2014 Summer APG Newsletter

Transcription

NEWS
Summer 2014
2014 Annual Membership Luncheon
‘Cheers’ to New APG Partnerships
Kathleen Kissee, Rebecca Hall, Haiying Zhang, and
Genaro Gonzales. Growers Gary Robinson and Gary Smith
recounted their recent experiences representing APG in
China where they traveled with 2013 Miss California Crystal
Lee to promote American pistachios.
American Pistachio Growers current and future members
have found time in their busy summer schedules for the
past seven years to attend the APG Annual Membership
Luncheon in Visalia. Industry friends, surprises and prizes
continue to attract record crowds, and this year more than
340 signed up to attend the July 25 event.
Current members and those who committed to change
their status from ‘future’ to ‘current’ member received
an APG pistachio shopping bag with logo Octoberfest
beverage glass and pistachio cluster wine/water sleeve.
All attendees were also treated to a six pack of Michelob
Ultra beer courtesy of Anheuser-Busch in celebration of
their new partnership with American Pistachio Growers that
encourages consumers to purchase APG member product
by offering a generous discount.
The APG store was also open for business and attracted
a crowd eager to purchase logo sample clothing on sale.
Members may order popular customized items on the APG
website’s password-protected member portal.
2014 APG Chairman Thom Dille welcomed guests and
introduced Miss California 2014, Marina Inserra, who was
crowned at the June pageant in Fresno and will serve as an
APG nutrition and health ambassador during her reign. She
performed a beautiful rendition of the ‘Star Spangled Banner’
and snapped photos of the group for social media posting.
Informative presentations and updates were provided by
APG Executive Director Richard Matoian, Global Marketing
Director Judy Hirigoyen and Marketing Project Managers
APG HIGHLIGHTS
Annual Membership Luncheon Toast of the Town
2014-2015 Assessment Rate and Budget Approved
First Ever APG Production Seminars with Bob Beede
Ambassador Update: New Miss California Crowned
Amgen California Tour: Growers Cheer Cav’s Multiple Wins
10 Addy’s Awarded APG for Excellence in Marketing
Annual Luncheon participants never leave empty headed or handed. This year,
beer was donated by Anheuser-Busch to add to fun APG logo giveaways.
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Regional Meetings Attract Growers across California
Miss California 2014 China Tour Promotes Happy Nut
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EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR
UPDATE
As we approach the 2014 harvest season, American
Pistachio Growers continues to move forward with
programs determined by its governing Board, especially
marketing and PR campaign funding. For the upcoming
2014/15 fiscal year, APG has once again devoted the
majority of its budget dollars to these areas. Marketing,
which includes Nutrition Research, will total more than nine
million dollars, just over 78 percent of the organization’s
total budget.
This is consistent with our ongoing focus on marketing
pistachios ahead of production and supports APG efforts
to increase consumer demand throughout the globe.
Our marketing approach is transformational rather than
transactional and leads to long-term positive changes in
purchasing habits and how pistachios are perceived by
consumers.
This year’s crop is expected to yield somewhere around
500 million pounds, slightly down from initial estimates
due to climate and water conditions affecting production.
The 2012 record crop of 555 million pounds should be
broken within a few years, and a billion pound crop is still
expected by 2020. It is critical to the future health of the
American pistachio industry to continue expansion of key
markets worldwide to ensure demand will absorb increased
production at returns that are viable to growers.
In April and May, APG conducted its annual regional
meetings, with approximately 200 growers in attendance
at four locations throughout California. APG will also again
participate in the annual Arizona pistachio growers meeting
in October. These gatherings provide opportunities to meet
directly with our producer members in their locales and to
interface on topics of interest to the industry.
Our Annual Membership Luncheon in Visalia on July 25
reached a new attendance record with well over 300 in
attendance. This spring we also conducted pistachio
seminars at various locations utilizing the talents and
expertise of Bob Beede, a well-known advisor in the
industry who recently retired from his post as UCCE Farm
Advisor. We were fortunate to have his help in getting the
word out to growers on issues affecting this year’s crop.
Thank you to all who participated in these APG events. Your
feedback helps assure us that APG continues on the right
path in its various program areas.
After the Annual Membership Luncheon, the APG Board
met and officially approved its budget for the 2014/15
fiscal year. For the sixth year in a row, APG has been
able to maintain assessments at the same rates - rare
among commodity groups. It’s been the positive growth in
membership that has allowed APG to continually increase
the amount of dollars expended on various programs
without raising the assessment rates.
Another fine group of future leaders is enrolled in our 2014
Leadership Program that is going strong and growing more
popular each year. Many graduates have gone on to serve
on the Board and/or Committees, which was the original
intent of the program.
We appreciate the ongoing support of our members and
the network created that benefits everyone. Thank you for
continuing to spread the word to your neighbors who have
not yet joined American Pistachio Growers.
2014/15 CY Assessment
and Budget Approved
An open meeting of the APG Board of Directors was
convened immediately following the July 25 Annual
Membership Luncheon in Visalia.
After thorough discussion, the Board unanimously
approved the following actions:
•
2013/2014 Audit of APG operations
•
2014/2015 Budget totaling $11,725,882
•
Grower assessment maintained at $0.025/pound
•
Processor assessment maintained at $0.015/pound
•
2016 Conference venue: JW Marriott in Palm Desert
•
Merger of the Annual Report and Conference
Committee and Membership Communications
Committees; renamed the Membership Services
Committee
The next meeting of the APG Board will be held at the
Fresno office November 12. APG is a democratically led
organization that encourages members to attend and
actively participate in all open Board meetings.
