Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

Tag: Malcolm Media

  • This Week In Ag – September 9

    From new leadership in California wine to an expanding citrus quarantine, several developments are making news across California agriculture this week.

    Here are five stories to know in this week’s edition of This Week in Ag.

    The Wonderful Company Names Chris Avery President of Wine

    The Wonderful Company has named Chris Avery president of its wine business, effective Oct. 5.

    Avery currently serves as CEO of Shafer Vineyards and brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in the luxury wine industry. In his new position, he will oversee JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery, Landmark Vineyards and Lewis Cellars.

    Throughout his career, Avery has also held senior positions at Darioush, DAOU Family Estates, Patrimony Estate, Opus One and Jordan Vineyard & Winery.

    His experience includes operations, global sales and distribution, marketing, hospitality and direct-to-consumer business.

    CAWG Launches Merchandise for California Wine Month

    September is California Wine Month, and the California Association of Winegrape Growers is giving supporters a new way to celebrate.

    CAWG launched a collection of California wine merchandise designed to promote the state’s wine and recognize the growers and communities behind the industry.

    Proceeds from the collection will support CAWG’s ongoing advocacy efforts for California winegrape growers.

    California Wine Month has been celebrated since 2004 and recognizes the state’s wines, winegrowing regions and the people behind them.

    Almond Industry Award Nominations Open

    The Almond Board of California is accepting nominations for two awards recognizing contributions to the California almond industry.

    The Almond Achievement Award recognizes an industry member who has made a lasting impact through long-term service and commitment to California almonds.

    The Almond Technical Achievement Award focuses on contributions through research, innovation or helping the industry adopt practices that benefit growers and the broader almond sector.

    Nominations for the 2026 awards are due Oct. 9, with the recipients scheduled to be announced during The Almond Conference in December.

    In 2025, Ross Blackburn received the Almond Achievement Award, while Christine Gemperle received the Almond Technical Achievement Award.

    HLB Quarantine Expands in California

    Federal and state officials are expanding quarantined areas for Huanglongbing, or HLB, in parts of California.

    The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, working with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is adding one square mile to the Santa Paula quarantine area in Ventura County. The expansion impacts approximately 151.7 acres of commercial citrus.

    Another 10 square miles are being added to quarantined areas in Riverside and San Diego counties, impacting approximately 121.5 acres of commercial citrus.

    The expansion follows positive tests for the bacterium that causes HLB from plant tissue collected at residential properties.

    The quarantine and associated movement restrictions are intended to reduce the risk of HLB spreading into areas that are not currently infested.

    Western United Dairies Pursues Funding for Tule Subbasin Farmers

    Western United Dairies is pursuing additional federal conservation funding that could benefit farmers and agricultural land in the Tule Subbasin.

    The organization submitted two proposals to USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program.

    The proposals build on existing water conservation efforts and programs such as LandFlex, with the goal of bringing additional resources to dairy farmers and agricultural operations in the region.

    Water availability and groundwater sustainability remain significant issues for agricultural operations throughout the Central Valley, making programs that support conservation and water management increasingly important for producers.

    Stay Connected with California Ag Network

    From wine and almonds to citrus, dairy and water, This Week in Ag brings together five stories impacting California agriculture each week.

    For more news impacting the California ag industry, follow California Ag Network.

  • New Products Being Developed to Sell Oregon Hazelnuts

    George Packing Company is looking at new products, from spreads to confectioneries, to market and sell Oregon hazelnuts. These efforts are enabling consumers to enjoy hazelnuts in ways not previously imagined. Northwest Hazelnut Company Sales Director Aaron McGraw spoke with Matthew Malcolm from Pacific Nut Producer about some of the latest goods coming out of R&D. Watch this quick video and read more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor George Packing Company for their industry support.

  • Planting a Cover Crop in Your Hazelnut Orchard

    Cover crops are becoming an increasingly popular way to trap nitrogen and promote soil health in hazelnut orchards. However, there are certain steps and conditions to consider before sowing. Laura Hallett and Marissa Lane-Massee from the University of Oregon spoke with Matthew Malcolm from Pacific Nut Producer about how to start a cover crop and what to look out for. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor George Packing Company for their industry support.

  • Double Density and Tree Removal

    With the increase of double-density planting, hazelnut growers in Oregon are removing every other tree, which can be an expensive and labor-intensive process. Hazelnut grower and nursery owner Loren Birkemeier took some time to talk with Matthew Malcolm from Pacific Nut Producer about the most cost-effective ways to remove trees. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor George Packing Company for their industry support.

  • Hazelnut Sucker Removal

    Hazelnut suckers can be a hassle for growers, as they compete with trees for key nutrients. Removing them regularly is crucial to maintaining a healthy orchard. At the Nut Growers Society’s Winter Meeting, Marcelo Moretti from Oregon State University spoke with Matthew Malcolm of Malcolm Media Ag Publishing about the latest findings on sucker removal practices. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor George Packing Company for their industry support.

  • Walnut Industry Growing Momentum with Quality Crop and Record Sales

    The walnut industry is building momentum as indicators suggest one of the best crops growers have had in recent history. Committed sales are also at record numbers. At Malcolm Media’s Tree & Vine Expo in Turlock and in an interview with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network, California Walnut Board Commission CEO/Executive Director Robert Verloop discusses the state of walnut growers. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Hazelnut Farmer Finds Clever Way to Handle Squirrel Trouble

    Squirrels can be a serious headache for nut growers, who often have to come up with their own ways of catching and getting rid of them as rodenticides are not always an option. Oregon hazelnut grower Ken Baker talks to Matthew Malcolm with Pacific Nut Producer about the way he has learned to trap squirrels at his farm. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor George Packing Company for their industry support.

  • Almond Board of California Gets Major Win in Japan Exports

    The Almond Board of California has reached an alignment with the USDA and the Japanese government on a pre-test protocol for aflatoxin in almonds. This will allow for easier shipping of almonds to Japan. Julie Adams from the Almond Board of California speaks about it with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Almond Industry Requests EPA Follow Sound Science in Essential Product Registration

    The almond industry is has just received Section 18 emergency approval for the use of an essential bactericide for the sixth year. A product that has been fully registered in other commodities, Kasumin should be permanently registered for use in almonds, but the EPA is ignoring the sound science showing that it’s safe and beneficial for almonds under critical weather conditions. Watch this brief interview as Jim Adaskaveg from UC Riverside explains with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network and read more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Almond Board Guides Industry Recovery with 3rd Largest Shipping Year

    The California almond industry experienced its 3rd highest shipping year ever in conjunction with the Almond Board of California’s 75th anniversary as a Federal Marketing Order. At the Almond Conference in Sacramento, President/CEO Clarice Turner spoke with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to discuss current almond supply and demand dynamics and the Board’s role in creating a healthier future in the California almond industry. Watch this brief video and read more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.