PRESIDENT’S CORNER
Over the last few months we have been making up for lost time and it has been refreshing to attend in-person activities and events. I’ve personally valued once again meeting with the Grower Liaison Committees and talking with many of our growers face-to-face. I look forward to seeing many more of you at the District Meetings next month.
As I have shared with you before, I fully respect the challenges you, our growers, face given significant inflation on production inputs and weather-driven crop impacts. I want to assure you that Blue Diamond remains committed to honoring our grower progress payment schedule that you count on throughout the year. And I’m pleased that we expect to deliver higher payment levels than we did last year. In our recent market update, you may have read that the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) subjective almond forecast for the 2022 crop came in at 2.80 billion pounds, which was in line with market expectations. More importantly, shipments over the past few months exceeded market expectations with new record highs set for the crop year. I’m encouraged by the improved conditions we’re seeing in the shipping and logistics arena. I want to acknowledge the hard work and expertise of Blue Diamond ’s Supply Chain team in activating key partnerships and forging truly creative solutions to get our almonds into the market, and into our customers’ hands. With the return of global tradeshows, in May, Blue Diamond helped sponsor and played a key role in the INC World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress in Dubai – the largest international gathering of dried fruit and nut food professionals, suppliers, traders and buyers. Drawing 1,000 participants from more than 60 countries, INC was an excellent platform for networking, marketing and making deals for our growers. While the weather this year has been anything but predictable, it’s safe to expect that summer
will usher in another season of drought and water supply concerns for farmers throughout the state. Anticipating increased media attention on the drought and water use, several Blue Diamond growers throughout the region are participating in professional media training sessions to better serve as resources for local journalists. Armed with key messages about our co-op and regional examples of sustainable farming practices, these growers will be well- equipped to share Blue Diamond ’s great story around sustainability. Thank you to all who are participating in this important outreach and education opportunity. Perhaps the biggest, most visible chapter in Blue Diamond ’s sustainability story is strong grower participation in our Orchard Stewardship Incentive Program (OSIP) — a measurable commitment to sustainability and water efficient farming. In addition to the financial benefits to our growers, the increased enrollment and acreage in the California Almond Sustainability Program (CASP) as a result of Blue Diamond grower participation helps our industry as a whole. Through these efforts and more, I hope you are as proud as I am of the positive impact Blue Diamond is making every day. I look forward to seeing you all soon.
Mark Jansen President & CEO
Mark Jansen President & CEO
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ALMOND FACTS
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