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CHAIRMAN’S
CORNER
We now approach harvest with many questions about how
the weather and water have impacted our 2014 crop. From
our experience and many others, the bloom timing, the lack
of chill hours and the water situation remain foremost in our
minds. We cannot forecast the yields, we can be certain
we have all done the best we can to keep our trees and
businesses moving forward.
We are all fortunate to participate in one of the great crop
stories of the 20th and now 21st centuries. As our industry
expands, we all need to encourage membership in APG.
As an organization, we need to continue providing valued
programs for our members. This summer, we initiated a
new “Tailgate” seminar program with our friend Bob Beede.
I hope you all had a chance to attend the June sessions
for updates on water, cultivation and pest management.
I know each session had varying questions and topics;
but as always, Bob provided relevant feedback and timely
information. Let us know if that is the type of program you
enjoy and expect from APG, and certainly feel free to make
suggestions about other areas in which the organization
can assist all members.
Bob Beede recently provided a “White Paper” on the
history and research concerning the Navel Orangeworm
in our pistachios. It is worthy of review by all to see the
potential impact on our industry and the efforts to control
the level in the field. It is a topic we should all be aware of
and address as effectively as possible.
This year we are hosting our fourth Leadership Program,
the largest class with 18 participants. The program content
has improved annually and provides a wonderful overview
of our industry and organization with participants creating
new friendships.
The number of educational lectures has expanded this
year, with eleven different meetings and educational
opportunities for class participants. This program was
originally created by Brian Blackwell and Jim Zion to
encourage participation in our organization at all levels.
We have many areas for service, and we encourage all
to find a niche where you participate and contribute. My
personal participation in APG always provides knowledge
and opportunities to improve our business methods and
results.
APG has committed to maintain efforts to effectively
promote our product both domestically and internationally.
Our Finance Committee and Board of Directors understand
the importance of marketing and directing your
assessment dollars to promote our pistachios. The Board
has approved a 2014-15 budget that is consistent with this
current year’s efforts. We expect to continue to market and
promote in anticipation of the larger crops anticipated as
new acreage reaches maturity.
With the current global political climate and the
possibility of changes in USA policies concerning Iran,
our organization is prepared to react, if needed, to any
change in import policy. Our Government Policies and
Partnerships program is a wonderful place to participate in
our organization, as they deal with both Federal and State
matters throughout the year.
Our Membership and Annual Report/Conference
committees now work together to present and coordinate
our annual member services and activities. We will
continue to publish the Annual Report, print newsletters,
distribute eNews to members and hold membership events
throughout the year. I am personally impressed with our
eNews and the valued content concerning our promotion
activities internationally and domestically. If you need any
additional information, contact the APG office, they’re
always at your service.
Our Annual Conference for 2015 will again be held in
San Diego at a new venue, Paradise Point - San Diego’s
Island Resort. This is a bungalow type resort with lots
of beachfront and the conference facilities we need to
present our programs for the upcoming year. Look for
information that will be sent in early fall first to members, so
sign up right away - and remember to wear your island and
APG apparel.
APG Production Seminars
To provide an opportunity for our members to obtain
important field information from one of the leading experts
in the industry, APG hosted members-only pistachio
production seminars on June 20, 24 and 25. Led by Bob
Beede, UCCE Farm Advisor, Emeritus, members received
an informative lecture and question-and-answer session
relating to production issues and advice on how to deal
with various orchard challenges faced by growers.
During the sessions, Bob distributed a thought-provoking
“pop quiz” on pistachio production. Answers were posted
on the member portal of the APG website. Based on
enthusiastic feedback from members, similar seminars will
likely be held in the future.
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APG MARKETING UPDATE
Introducing Newly Crowned Miss California 2014
APG’s Health, Fitness & Beauty Ambassador
Miss California, Marina Inserra, formerly Miss Yosemite Valley and a San Diego native, was
crowned in Fresno, California on June 27. Her talent is vocal, and her platform is breast
cancer awareness.
I am honored to be representing American Pistachio Growers as their Ambassador. I have
always been very mindful of my diet, making every calorie count. Pistachios are one of my
favorite foods. They are delicious, satisfying and filled with the nutrients I need to help me be
my very best.
American pistachios are the Official Snack of Miss California, who is universally regarded
as the personification of the iconic California lifestyle. As APG’s health, fitness and beauty
ambassador, Miss California represents APG at global events and through social media.
APG Ambassador Mark Cavendish Leads the Pack in California AMGEN Tour
As he has done 25 times at the Tour de France, APG Ambassador pro cyclist Mark Cavendish (Cav) rode the wind to win the
first and final stages of the AMGEN Tour of California. In the first stage, in Sacramento, he narrowly edged out Germany’s John
Degenkolb, coming from behind in the final meters with a spectacular tire-rim win - the closest finish in nine years. In the final
stage in Thousand Oaks, he sprinted to a narrow victory with a drag race to the finish line, taking the prize by a whisker, edging
out Degenkolb once again.
APG witnessed Cav’s victories first-hand and maximized opportunities to raise awareness of the powerful benefits of American
pistachios for active lifestyles. At each stage of race, the Pistachio mobile and our Ambassador Leah Tibbitts, along with Global
Marketing Director Judy Hirigoyen, rooted for the cyclists and handed out APG sample packs. To add to the excitement, race
attendees were invited to enter a raffle to win a 100-day supply of American pistachios.
