sept-oct-2019

Although the ongoing trade wars drove almond prices down a small amount, it is wonderful to know that almond shipments were at an overall all-time high for the year. While trade with China is down 25 percent and Turkey is down 30 percent, India has become our largest export recipient, receiving 231 million pounds per year which helps make up for the deficit. The U.S. remains our largest market at 731 million pounds a year. As always, the Blue Diamond team was hard at work on behalf of the almond industry. Our federal efforts included securing a second round of Market Facilitation Program Direct Payments and $3.67 million from the Agricultural Trade Promotion Program. We received $2.5 million from the Market Access Program, and almonds as an industry received a 10 percent increase in program funds for the first time. We are pleased with these results and proud of what we accomplished together to ensure California almond growers and the industry remain prosperous. Now in our 109th year, Blue Diamond ’s Annual Meeting in Modesto on November 20, 2019 will celebrate our achievements and outline our plans for continuing success. Mark your calendar and plan on arriving early to learn valuable information at the seminars, walk the exhibit hall, and visit with your Blue Diamond team. I look forward to seeing you there as we show you, again, why the Best is Yet to Come ! SAVE THE DATE! 109 th Blue Diamond Growers Annual Member Meeting WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2019 Modesto Centre Plaza, 10 th & K Streets (Adjacent to the Modesto Doubletree Hotel) Join us for seminars, lively exhibits, a membership luncheon and business meeting, all celebrating the continued success of Blue Diamond and its members. 7 S E P T E M B E R – O C T O B E R 2 0 1 9