In this episode of the Almond Journey Podcast, Julie Adams, vice president of global technical and regulatory affairs at The Almond Board of California (ABC), hosts a few special guests to discuss a recent Moroccan trade mission visit to California. Adams is joined by Jason New, division director of marketing and development at the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, Ted McKinney, CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) and Jason Fearneyhough, executive director of the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA). Adams and guests discuss the recent inbound trade mission, synergies between states all looking to expand trade with the African region, and the importance of these in-person visits.

“You have actual independent state departments of agriculture, a regional trade group, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture and Businesses coming together is such a wonderful model to get that message across.” - Jason Fearneyhough

In Today’s episode:

• Learn about the inbound Moroccan trade mission to California.
• Hear from Jason New of the New Mexico Department of Agriculture about the significance of this trade relationship and New Mexico’s interest in joining this tour of California
• Gain insights from NASDA’s Ted Mckinney and WUSATA’s Jason Fearneyhough on the importance of cultivating relationships with trade partners and forming public-private partnerships.
• Discover how this trade mission will impact the future of the almond industry.

The Almond Journey Podcast is made possible 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.