Economic Pressures on Growers This year’s USDA Objective Estimate triggered a $0.50/lb. drop in market prices, adding to the strain on growers who have faced production costs exceeding returns for four straight years. This imbalance is unsustainable and threatens the future of many family operations. That is why our priority is advancing policies that help stabilize prices, improve the accuracy of market data, and prevent distortions that erode grower returns. During our summer meetings in Washington, D.C., we made sure these challenges were front and center in discussions with USDA and policymakers. A key focus was the impact of recent NASS reporting. We are pressing for clearer, more accurate reports that better reflect industry realities. Pests, Invasive Species, and Abandoned Orchards Abandoned orchards are becoming a serious issue across almond-growing regions. Left standing, they create breeding grounds for rats and other invasive pests that quickly spread into healthy orchards. The result is more crop damage and higher pest control costs for neighboring farms. The Almond Alliance is working with state and federal agencies to accelerate orchard removal and reduce pest pressure industry wide. We are also fighting to restore access to critical pest control tools, including emergency exemptions for rodenticide use. At the same time, we are investing in long-term answers—securing $1.5 million for invasive pest mitigation and $500,000 for carpophilus beetle research. These efforts are aimed at protecting orchard health, lowering costs, and safeguarding yields for growers. Redistricting and Representation The Almond Alliance is closely monitoring California’s redistricting fight, which could reshape congressional representation and weaken agricultural advocacy in Washington. Governor Gavin Newsom has launched
a campaign to redraw maps in response to President Trump’s push for new GOP-leaning seats in Texas. California voters will decide the plan in a special election on November 4, which could reduce the state’s Republican delegation from nine to four seats. For agriculture, the biggest concern is the Central Valley. Congressman David Valadao’s District 22—home to key almond-growing regions—could gain more registered Democrats, making it even harder for Republicans to hold. Northern California’s Congressman Doug LaMalfa, a fourth-generation rice farmer, could also see his district reshaped to include urban wine country while losing rural farm areas. Agricultural groups and watchdogs argue this undermines California’s independent redistricting commission, created in 2010 to prevent partisan gerrymandering. The outcome will directly affect farm representation in Congress at a time when growers already face mounting pressure from trade disputes, water shortages, and regulation. Moving Forward From abandoned orchards and pest threats to market instability and trade uncertainty, the challenges ahead demand long-term focus and steady action. The Almond Alliance will continue to advocate across all levels of government to protect and strengthen the almond industry, ensuring it remains competitive, economically viable, and well represented where decisions are made.
Alexi Rodriguez, President & CEO, Almond Alliance
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SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2025
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