sept-oct-2020

banks and nutrition centers. Our goal is to see the solicitation fulfilled and seek additional Section 32 funds in the next budget cycle. This USDA action under Section 32 can expand the demand for almonds which supports overall pricing. USDA Export of Whole Almond Hulls Grant The Almond Alliance applied for USDA export program funding for “Establishing New Export Markets in Asia for Whole Almond Hulls.” This will focus on promoting nutritional and feed efficiency for the international dairy industry. The Almond Alliance was awarded funding over two years to assist with the export of almond hulls (not cubes or pellets) to Asia. As you know this is harder than it sounds. Our proposal includes the following: • Classify whole almond hulls as a feed commodity by importing country’s Ministries of Agriculture. • Facilitate creation of correct HS Codes by importing country. • Address and resolve confusion regarding application of phytosanitary protocols by importing country customs authorities. For this commodity to be exported in volume and become a dairy feed staple in the primary target markets in Asia, we must overcome the fundamental barriers of the lack of phytosanitary protocols, enumeration of chemical residues, objects of quarantine for imported whole almond hulls and inclusion on allowable feed listings. This proposal will address and fund research, education and registration of whole almond hulls as a dairy feed with ministries of agriculture and customs and quarantine administrations in target export markets in Asia and Southeast Asia. Regulatory Actions The Almond Alliance spends an extraordinary amount of time on regulatory issues. Below is a brief summary of some of the top regulatory items and how the Alliance is involved on your behalf. DPR and 1,3 Dichloropropene Pilot Project In early 2020, the Department of Pesticide Regulations (DPR) initiated pilot programs specific to the use of 1,3 Dichloropropene in three areas of the state: Shafter, Kern County; Parlier, Fresno County; Delhi, Merced County. 1,3-D (also known as Telone) is an approved soil fumigant made up of carbon, hydrogen and chlorine. 1,3-D is used to eradicate harmful, microscopic, root-eating worms prior to planting almond trees. The objective of the pilot programs is to provide growers and applicators with alternative methods of achieving emission reductions of 1,3-D comparable to tarping. The Almond Alliance engaged our membership in discussion about the 13 proposed mitigation measures presented by DPR. Our grower members reviewed the proposals and commented on what is feasible and what is not realistic in practice and outlined the economic impacts to each of the mitigation measures. We met with DPR over five times on this issue and submitted a letter clearly outlining what was “doable” for the industry and why some mitigation measures are not feasible. DPR was asked to consider the timing of requiring new mitigation options and emphasized that fumigations are applied both by specialized equipment and specially trained applicators. We reminded DPR that 74 percent of almond growers farm 100 acres or less. Re/planting an orchard is a major long-term investment with no return from that ground for three to four years, and it takes seven to 15 years to fully recoup the investment costs. Everything that increases the planting costs, including efforts to achieve successful soil pest management prior to planting, means the grower needs that much more capital to put in and it will take that much longer to amortize the costs. Yet, good soil pest management is critical for the long-term productivity and health of an almond orchard. The Almond Alliance continues to be very engaged in this issue with DPR and have invited decision makers to almond orchards for a tour and further discussion and to get a better understanding of the geographies for possible mitigation measures. Proposition 65 — Acrylamide in Roasted Almonds The Almond Alliance has led a coalition of chocolate and nut producers addressing concerns about recent developments regarding Prop. 65 and the prospect of claims being filed alleging that cancer warnings are required for acrylamide in products made with, or primarily derived from, nuts and cocoa/chocolate. The purpose of our involvement is the prospect of claims being filed alleging that cancer warnings are required for 2 5 S E P T E M B E R – O C T O B E R 2 0 2 0