Almond Journey

In October’s Almond Byte, the Almond Board of California’s Global Technical and Regulatory team explores trade and regulatory developments affecting California almonds. Hear highlights from the EU and UK delegation’s visit to California and ABC’s fall Washington, D.C., meetings, where export access and growers’ economic pressures were key topics. The team also details the latest on the EU’s packaging requirements, U.S.-China trade developments and Japan’s Pre-Test Program. Tune in for a look at ABC’s work to address trade barriers, support export readiness and keep growers and handlers informed.

UCCE Orchard Farm Advisor Luke Milliron joins the Journey to talk about almond variety trials and growing almonds in the north Sacramento Valley. Milliron has a prolific body of work including co-hosting the “Growing the Valley” podcast and producing resources through field days, newsletters, videos and other outreach. He is also a member of The Almond Board of California’s Global Communications Committee.“(Variety trails) are the best way to find out what the worst is; finding stuff that should never be in a farmer's field. I want stuff to blow up in my face during these trials and not in a grower's field where big money is being lost.” - Luke MillironIn Today’s episode: Meet UCCE Orchard Farm Advisor Luke Milliron and learn more about his almond journeyExplore the work Milliron and colleagues are doing with almond variety trials, and the value that this research brings to the industryDiscover the issues and priorities of almond growers in the northern Sacramento Valley.Resources: Sac Valley Orchards: https://www.sacvalleyorchards.com/“Growing the Valley” podcast: https://www.growingthevalleypodcast.com/“Last update from the 3rd generation Regional Almond Variety Trial” podcast episode: https://www.growingthevalleypodcast.com/podcastfeed/2026/4/29/last-update-from-the-3rd-generation-regional-almond-variety-trial“Rootstocks Part 3: Almond Rootstocks with Jarvis-Shean, Duncan, and Connell” (one of Miliron’s favorite episodes): https://www.growingthevalleypodcast.com/podcastfeed/almondrootstocks*Contact Luke Milliron directly (530) 828-9666* 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.

Mani Pandher joins the Journey to discuss the market for California almonds in India, and some exciting strategic changes to drive even more demand. Pandher discusses the history of success for California almonds in India, which has already become California’s top export destination. She also shares the opportunity yet to be realized in the market and answers what the Almond Board is doing to adapt: repositioning almonds, driving demand through integrated campaigns, and winning over younger shoppers.“When you have consumer love, emotional connection and credibility for a brand; that is what long term growth is built on. And that is what we’re trying to do in India.” - Mani Pandher In Today’s episode: Meet Mani Pandher, senior strategic advisor at the Almond Board of CaliforniaExplore the successful history of California almonds in IndiaDiscover the reinvented strategy for growing demand for California almonds in the region.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

September’s Marketing Bulletin explores how the Almond Board of California is growing demand for California almonds in Mexico’s bakery sector. ABC’s Becky Jeffers shares how they identified Mexico’s premium bakery category as a strong opportunity for almond usage and how the organization is working directly with bakers, culinary schools, chefs and industry events to inspire new almond-based products. From hands-on workshops and major trade shows to an upcoming harvest tour in California’s Central Valley, the episode highlights how education, creativity and personal connection are helping bring almonds to the forefront of bakery innovation in Mexico.

Andrea Carrothers and Carmen Berry of FoodMinds join the Journey to provide a look back, and ahead, of what’s happening globally in terms of nutrition policy that may affect almonds. FoodMinds partners with the Almond Board of California and their recent report focuses on the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative and as a result the interest in defining the term “ultra processed food.” Explore how this movement could impact the almond industry specifically, and why it’s important to be part of the conversation. “ We know almonds are nutrient dense and have a lot of health benefits, and then it's being compared to a product that doesn't have nutrient dense foods. It's hard to compare apples to apples.” - Carmen BerryIn Today’s episode: Meet Andrea Carrothers and Carmen Berry of FoodMindsExplore the impacts of the MAHA movement on the almond industryDiscover the significance in having a clear definition for what the label “Ultra Processed Food” meansThe 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.