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National Nutrition Month Press Release
In celebration of National Nutrition Month® (March), APG
generated a press release that urged consumers to
get fit for spring with delicious, nutritious pistachios. An
infographic (left), “The Skinny on Pistachios” was also
distributed to graphically communicate the nut’s health
benefits in the areas of weight management, heart health
and nutritional breakdown. It is based on results of APG
funded nutrition research at California State Polytechnic
University, San Luis Obispo and Pomona campuses.
Drs. Bonny Bums-Whitmore and Laura Hall presented
the results April 27 at the 2014 Experimental Biology
Conference in San Diego.
Pistachios Support Men’s Health
Men’s Health Month was established to heighten awareness
of preventable health issues affecting men and boys. APG
joined in this national effort by pitching targeted media
outlets with the nutritional benefits of pistachios. As a
result, American pistachios were featured on Good Morning
San Diego with APG Nutrition Ambassador Becci Twombley
offering tips for men’s proper nutrition and smart food
choices, such as pistachios.
APG Wins 6 Gold/4 Silver ADDY Awards
For the second consecutive year, APG has received
multiple ADDY awards for creative excellence in marketing
and promotion. These nationally acclaimed awards are
given out annually by the American Advertising Federation
to recognize creative excellence in local markets.
APG won six gold and two silver ADDYs in the Central
Valley competition and two more silvers in the second tier
with entrants from Northern California and Nevada. These
awards brought our two-year total to 26.
All American Baseball and Pistachios
APG celebrated the 4th of July with the Fresno Grizzlies
Baseball team. Our popular mascot, American Pistachio,
threw out the ceremonial first pitch to start the game;
throughout the game, he tossed APG pistachio sample
packs into the crowd as they chanted, “PISTACHIOS,”
“PISTACHIOS,” “PISTACHIOS!”
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APG AROUND THE WORLD
APG Miss California China Tour 2014
Miss California 2013 Crystal Lee toured China to promote
America’s amazing green nut as part of the third annual
APG Miss California China Tour. Joining Miss California
were APG grower ambassadors Gary Robinson and
Gary Smith, along with APG Global Marketing Director
Judy Hirigoyen and APG Marketing Project Manager for
Asia Haiying Zhang. With a mission to promote APG’s
commitment to quality, food safety and the health benefits
of American pistachios, the tour was filled with in-store
appearances, television, newspaper and magazine
interviews in the cities of Shanghai, Chongqing and
Guangzhou.
At the media conferences held by APG, more than 100
media representatives gathered with cameras flashing to
interview Miss California and the growers, who answered
questions about farming in the USA. Miss California Crystal
Lee, who is Chinese and fluent in both Chinese and
Mandarin, explained that as Miss California, pistachios are
her official snack because they contain many nutrients
essential for healthy skin and hair, as well as vitamins,
antioxidants and dietary fiber that help keep her body
healthy and fit. Other media events included a TV interview
with Miss California on Fun Lifestyle, Guangdong’s national
television sports channel.
Retail promotions were held at four supermarkets to
directly promote American-quality, California-grown
pistachios to Chinese consumers, who got a once-in-alifetime opportunity to meet and greet Miss California
in person while learning about America’s healthy and
nutritious pistachios. Miss California and APG growers
spent time with customers who packed the stores and
eagerly waited to get their hands on American pistachios
as well as an autograph and photo with Miss California.
The in-store promotions resulted in a 300 to 400 percent
increase in sales of APG members’ pistachios.
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Baking Seminars in Japan and Korea
APG hosted baking seminars in Japan and Korea to
showcase the versatility of American pistachios as an
ingredient in bakery products. In Japan, seminars were
held at Iwase Este and in Tokyo at Shoei Food’s new
facility. In Korea, APG partnered with the Korean Bakery
Association and Richmond Bakery, the most prestigious
bakery school in Korea.
More than 400 food professionals from the bakery industry
attended the seminars, which were funded by the “Food
Professionals in Japan and South Korea” Specialty Crop
Block Grant. More than 95 percent of survey participants
said they would use or recommend pistachios in their
business, as a result of the seminar.
American Pistachios Fuel Runners
Popular German running guru Achim Achilles believes
American pistachios are the ideal snack for runners. To
help spread the pistachio message to these athletes,
American pistachios were featured on the product-of-themonth page of Achim Achilles’ website (generating more
than 563,000 unique users annually), his Facebook page
(20,000 fans) and in an article in his newsletter (13,000
subscribers).
Achim Achilles is a renowned journalist, runner and “Natural
Running” advocate. Based in Berlin, his mission is to
educate report and promote the benefits of expanding and
strengthening the foot’s natural motion to create better
balance, strength and agility. He is also a proponent of
proper nutrition for optimal fitness.
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APG Jones Snowboard Giveaway: US, UK, France, Germany, Spain and Japan
Snowboard and pistachio fans in six countries had an opportunity to participate in APG’s Jones Snowboard Giveaway on
Facebook or at Carrefour hypermarkets in France. 2013 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, Jones powers his
adventures with pistachios. As a strong supporter of active outdoor lifestyles, APG gave away 34 Jones Snowboards during
January and February.
To promote the contest, 600 APG display bins featuring Jeremy Jones and APG’s grower
ambassadors were placed in 250 Carrefour hypermarkets throughout France during January
and February. Peel and-reveal promotional labels were applied to 150,000 14-ounce bags of APG
members’ pistachios featuring APG’s origin logo.
