Pacific Nut Producer

Growers looking to showcase and export their products face numerous hurdles and challenges, but the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA) is working with growers to get their products onto the international market. Hayden Romig from WUSATA spoke with Matthew Malcolm of Malcolm Media Ag Publishing to discuss the work his organization does. Watch this quick video and learn more on California Ag Network.

Monocultures can lead to the displacement of native plant life, but many growers and researchers are finding a benefit in planting flowering hedgerows in orchards. This includes attracting predatory insects and pollinators. Heather Andrews, a faculty research assistant with Oregon State University, spoke with Matthew Malcolm from Pacific Nut Producer about how these hedgerows are helping hazelnut growers in the Willamette Valley.

Since releasing our initial May 2026 estimate, Blue Diamond Growers has continued to monitor orchard conditions across all growing regions. The company's observations continue to indicate a crop size in the range of 2.65 to 2.7 billion pounds. Their initial estimate had an upper range of 2.72 billion pounds, which they now believe peaks at 2.70 billion pounds because of growing downward pressure on crop potential, suggesting a slightly lower midpoint of 2.67 billion pounds.

The California Walnut Commission CWC voiced its support after the European Union reduced the tariff on U.S.-grown tree nuts - including walnuts - to 0%. This lowering of rates became effective as of July 1. In a public statement on the order, the CWC stated: "The California Walnut Commission (CWC) welcomes this positive development for the California walnut industry and European customers and consumers.

Setton Farms announced that their Dark Chocolate Pistachios with Sea Salt have been named Best Sweet Pistachios in Good Housekeeping's 2026 Snack Awards. The full list of awards can be found on goodhousekeeping.com/snacks2026 . Setton's Dark Chocolate Pistachios with Sea Salt are made in-house in small batches. They're made with whole pistachios, dry-roasted, with a touch of sea salt that enhances the chocolate's flavor while balancing overall sweetness.

Honey bees encounter viruses in their environments, especially when they forage on flowers and other food sources. Being able to detect viruses is important for reducing infection and the spread of disease. Many insects, including honey bees, can detect viruses indirectly with sick nestmates, but it has been unclear if honey bees can directly detect viruses in food sources.

Hot March temperatures are leading to a lighter pistachio crop this year. However, growers and processors remain optimistic that the 2026 growing season is a fluke, and that the industry will have an excellent yield in 2027. Jeff Gibbons with Setton Farms and Joe Coelho with American Pistachio Growers discussed this anomalous year in the pistachio industry with Matthew Malcolm from California Ag Network. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

California almond exporters have a new opportunity in one of the world's largest premium food markets following the European Union's approval of a new duty-free tariff rate quota (TRQ) for U.S. almonds. The measure is part of the recently finalized EU-U.S. trade agreement, which expands market access for several U.S. agricultural products through zero-duty tariff rate quotas.

More than 150 active almond industry members volunteer on board-appointed committees, subcommittees and working groups to further the work of Almond Board of California (ABC). The Board is always on the lookout for new volunteers and accepts applications throughout the year; the committees are seated in August. Committee descriptions and Statement of Interest Forms are hyperlinked below.

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