Almond Journey

Fourth-generation farmer James Chinchiolo grows primarily cherries and walnuts in Linden, California. He has two blocks that he’s looking to re-plant and he is considering planting almonds. In this episode, Chinciolo walks us through his thought process for how he’s approaching this decision and shares his framework for determining the best tree crop he should plant next.

“This is kind of like my framework: consumer demand, talk to the salespeople directly, look at the regulatory environment, and then think about my capital expenditure going into them.” - James Chinciolo

In Today’s episode:

• Meet fourth-generation Linden farmer James Chinchiolo who grows primarily cherries and walnuts.
• Explore the thought process Chinchiolo is using to evaluate whether almonds will be the next crop he plants or not
• Understand the many factors he must consider including water access, labor costs, market trends, regulatory policy, consumer demand and capital framework

The Almond Journey Podcast is brought to you by the Almond Board of California. This show explores how growers, handlers, and other stakeholders are making things work in their operations to drive the almond industry forward. Host Tim Hammerich visits with leaders throughout the Central Valley of California and beyond who are finding innovative ways to improve their operations, connect with their communities, and advance the almond industry.

ABC recognizes the diverse makeup of the California almond industry and values contributions offered by its growers, handlers, and allied industry members. However, the opinions, services and products discussed in existing and future podcast episodes are by no means an endorsement or recommendation from ABC. The Almond Journey podcast is not an appropriate venue to express opinions on national, state, local or industry politics. As a Federal Marketing Order, the Almond Board of California is prohibited from lobbying or advocating on legislative issues, as well as setting field and market prices.

In this episode of Almond Byte, highlights from the February Global Update breaks down the America First Trade Policy memo, new tariffs on major U.S. trading partners, and what this could mean for the almond industry. With Canada and Mexico negotiating last-minute tariff postponements and China implementing targeted retaliatory measures, how will global almond trade be impacted? Plus, we bring you the latest updates on aflatoxin rejections in key export markets. Tune in to stay ahead of the curve on trade developments that could shape the future of U.S. agriculture.

Laura Morin is the director of marketing for North America and China at The Almond Board of California. She joined the Journey to talk about some of the latest marketing initiatives by the almond industry to boost the relevance, value and of course the demand for California almonds. Morin explains the partnership with Deon Sanders (AKA Coach Prime), some advances in almond marketing in China, and a recent partnership announced with Smoothie King.

“Where almonds once really stood out among the competition. Now we're just one in a sea of many. So, we have to try harder and harder to stand out and to get people to think about almonds and notice us in this highly competitive landscape.” - Laura Morin

In Today’s episode:

• Meet Laura Morin, the director of marketing for North America and China at the Almond Board of California
• Discover the new and innovative ways ABC is spreading the word about the many benefits of almonds
• Explore future endeavors ABC is pursuing in both domestic and international markets to expand the almond industry’s reach

The Almond Journey Podcast is brought to you by the Almond Board of California. This show explores how growers, handlers, and other stakeholders are making things work in their operations to drive the almond industry forward. Host Tim Hammerich visits with leaders throughout the Central Valley of California and beyond who are finding innovative ways to improve their operations, connect with their communities, and advance the almond industry.

ABC recognizes the diverse makeup of the California almond industry and values contributions offered by its growers, handlers, and allied industry members. However, the opinions, services and products discussed in existing and future podcast episodes are by no means an endorsement or recommendation from ABC. The Almond Journey podcast is not an appropriate venue to express opinions on national, state, local or industry politics. As a Federal Marketing Order, the Almond Board of California is prohibited from lobbying or advocating on legislative issues, as well as setting field and market prices.

What happens when one of the biggest names in sports takes over one of the biggest stages in marketing? In the January Marketing Bulletin, we dive into Coach Prime Deion Sanders' powerhouse presence at Radio Row ahead of the NFL championship game. Representing California almonds through the Own Your Prime campaign, Coach Prime isn’t just talking football — he’s sharing the recovery benefits linked to almonds with top-tier media outlets and lifestyle influencers. From ESPN to TikTok, hear how this dynamic partnership is leveraging influencer marketing and turning almonds into the ultimate game-day snack. Don’t miss this inside look at the big game buzz, as we unpack how authenticity, strategy and a star-studded spokesperson create marketing magic.