APG Ambassadors at ISPO Munich
ISPO Munich is the world’s largest trade fair for sporting
goods and sportswear in the world. More than 100
countries, 2,000 exhibitors and 80,000 visitors, including
media, consumers and buyers attend the event. APG
provided a Summit sponsorship. The Summit is the center
of activities where more than 13,000 visitors gathered each
day to learn about action sports and nutritional needs for
active lifestyles.
APG held a sports nutrition discussion with our nutrition
Ambassador Nigel Mitchell and athlete Ambassador
Jeremy Jones at the Summit. The discussion covered
the physical and nutritional demands of snowboarding,
the important role nutrition plays in athletics and
winter sports in particular and optimization of nutrition.
Throughout the talk, pistachios were mentioned as a key
dietary choice for active lifestyles.
APG’s sponsorship of ISPO’s Summit included APG
logo placement throughout the area, press coverage,
several APG ads in the tradeshow publication, as well as
distribution of pistachio samples to consumers.
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APG Spring EU Media Events
In Germany, APG invited influential journalists to an
exclusive rooftop press event. Media representatives from
publications such as Men’s Health, Runner’s World and
Shape attended.
In London, APG held a media event with Mark Cavendish
and his nutritionist Nigel Mitchell just prior to the AMGEN
Tour of California and Tour de France. Cavendish answered
questions about his training regime, which includes a
high-protein diet of whole foods such as pistachios. His
nutritionist spoke about sports nutrition and the nutritional
value of pistachios. APG’s strategic scheduling of this event
rode the wave of media excitement for these two popular
races and resulted in more than 180 million impressions in
the UK.
In Spain, journalists from leading sports, health and fitness
magazines attended a media event where APG nutrition
Ambassador Dr. Nieves Palacios spoke about the benefits
of pistachio consumption for winter sport athletes. The
event generated multiple articles, which resulted in more
than three million impressions.
Dr. Palacios conducted an additional press briefing on
the benefits of pistachios for skin and cardiovascular
health. Her presentation included a nutritional breakdown
of pistachios and their role in skin renewal, hydration
and protection. In a radio interview with Spain’s popular
radio station AINYM, Dr. Palacios broadcast the powerful
pistachio message for health, beauty and fitness to
thousands of listeners across Spain.
In Italy, APG hosted an exclusive cooking demonstration
and sampling for journalists from Italy’s Elle magazine.
Chef Nicola Giani prepared three pistachio dishes using
American pistachios. The exclusive event scored a twopage article for APG in the March edition of Elle and
featured Chef Giani’s pistachio creations. Elle is the world’s
largest and best-selling fashion and lifestyle magazine,
with a circulation of more than 182,000 consumers.
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APG NUTRITION
RESEARCH REPORT
APG-supported Research
In January 2013, the APG nutrition research program
supported several papers being published or accepted
for publication this summer, along with numerous research
presentations. The research focused on the role of
pistachios in metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and
cardiometabolic syndrome.
Most recently, researchers from Pennsylvania State
University (PSU), in an additional analysis based on their
first study (Gebaurer et al. 2008), showed that feeding
pistachios at 10% or 20% of daily calories improved a
number of indicators of cardiometabolic syndrome. This
randomized, controlled study, conducted on 28 healthy
adults with elevated blood cholesterol levels, provided
subjects with all their food, which made it easier to
determine the effects of pistachios.
Key messages: Including pistachios in a moderate-fat diet
(35%) favorably affects insulin sensitivity and contributes
to a beneficial cardiometabolic profile; pistachios, as part
of a healthy diet, help lower triglycerides and bad (LDL)
cholesterol.
Holligan S et al. A moderate-fat diet containing pistachios
improves the emerging markers of cardio-metabolic
syndrome in healthy adults with elevated LDL levels. British
Journal of Nutrition 7/2014. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/
S0007114514001561. Published online: 10 July 2014 (PSU).
In a second randomized, controlled clinical trial from PSU
on 30 people with type 2 diabetes, the researchers found
that deriving 20% of their calories from pistachios reduced
blood pressure in a similar fashion as in their first study of
people with high blood cholesterol.
Key message: Pistachios may help reduce blood pressure
and biological responses to everyday stress in persons
with type 2 diabetes. Sauder K et al. Pistachio consumption modifies systemic
hemodynamics, increases heart rate variability, and reduces
ambulatory blood pressure in type 2 diabetes. Journal of
the American Heart Association. 2014;3:e000873; originally
published June 30, 2014; doi:10.1161/JAHA.114.000873
(Pennsylvania State University)
At the European Congress on Obesity, Sofia, Bulgaria,
in May 2014, Dr. Monica Bulló presented findings from
the EPIRDEM Study (effect of pistachio intake on insulin
resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus). Dr. Bulló’s results
were featured in a press conference at the Congress and
the news was distributed throughout Europe. The study
has now been accepted and published in the highly rated
journal, Diabetes Care.
Bulló M et al. Beneficial effect of pistachio consumption
on glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, inflammation
and related metabolic risk markers: The EPIRDEM Study.
Accepted Diabetes Care 7/2014 (Spain) (Diabetes Care 2014;
37:1-8/doi:10.2337/dc14-1431).
Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Draft conclusion statements were reviewed at the Advisory
Committee meeting. The following is an excerpt from
the Draft Conclusion Statement for Dietary Patterns and
Cardiovascular Disease:
“The committee concurs with the conclusions of the
Nutrition Evidence Library Dietary Patterns Systematic
Review and AHA/ACC Guidelines that strong and consistent
evidence demonstrates that dietary patterns associated
with a decreased risk of CVD are characterized by…”
(Regular consumption of nuts and legumes and moderate
consumption of alcohol are shown to be beneficial in most
studies.) DGAC Grade: “Strong evidence.”
Proposed Nutrition Label Update
On March 3, 2014, the FDA published proposed rules that
update the Nutrition Facts label—a revision that has been
more than 10 years in the making. The proposed changes
are intended to reflect the latest scientific information,
including the link between diet and chronic diseases such
as obesity and heart disease.
The proposed label also would replace out-of-date serving
sizes to better reflect how much people really eat, and it
would feature a new design to highlight key parts of the
label such as calories and serving sizes. If adopted, some
of the key proposed changes in the design of the Nutrition
Facts label and serving size follow:
•
Changing serving sizes to reflect how much people
actually eat; however, the serving size remains the
same for pistachios/nuts at 30g. Notably, if a bag
of pistachios contains between 200% and 400%
of the standardized serving size (reference amount
customarily consumed; e.g., one ounce), a second
column with the amount for the entire bag will be
required.
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Highlighting calories by increasing the type size and
placing the number of calories per serving in bold
type.
ACP/CPRB UPDATE
•
Changing “Amount per Serving” to “Amount per ___”,
with the blank filled in with the serving size in common
household measures (e.g., Amount per 1/4 cup).
•
Listing the actual amount, in addition to Percent Daily
Value, of mandatory vitamins and minerals and, when
declared, voluntary vitamins and minerals.
•
Require labeling of “added sugars.”
There is little reason to rehash the growing conditions
of the 2014 crop – low precipitation, inadequate water
supplies, low chill, erratic bloom, warmer than usual
summer. All of this has led to predictions of an earlier
than usual harvest, with harvest of the early maturing
varieties in some areas beginning a week before Labor
Day. Predictions for crop quality range from normal to
bad due to high levels of blanking and a high closed shell
percentage.
•
Require manufacturers to declare the amount of
potassium and Vitamin D on the label because they
are new “nutrients of public health significance.”
Calcium and iron would continue to be required, and
Vitamins A and C could be included on a voluntary
basis.
•
Remove “Calories from Fat,” but still require “Total Fat,”
“Saturated Fat” and “Trans Fat” on the label. The type
of fat is more important than the amount.
•
Update Daily Values for nutrients such as sodium,
dietary fiber and Vitamin D. These changes in Daily
Values will affect the nutrient content claims that can
be made on food products.
•
Key Points: The final rule proposed by the FDA to
update the Nutrition Facts label for pistachios will likely
be published in one to two years (2015/2016), with the
compliance date two years later (2017/2018). The soonest
manufacturers can start using the new format is on the
effective date, which will be 60 days after publication of the
final rule (2015/2016).
Dr. Bob Klein, ACP and CPRB Manager
Growers could be tempted to delay harvest with the hope
of achieving higher split percentages, but this may be
courting disaster due to the effects of warm weather on
navel orangeworm (NOW) populations. NOW populations
are high according to monitoring data collected by
Dr. Joel Siegel (USDA-ARS, Parlier), and the potential for
NOW damage is tracking between 2012 (an okay year)
and 2013 (high levels). Growers delaying harvest could
easily lose more in insect damage than they gain in split
percentage.
NOW control is challenging, with difficulties interpreting
monitoring data, selecting thresholds to initiate spraying,
covering an entire operation in a short window of time
(preferably <7 days!), possible insecticide resistance, a
range of alternate chemistries, and divergent strategies.
However, no one disagrees on the importance of winter
sanitation of mummies. Harvest will be over by midOctober, and it is not too early to start thinking of this
critical aspect of NOW control.
The erratic and poor performance of some clonal UCB-1
rootstock has been a red-button topic of concern among
growers, especially those contemplating expanding
their production. While we had hoped to have some
clarity about the situation by now, this has not yet
happened. Researchers continue to look at potential
genetic mutations, as well as potential pathogens; neither
hypothesis has been ruled out. The California Pistachio
Research Board has funded a project looking at a potential
pathogenic cause, but final results are not expected for two
or more years.
Best wishes for a smooth and stress-free harvest!
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Fourth Annual APG Regional Grower Meetings
Growers from throughout California gathered in late spring
for APG Regional Grower Meetings in Sacramento (CA Farm
Bureau), Madera (Madera Municipal Golf Club), Coalinga
(Harris Ranch) and Bakersfield (Benji’s Basque Restaurant).
APG Board, Membership Committee and staff members
were in attendance at all of the gatherings conducted
in April and May to answer questions, lend support and
visit with friends during meals that included APG program
presentations.
These informal small group settings always encourage
an open exchange of ideas unique to the American
Pistachio Growers’ organization. Along with our July 25
Annual Membership Luncheon, the regional meetings were
successful in adding to the APG membership roster, while
informing participants and allowing APG to show appreciation
for ongoing member support.
APG Executive Director Richard Matoian outlined statistical
crop information and shared government affairs updates.
An overview of current and future APG marketing strategies
and programs was provided by APG Marketing Director
Judy Hirigoyen and included presentations led by
Marketing Project Managers Rebecca Hall, Kathleen Kissee
and Haiying Zhang.
The APG regional meetings were implemented in 2011
to accommodate growers unable to attend the Annual
Conference, Membership Luncheon or open Board
meetings. The gatherings serve to update valued current
members and allow sharing of ideas and concerns. They
also provide more opportunities for nonmembers to hear
about APG and understand the importance of supporting
this unique industry organization. Due to very positive
results and feedback, the meetings have now become an
annual tradition that will continue in 2015.
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Protecting your net income is the goal of American Pistachio Growers, and with a forecasted doubling of
the crop expected in the near future, the time is now to consider the importance of membership. Ensuring
there will always be viable suppliers of American-grown pistachios in global markets may be one of the most
important reasons to join, but so is nutrition research, global promotion, grower education, removing unfair
tariffs and non-tariff barriers, and creating tomorrow’s leaders from today’s growers. With investment from our
growers and our processors, this brand is owned by its members.
Protect your future. Protect your brand.
Join the proud members of American Pistachio Growers.
AmericanPistachios.org
559.475.0435
14
APG Brand Ad_Farm Press Magazine_Dec. 2013_FP_10.875” x 13.75” Trim_.125” [email protected]
8/29/14 2:00 PM
An APG membership form is printed on the reverse of this page and available online at AmericanPistachios.org. Please
call or email if you have questions, are not sure if you are a current member, or would like to receive more information.
15
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16
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GOVERNMENT
AFFAIRS REPORT
Schramm, Williams & Associates, Inc.
Serious staff level efforts are being pursued quietly, and
little information has been made public at this time. If
nothing is enacted in September, the next chance will
be the Lame Duck session in November-December. APG
is working closely with California’s House and Senate
delegation on the drought legislation.
Iran
Congress
The deadline for the interim agreement to reach a final
agreement on Iran’s nuclear program was July 20. The
negotiating countries agreed to an extension of the
negotiations until November, as the July deadline was not
met. If and when the governments reach an agreement,
APG will have to defend its antidumping order in a Sunset
Review before the U.S. International Trade Commission.
APG’s representatives are monitoring Congressional,
Administration and NGO briefings on the negotiations.
American Pistachio Growers’ Congressional representation
recently became even stronger after the House Republican
Conference elected Congressman Kevin McCarthy,
Bakersfield, the new Majority Leader. The Congressman is
no stranger to APG. He has more pistachio acreage in his
congressional district than any other. Over many years, APG
has worked with Congressman McCarthy to reach APG
members’ objectives.
Immigration
APG’s PAC continues to be one of the strongest specialty
crop PACs. During its 25 years of existence, APG’s PAC
has identified Congressional leaders; one such leader
is Congressman Mike Conaway (R-TX), who is the top
candidate to become the next Chairman of the House
Committee on Agriculture. Congressman Conaway was
the featured speaker at the PAC Breakfast during the 2013
Annual Conference in San Diego, where more than 125 APG
members heard his position on the 2013 Farm Bill’s benefits
for the U.S. pistachio industry.
Federal Tax Reform
Federal California Drought Legislation
The drought legislation introduced by Congressman David
Valadao (R-CA) was adopted by the House in February and
is significantly different from what Senator Dianne Feinstein
proposed.
The Senate and House legislation on drought relief are
significantly different in scope and content. Senator
Feinstein was able to move her Drought Relief legislation
through the U.S. Senate on the last day of Senate session
in May, before the Senate left Washington, DC for the
traditional Memorial Day recess. Senator Feinstein had to
remove the provisions regarding financial assistance that
had been included in the two prior versions of this bill
in order to get the support to move the bill through the
Senate.
In a meeting with President Obama, Speaker John Boehner
said that the U.S. House of Representatives will not vote on
immigration reform this year. Immigration reform will have
to wait until the next Congress, which means the Senate
will have to introduce and pass another bill. APG continues
to closely monitor immigration reform.
Congressman Dave Camp (R-MI), Chairman of the House
Committee on Ways & Means, released his draft Tax
Reform Act of 2014 (“TRA”), but did not introduce the
bill. The existing tax provisions supported by American
Pistachio Growers that were not included in the proposal
for repeal are cash accounting and IC Domestic
International Sales Corporations (IC DISC). Included in the
proposal, however, is the repeal of income averaging for
farmers and the requirement for certain types of fertilizer to
be capitalized. Additionally, the corporate maximum tax rate
would be reduced from 35 to 25 percent.
Tax Extenders
The Senate Committee on Finance reported out of
committee the Expiring Provisions Improvement Reform
and Efficiency Act (EXPIRE) that included Section 179 and
the 50 percent bonus depreciation legislation, but the
Senate failed to pass the legislation. These provisions
expired in 2013 and are of importance to the U.S. pistachio
industry. The House voted favorably on the Section
179 expensing provision and the 50 percent bonus
depreciation, which includes bonus depreciation for trees
and vines. Political leaders predict the Tax Extenders of
importance to the pistachio industry will be passed after
the November 2014 elections. Any tax reform legislation has
a questionable future.
17
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APG regularly attends briefings on taxes to stay informed
of developments on tax reform and visits the appropriate
Congressional tax offices to discuss how the tax proposals
will impact APG’s membership.
Farm Bill Implementation
The USDA continues to implement the 2014 Farm Bill law
that amends several programs of interest to APG. The
programs include the Market Access Program, Foreign
Market Development, Specialty Crop State Block Grants
(For FY 2013 California was awarded $18.2 million; Arizona
was awarded $1.3 million, and New Mexico was awarded
$429,210), Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops,
Emerging Market Program, Specialty Crop Research
Initiative, and Value Added Producer Grants. APG will
continue to track the progress of these programs and file
comments when it is appropriate.
