Almond Board of California (ABC) President and CEO Clarice Turner joins the Journey to discuss the state of the almond industry. She discusses the current economic realities in the almond industry, and the Almond Board’s continued focus on growing overall demand, maintaining a favorable trade environment and maximizing grower value.

“Our total acreage in California has come down in the last four years. We just finished an analysis on global supply… and that supply is coming down over the next five years by about a hundred million pounds. So, it looks like we're reaching equilibrium with supply.”- Clarice Turner

In Today’s episode:

1. Hear from Almond Board of California President and CEO Clarice Turner
2. Explore the current state of the Almond industry and what the Almond Board of California has in the works for the future
3. Learn more about future trade expectations and expanding opportunities
4. Discover new and innovative products to be developed from almond production

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.

From global trade shows to major tariff and trade developments, ABC’s Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team breaks down what matters most in highlights from their February Global Update. Tune in to this Almond Byte episode for key takeaways on international market access, evolving trade agreements, and why global engagement remains critical for U.S. almonds.

Dr. Elina Lastro Niño joins the Journey to share some of the latest research on honeybees and pollination. Dr. Niño is a professor of Cooperative Extension at UC Davis with a focus on apiculture. She discusses some of the challenges faced by beekeepers, her work on varroa mites and some new research she’s a part of on hive stocking rates for self-compatible varieties.

“Can the self-fertile almond varieties benefit from the bee presence? And what we found was the benefit of having honeybees, even if they only have self-fertile varieties, is great. The yields are significantly increased.” - Dr. Elina Lastro Niño

In Today’s episode:

1. Meet Dr. Elina Lastro Niño, a professor of Cooperative Extension for apiculture at UC Davis
2. Explore the many ways Dr. Niño supports bee populations and producers alike with research, exploration of different pesticides and policy efforts
3. Find more information about best seeds for forage to support bee populations by visiting Seeds for Bees and Pollinator Partnership
4. Discover the threat of varroa mites and the virus they share with honeybees if not managed
5. Review honeybee presentations from the Almond Board of California Conference 2025

Learn more about Honey Bee Best Management Practices by visiting the Almond Board of California website.

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.

People from around the industry join the Almond Journey Podcast at The Almond Conference 2025. We asked each of them to share what’s on the top of their minds headed into 2026. In this episode, you’ll hear some highlights from Dan Sonke, Lindsay Tello, Dinesh Bajaj, Laura Morin, Mel Machado, Luke Milliron, Carson Pettit, Tom Devol and Clarice Turner.

In Today’s episode:

1. Hear from nine industry leaders and discover their hopes for 2026
2. Consider themes like economic growth, expanding global markets, creating a more varied reach to consumers, and emerging new varieties coming to the market
3. Gain a sense of the current state of the almond industry from those that live it every day

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.

The December Almond Byte brings you a global look at trade and market access momentum for almonds, from ABC’s participation in the USDA T.R.U.M.P. Mission to Brussels, to fresh tariff framework agreements across Latin America and Europe. Also hear key updates on Japan’s Pre‑Test Protocol, the early‑December USMCA renewal hearings along with details on ABC’s return to Gulfood in Dubai this January.

Mallvinder Kahal joins the Journey to share some of his unique experiences as an almond grower, processor and handler. Kahal is based in Madera County where he farms and started Atlas Almonds in 2020. Since returning to his family’s farm in 2015, he has expanded the operation and built Atlas Almonds from scratch.

“I think maybe that's the big gap. Really connecting the farmer to the wholesale market to talk about the love and the story that goes into the almonds. I think that's the component that we haven't quite fully mined out yet.” - Mallvinder Kahal

In Today’s episode:

• Meet Mallvinder Kahal, an almond grower and founder of Atlas Almonds
• Discover Kahal’s journey in the almond industry and the unique perspective he has holding multiple roles within the supply chain
• Explore how almond market changes have impacted his operation and relationship with other producers

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.

Lee Erickson joined the Journey to discuss his almond story and experiences buying and building a fertilizer company. We also talk about his industry involvement and lessons learned while working with family in his multi-generational ventures. Erickson is the managing partner of TEP, Inc. and a partner in Erickson Farms, which produces almonds, grapes, olives, pistachios and prunes on about 3,000 acres in Madera, California. He also serves on the board of directors of the Central California Almond Growers Association and is the vice chair of the Almond Board of California’s Global Communications Committee.

“I own the company, but we also farm. So I know exactly what growers are going through…Watch what you're getting. Make sure what you're spending your money on is making you money. Especially right now, we're all tightening our belts.” - Lee Erickson

In Today’s episode:

• Meet Lee Erickson, almond grower and entrepreneur, who sits down with the Almond Board’s Taylor Hillman and podcast host Tim Hammerich.
• Discover the lessons and insights Erickson has gleaned from buying and building a fertilizer company
• Explore the dynamics of working in a multigenerational family business
• Understand the rewards and responsibilities of getting involved on boards and committees

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.

California almonds are making waves in China’s healthy snacking revolution, thanks to a dynamic partnership with Tmall — the country’s largest e-commerce platform. By leveraging the power of key opinion leaders (KOLs) and live-streamed shopping events, the Almond Board of California has driven almond awareness and sales to new heights. But the strategy is evolving, it’s no longer just about selling almonds, but also about inspiring innovation and shaping the future of almond products in China.

With Tmall’s deep data insights, the Almond Board is helping Chinese brands discover new ways to use almonds, from beauty snacks and functional beverages to bakery items and savory treats. The launch of an almond innovation white paper has provided manufacturers with a roadmap for product development, motivating the industry to reimagine almonds as a versatile, premium ingredient. Discover how California almonds are positioned at the heart of China’s next generation of healthy products.