from 2020 to 2026 across coronavirus spread conditions:

    • Pre-COVID Tree Nuts market scenario: Economic growth continues as usual without the impact of COVID
    • Post-COVID impact scenario: Economic recovery will begin from mid-2021 and the economy faces recession and weak supply-demand conditions

    Growth Opportunities, Market Risks, and Strategy Analysis:

    The report details strategic growth opportunities, potential market drivers, and risks in global and country-level Tree Nuts markets from 2020 to 2026. Key strategies being opted by leading manufacturers, suppliers, distribution companies, and other players in the near-term and long-term future. Potential market risks, emerging trends, and top-level strategies are included in the report.

    Segment growth outlook of Tree Nuts across markets

    The market analysis report presents the potential growth opportunities across types and applications of Tree Nuts industry size. The report models the long-term impact of new product developments, shifting consumer patterns, and swiftly changing industry dynamics on different Tree Nuts types and Tree Nuts end-user applications.

    Strategic analysis of leading Tree Nuts companies

    To make better planning decisions by suppliers and other food and beverage industry stakeholders, the report presents the strategic analysis of leading Tree Nuts companies. Opportunities in emerging markets, product launches, and technology trends are analyzed in the report.

    Tree Nuts market size forecast across 15 countries

    The US, Canada, Germany, the UK, France, Spain, China, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, Brazil, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, and other countries across North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East Africa, and Asia Pacific are included in the report. The outlook for Tree Nuts market size growth is provided for each of the countries from 2020 to 2026.

    Tree Nuts market news and developments:

    Tree Nuts market developments including technological developments, mergers and acquisitions, product launches, business expansions, investments, new plants, and others are included in the report.

     

    Scope of the Study:

    • Tree Nuts Market revenue forecasts across three post-COVID pandemic case scenarios, 2020- 2026
    • Global Tree Nuts market size outlook by type, 2020- 2026
    • Global Tree Nuts market size outlook by application segment, 2020- 2026
    • Global Tree Nuts market outlook across 15 emerging and developed countries, 2020- 2026
    • Strategies, Trends, Drivers, and Risks facing Tree Nuts companies
    • Company profiles of leading five players in Tree Nuts industry
    • Market News and Developments

    This report provides insight into:

    • Understanding the impact of market conditions on the future of Tree Nuts across segments and markets
    • Developing longer-term strategies to improve customer engagement and market shares
    • Prioritizing short-term R&D and CAPEX allocations to ensure high profitability
    • Identifying key trends and market opportunities
    • Boosting revenues from existing and new consumer markets

    Methodology:

    The comprehensive and trusted guide for anyone seeking information on this industry is developed using primary interviews with suppliers, annual reports of companies, filings, news podcasts, outlook statements, statistical organizations, directories, databases, investor presentations, white papers, and others. Both top-down and bottom-up approaches are used to ensure the accuracy of forecasts.

    Why Choose this Report- APES

    A: Authored by a team of 7 analysts, headed by a manager with 14+ years of industry experience
    P: Print authentication given for single-user license
    E: Excel sheet will be provided for ease of analysis across scenarios
    S: Strategy consulting and research support will be provided for three months

     
    Purchase the full report HERE.