Appropriations
Appropriations’ bills are an annual legislative battle in
Congress. Currently, the House has voted upon and assed
seven of the twelve appropriations bills. Earlier in the
summer, the House took up the Agriculture Appropriations
bill, which funds USDA and FDA, but did not finish
consideration of the bill.
The Senate has yet to bring any appropriations bills to the
floor for consideration. The authorization for funding the
government for FY 2014 will expire on September 30, 2014.
If Congress does not pass into law spending measures
for FY 2015, they will be forced to pass a Continuing
Resolution (CR) which will continue to fund the government
at the same levels as the prior law enacted or shut the
government down.
Following the election, the Lame Duck session will most
likely include passage of the appropriations’ bills in some
manner. APG is working with several Congressional offices
to protect farm bill programs that benefit the pistachio
industry.
Food Safety Modernization Act
The FDA continues to implement the Food Safety
Modernization Act (FSMA). APG has responded to the FDA’s
request for comments when appropriate.
APG recently submitted comments to the FDA on the Draft
Approach for the High Risk Designation of Foods. The
statute requires the FDA to establish a list of foods that are
considered high risk that would consequently be required
to maintain records based on the high-risk designation.
The FDA has indicated they will publish a second draft of
the Produce Safety and Preventative Controls proposed
rules; to date, these revisions have not yet been published.
The revised proposed Produce Safety water regulation
is stalled in the Office of Management and Budget.
When these proposed rules are published, APG plans to
comment upon the changes on behalf of its members.
Administrative Committee for Pistachios
APG sent a letter to USDA urging Secretary Vilsack
to approve the sampling of pistachios by mechanical
sampling. The proposal was approved by the Secretary in
July.
Pesticides
Each month, APG publishes the Federal and State Pesticide
Matters newsletter to update our members on recent
federal and state regulations regarding pesticides. For
additional information on the content below, please refer to
the monthly reports.
April 2014
• Denial of Section 3 Registration for DuPont Treoris
Fungicide
May 2014
• EPA Establishes Pesticide Tolerances for Cyflumetofen
(Nealta)
• Petitions to Establish Metconazole (Quash) Residue
Tolerances
• Novel 0.5% SC Fungicide (Polyoxin D + Zinc Salt)
Section 3 Registration
June 2014
LBG-61 (Potassium Phosphite + Tebuconazole) Section
3 Registration
•
Codex Pesticide Committee Update
The Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues met in
Nanjing, China in May 2014 to continue work on Codex
pesticide matters. It continues to work toward finalizing
crop groupings. The next meeting of the Committee is
tentatively scheduled for April 2015 in China.
EC Rapid Alert System for Food and
Feed (RASFF)
Since July 2013, the EC RASFF has reported thirteen
rejections for U.S. pistachios exceeding the aflatoxin limit
and one rejection for exceeding the insect standard. One
notification was for U.S. pistachios via the Islamic Republic
of Iran; the insect shipment was reported by Poland. APG is
working with U.S. and EC officials to ensure that pistachios
continue to enter the EU without incident.
18
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Advances in Pistachio
Production
Trans-Pacific Partnership
Trade negotiations among the 12 countries participating
in the Trans-Pacific Partnership began in December
2010. While the agreement was planned to be negotiated
quickly, the agreement enters its fourth year this coming
December. APG’s goal is removal of Vietnam’s tariff on
pistachios. Talks have been delayed by market access
issues with Japan.
University of California research based information on all
aspects of pistachio production
November 18–20, 2014 • Visalia Convention Center
Advances in Pistachio Production is a comprehensive
course taught by University of California Cooperative
Extension farm advisors, specialists, and faculty. This
course provides an opportunity for growers and orchard
managers to learn about the latest research and
production recommendations for California pistachio.
Transatlantic Trade and Investment
Partnership
On July 12, the United States and the 28 members of the
European Union held their sixth negotiation session. Prior
to its start, both U.S. and EU negotiators agreed draft text
for the agreement would start to be formulated during
the next session. Trade officials have indicated progress
is moving at a good rate. A final agrement is not expected
before the latter part of 2015. Tariffs on pistachios are
expected to be removed.
Several new additions are available to course participants
this year:
New collection of reference materials:
• Pistachio Production Manual (first update in 7 years)
• Bound copy of all presentations
• Nutrient Deficiency in Pistachio booklet
• Electronic resources on physiological, nutritional, and
pathological disorders and insect pests
APG closely monitors the development of the trade talks
and submits comments when appropriate.
