January/February 2023 - 26

INDUSTRY NEWS
NIFA funds $3.8 million project to find
climate-resilient pistachio trees
A multi-state team led by Patrick J. Brown has been
awarded nearly $3.8 million over the next four years for a
project to improve pistachio production as the industry
faces warmer winters and scarcer water.
" We are at this unique point in history where we can do
this, " said Brown, an associate professor in the University of
California (UC), Davis, Department of Plant Sciences.
The project aims to ensure the industry can thrive in
coming decades despite the challenges faced. Growers are
invited to participate in the study, sharing what they already
are trying in their own fields or supporting any aspect of
the project. To discuss the possibilities, contact Brown at
pjbrown@ucdavis.edu or (530) 752-4288.
The project includes research to ensure pollination,
experiments to calculate irrigation needs amid water
shortages, creating tools to improve public breeding
programs, developing more efficient harvesting equipment,
and economic analyses to ensure future pistachio cultivation
is economically rewarding. Researchers hope to offer a
guide for growers deciding whether to plant new orchards or
remove existing ones.
Researchers seek to pair that new rootstock with
high-yielding scions to develop new combinations that
can thrive in the different conditions across the state.
With nearly 520,000 acres planted in California in 2021,
pistachios are the fastest-growing tree nut crop in the state.
Growers have doubled their plantings over the past decade,
due to pistachios' drought tolerance and higher gross
returns compared to other nuts, experts report. California
dominates the industry, growing 99% of the nation's crop
and nearly 60% of the world's crop, employing people in
47,000 full-time-equivalent jobs and creating $5.2 billion
of total economic impact in 2020, according to American
Pistachio Growers.
The four-year project was among nearly $70 million in
Specialty Crop Research Initiative grants awarded this
fall by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The
Department of Plant Sciences landed three of the 25 grants.
- Trina Kleist, University of California, Davis
California Walnuts launches new effort to
expand distribution
The California walnut industry is forging a new strategic
direction that will broaden U.S. distribution and accelerate
consumption. This two-fold effort takes advantage of
opportunities offered by walnuts' health halo and untapped
culinary versatility.
While conceding that walnut growers and handlers are
26 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023
facing tough challenges,
the industry is adopting
changes to plan for a
resilient future.
" Our path forward
is a major break from
the past, which is
needed to compete in
today's maturing global
market, " said Robert
Verloop, the recently
appointed executive director and CEO of the California
Walnut Board and California Walnut Commission. " The
industry is evolving its thinking into how to solve business
challenges and one effort is reaching new consumers
through pathways that promise tremendous opportunity
for the broader food industry. "
The new pathways are:
* Fresh produce positioning at retail
One of the industry's first goals is about simple geography:
adding walnuts to the retail produce department and
promoting the produce alignment to consumers.
" While walnuts will always have a home in the baking
aisle, the produce positioning supports shopper demand to
easily find healthier food choices and offers opportunities
for co-marketing programs with complementary items, "
added Verloop.
Research shows 76% of consumers are more likely to
purchase walnuts when they are displayed alongside fresh
fruits and vegetables in the produce aisle.
* