“Facts are Stubborn Things” – John Adams
The headlines have been unavoidable. Almonds have been painted as our state’s “thirstiest” crop but what these stories lack is context. Blue Diamond’s management team has been collaborating with industry experts to communicate the facts about agricultural water use to the media and our urban neighbors. According to a recent editorial...
Almond Industry Update: April Sees Record Almond Shipments
The April shipment report from Blue Diamond’s Global Ingredients Division is available. Each month I will share this industry report covering the state of crop supply, shipments, and domestic and export market status for the month and over prior year....
NASS Subjective Estimate Reports 1.85 Billion Pound Crop
Last week, growers in each of Blue Diamond’s 9 districts shared with me their outlook on their crop. After these visits, I was predicting a crop in the trees of 1.9 billion pounds. Water quality and availability could significantly lower this number. Often I heard their prediction followed by...
Thoughts on this Historic Drought: Gov. Brown and Sec. Ross Proactively Engage on Water Issue
As state agencies continue to interpret their role in the fight to conserve California’s water supply, I am thankful that leaders such as Governor Brown and CDFA Secretary Karen Ross continue to protect our state’s food production industry. CDFA Secretary Ross penned a strong op-ed in today’s Modesto Bee,...
Thoughts on this Historic Drought: Continuing the conversation
Yesterday the Los Angeles Times reported a strong story sharing the perspective of almond growers. Here is an excerpt from the story that I wanted to share: Almonds, the demons of drought? Frustrated growers tell another story Farmers are by necessity a...
Thoughts on this Historic Drought: Seeking Clarity
The drought that farmers have been responding to for some time has finally captured the attention of the general public, due in large part to the Governor’s recent announcement of mandatory cuts in water usage in urban and suburban parts of the state. The most common question from people...
Blue Diamond’s business model is unique from most other California almond handlers and here’s why…
The Blue Diamond brand is the gold standard of quality; our 105 years of experience and unique, personal customer access position our co-op for continued market leadership. We remain the world’s largest and best seller of Nonpareil almonds with market expertise in the 93 countries which purchase our brown almonds. This...
Almond Industry Update – March 17, 2015
The February Almond Board Position report shows 2014 crop receipts winding down as expected. February receipts of 16 million pounds pushed the crop just over 1.85 million pounds. Remaining receipts will slow to a trickle, leaving the 2014 crop total materially unchanged. The labor dispute at West Coast ports...
Almond Bloom Update
The almond bloom is blanketing California’s orchards in white. Despite the challenges posed by water during the bloom the clear and moderate weather is a blessing for the almond industry. Throughout the Central Valley, growers have reported strong bee activity, lasting anywhere from seven to nine pollinating hours a...
Blue Diamond Almonds, Industry Update – February 13, 2015
February 12, 2015 The January Almond Board of California (ABC) Position Report confirms West Coast port congestion has taken center stage in the California almond industry. While the work slowdown has been evident since November, the situation has escalated substantially in recent weeks....