New lectures:
Step-by-step guide to field diagnostics
Tree health and irrigation under saline conditions
Analysis of the global industry: Looking ahead
Understanding your grade sheet
•
•
•
•
U.S. Pistachio Exports - Crop Years 2009-2014
IN METRIC TONS
Year Jan Feb Mar AprMay Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total
2009-2010
8,793
6,850
8,984
7,235
8,659
12,465
15,202
9,767
8,857
8,762
7,024
6,205
108,803
Pistachios
Raw
2010-2011 5,607 5,174 4,141 2,88412,53815,505 16,941 6,982 6,909 7,153 7,386 7,775 98,995
2011-2012 6,786 8,840 7,918 8,39013,67514,648 9,173 9,783 9,499 12,648 11,99810,564 123,922
Inshell
& Shelled
2012-2013 7,799 8,664 7,886 5,25916,795 21,988 17,117
2013-2014 5,898 6,921 11,23311,29818,31325,00814,025 6,431 6,550 8,952 8,913 9,623 133,165
2009-2010 989 839 1,025 7672,226 2,262 2,091 1,521 1,011 1,328 1,522 908 16,489
2010-20111,325 965 1,066 8852,4843,466 3,023 2,003 1,238 1,630 1,665 1,620 21,370
Pistachios
Roasted
7,172 10,940 10,017 9,380 5,704 128,721
2011-20121,5572,286 2,270 1,3642,747 2,820 2,436 1,593 1,200 1,676 1,430 2,242 23,621
2012-20132,3492,047 2,000 1,7302,946 3,529 3,039 2,594 2,172 1,9832,250 2,157 28,796
2013-20142,0252,264 2,491 2,7353,7325,4663,504 2,661 2,648 3,421 2,224 1,872 35,043
2009-2010 9,782 7,689 10,009 8,00210,885 14,727 17,293 11,288 9,868 10,090 8,546 7,113 125,292
2010-2011 6,932 6,139 5,207 3,76915,02218,97119,964 8,985 8,147 8,782 9,051 9,396 120,365
Total
2011-2012 8,343 11,126 10,189 9,75416,422 17,468 11,609 11,375 10,698 14,325 13,42712,806 147,542
2012-201310,14710,711 9,887 6,98919,74125,51720,156 9,766 13,112 12,00011,629 7,861 157,516
2013-2014 7,922 9,185 13,723 14,03222,046 30,474 17,529 9,092 9,198 12,373 11,137 11,495 168,206
Prepared by Schramm, Williams Associates, Inc. using data from the U.S. Department of Commerce.
19
8/29/14 2:00 PM
9 River Park Place East, Suite 410
7030 N. California
Fruit Avenue,
Suite 117
Fresno,
93720-1530
California
Tel: Fresno,
559.475.0435
Fax:93711-0782
559.475.0624
Tel: 559.475.0435
Fax: 559.475.0624
[email protected]
[email protected]
2014 Board of Directors
THOMAS DILLE
CHAIRMAN
2011-2012
Board
of Directors
JIMI VALOV VICE CHAIRMAN
Gary Smith
LARRY
LOWDER TREASURER/SECRETARY
Jim
Zion
Chairman
Vice Chairman
JEREMY BLACKWELL CALIFORNIA
Larry
Lowder
MIA COHEN
CALIFORNIA
Treasurer/Secretary
ADAM KUSMAK NEW MEXICO
LAWRENCE EASTERLING CALIFORNIA
NEW MEXICO
ROBERT
LAKE CALIFORNIA
H.P.
Anderson,
III
STEVEN MOORE CALIFORNIAStephen Seplak
CALIFORNIA
ADAM ORANDI CALIFORNIA ARIZONA
Brian
Blackwell
RICHARD PASLAY CALIFORNIA
CALIFORNIA
GEORGE SCHWEERS NEW Gary
MEXICOSmith
Mia
Cohen
STEPHEN
SEPLAK ARIZONACALIFORNIA
GARY SMITH CALIFORNIA Jimi Valov
CALIFORNIA
ANIL K. GUPTA CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA
Jeff
Curry
BRIAN WATTE CALIFORNIA
Brian Watte
CALIFORNIA
MICHAEL WOOLF CALIFORNIA
CALIFORNIA
Thomas
Dille
JIM ZION CALIFORNIA
CALIFORNIA
Board Member Emeriti
Dr. Michael Woolf
CALIFORNIA
BRIAN BLACKWELL
Board Member
Emeritus
CALIFORNIA
APG Staff
Dr. John Lake
Lawrence
Easterling,
H.P. ANDERSON
III Jr.
DR. Robert
JOHN LAKE
Dr.
Lake
CALIFORNIA
Steven Moore
CALIFORNIA
CALIFORNIA
Executive Director
Judy Hirigoyen
Catherine Byrnes
CALIFORNIA
Director, Member Services
George
Schweers
and Communications
Rebecca Hall
Richard Matoian
Richard Paslay
Karen Gross
APG
Staff
Accountant
Dianna Short
Richard
Matoian
Executive Assistant
Executive Director
Catherine
Byrnes
Jessica Garrison
Marketing
Admin Asst
Director,
Member
Services
and
Communications
Jennifer Jones
Receptionist/Admin
Karen
Gross Asst
COURTESY NONMEMBER COPY
JOIN APG TODAY!
Director, Global Marketing
Marketing Project Manager
Kathleen Kissee
Judy Hirigoyen
Haiying Zhang
Director, Global Marketing
Rebecca Hall
Genaro Gonzales
Marketing
Project Manager
Digital Content Manager
Dianna Short
Peter VlazakisAssistant
Administrative
Export Market Coordinator
Accountant
Calendar Kernels
APG Board Meeting
November 12, 2014
Fresno APG Office
American Pistachio Growers
Advances
in Pistachio
Production
Annual Membership
Luncheon
November
18-20,
2014
Summer 2011
- TBA
Visalia Convention Center
Calendar Kernels
UCCE
Statewide
Pistachio
Day
American
Pistachio
Industry Conference
January
2015 2012
February21,20-22,
Visalia Convention Center
San Diego, California
American Pistachio Industry Conference
February 16-18, 2015
Paradise Point Resort - San Diego, CA
Printed on Recycled Paper
8/29/14 2:00 PM

2014 Summer APG Newsletter

Transcription

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