People from around the industry joined the Almond Journey Podcast at The Almond Conference 2024 and were asked to share what’s on top of their minds headed into 2025. In this episode, you’ll hear highlights from Craig Duerr, Mallvinder Kahal, Rob Kiss, Michelle Penney, Bobbie Williams, Mallorie Hayes, Scott Hermann, Kabir Tumber, Chris Chavez and Clarice Turner.

“ That's something that we, as processors and growers, everybody just wants it to stay balanced and healthy. So I'd say that's really what we're all looking for.” - Michelle Penney

In today’s episode:

• Highlight the hopes for the new year from around the industry
• Appreciate ten different perspectives of almond leaders
• Discover what’s on the mind of the industry, including grower economics, marketing opportunities, water and much more! 

The Almond Journey Podcast is brought to you by the Almond Board of California. This show explores how growers, handlers, and other stakeholders are making things work in their operations to drive the almond industry forward. Host Tim Hammerich visits with leaders throughout the Central Valley of California and beyond who are finding innovative ways to improve their operations, connect with their communities, and advance the almond industry.

ABC recognizes the diverse makeup of the California almond industry and values contributions offered by its growers, handlers, and allied industry members. However, the opinions, services and products discussed in existing and future podcast episodes are by no means an endorsement or recommendation from ABC. The Almond Journey podcast is not an appropriate venue to express opinions on national, state, local or industry politics. As a Federal Marketing Order, the Almond Board of California is prohibited from lobbying or advocating on legislative issues, as well as setting field and market prices.

In this episode of the Almond Journey Podcast, we revisit some of the insights captured on this show over the past year. You'll hear highlights from Nav Athwal, Alicia Rockwell, Tim Jackson and Michael Kelley. These interviews highlight the vast array of almond-related topics covered monthly on the Almond Journey podcast. These year-end reflections cover topics ranging from business strategy, marketing, pest management, stewardship, hulling, and shelling.

“ We just need to keep doing what we do best, and that is promoting all the great forms and ways that people can enjoy almonds around the world.”  - Alicia Rockwell

Episodes featured in today's reflection include:  

• Episode 64: Farm Business Strategy With Nav Athwal
• Episode 61: Almond Stewardship with Alicia Rockwell
• Episode 57: Navel Orangeworm Damage with Michael Kelley
• Episode 56: Australian Almonds and the Carpophilus Beetle

Videos of the sessions from The Almond Conference 2024 will soon be posted here: www.almonds.com/conference

The Almond Journey Podcast is brought to you by the Almond Board of California. This show explores how growers, handlers, and other stakeholders are making things work in their operations to drive the almond industry forward. Host Tim Hammerich visits with leaders throughout the Central Valley of California and beyond who are finding innovative ways to improve their operations, connect with their communities, and advance the almond industry.

ABC recognizes the diverse makeup of the California almond industry and values contributions offered by its growers, handlers, and allied industry members. However, the opinions, services and products discussed in existing and future podcast episodes are by no means an endorsement or recommendation from ABC. The Almond Journey podcast is not an appropriate venue to express opinions on national, state, local or industry politics. As a Federal Marketing Order, the Almond Board of California is prohibited from lobbying or advocating on legislative issues, as well as setting field and market prices.

Highlights from December's Global Update by the Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team at the Almond Board of California details ABC's participation in the U.S. Ag Trade Mission to China, where ABC staff joined a large team of U.S. Ag Trade Associations at the China International Import Expo. ABC CEO Clarice Turner presented on California almonds during the US-China Agricultural Trade Forum, and the team engaged in media interviews and field visits with major companies like Starbucks China and PepsiCo. Additionally, we cover the USDA and FDA's joint Request for Information on food date labeling and provide an update on Alternaria mycotoxins for EU shipments. Tune in for all the latest insights.

UC Cooperative Extension Tree Crop Farm Advisor Franz Niederholzer joined the Journey to provide a practical overview of best practices for spray operations in an orchard. Trained as a soil scientist, Niederholzer started with Cooperative Extension over 20 years ago. Over the past few decades, he has developed and shared expertise on spray-related topics like coverage, drift, nozzle selection, technology, calibration, ground speed and more. He emphasizes that the best equipment and most expensive products will never be as effective if there are errors made in the application process.

“An effective job, an efficient job, and a safe job. All of those things have to come together for a successful spray application. Paying attention to your spray program is a big part of successful farming.” - Franz Niederholzer

In Today’s episode:

• Meet UC Cooperative Extension Tree Crop Farm Advisor Franz Niederholzer
• Understand the importance of protocols including focusing on the efficacy, safety and technique of the application
• Explore the many variables to be considered before and during an application

The Almond Journey Podcast is brought to you by the Almond Board of California. This show explores how growers, handlers, and other stakeholders are making things work in their operations to drive the almond industry forward. Host Tim Hammerich visits with leaders throughout the Central Valley of California and beyond who are finding innovative ways to improve their operations, connect with their communities, and advance the almond industry.

ABC recognizes the diverse makeup of the California almond industry and values contributions offered by its growers, handlers, and allied industry members. However, the opinions, services and products discussed in existing and future podcast episodes are by no means an endorsement or recommendation from ABC. The Almond Journey podcast is not an appropriate venue to express opinions on national, state, local or industry politics. As a Federal Marketing Order, the Almond Board of California is prohibited from lobbying or advocating on legislative issues, as well as setting field and market prices.

Dan Lawson is a licensed Qualified Applicator and the Huller Manager at Treehouse California Almond. Lawson joined the Journey and shares about his job as a huller manager, what they’ve seen come in from the orchard these past couple of years, and how he keeps current in his continuing education efforts to stay up to date on best practices.

“Navel Orangeworm, and some of these other types of serious damage, seems like they can be spread out across the crop as a whole. This year, there were a few fields that had brown spot and they had it in very high percentages in the 20% plus range.” - Dan Lawson

In Today’s episode:

• Meet Huller Manager at Treehouse California Almonds and Qualified Applicator Dan Lawson
• Discover the continuing education Dan is required to complete in order to maintain his Qualified Applicators License
• Learn about his experience with the ABC Almond Learning Hub 

ABC Update:

 At this year's CAPCA Conference, The Almond Board of California unveiled this new Almond Learning Hub. ABC’s Taylor Hillman and Jenny Nicolau share about the learning hub, who it's for, and why people like Dan Lawson are finding so much value in it.

“This is a free online site for growers, pest control advisors, certified crop advisors, and really all other almond industry professionals. The new site really helps the Almond Board to extend how we serve the industry.” - Jenny Nicolau, Associate Director of the Industry Relations and Global Communications Team at the Almond Board of California

The Almond Journey Podcast is brought to you by the Almond Board of California. This show explores how growers, handlers, and other stakeholders are making things work in their operations to drive the almond industry forward. Host Tim Hammerich visits with leaders throughout the Central Valley of California and beyond who are finding innovative ways to improve their operations, connect with their communities, and advance the almond industry.

ABC recognizes the diverse makeup of the California almond industry and values contributions offered by its growers, handlers, and allied industry members. However, the opinions, services and products discussed in existing and future podcast episodes are by no means an endorsement or recommendation from ABC. The Almond Journey podcast is not an appropriate venue to express opinions on national, state, local or industry politics. As a Federal Marketing Order, the Almond Board of California is prohibited from lobbying or advocating on legislative issues, as well as setting field and market prices.

Highlights from November's Global Update from the Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team at the Almond Board of Californian dive into key international developments impacting the almond industry. Get updates from ABC’s recent EU meetings, where staff members engaged with European trade and regulatory bodies to address critical issues affecting almond exports. Hear about their efforts to maintain quality standards and smooth supply chains, including meetings in Italy to reinforce collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Health and build confidence in California almonds. Plus, this episode has the latest on post-election dynamics in the U.S. and explores how new EU labeling requirements, effective January 2025, will impact almond shipments.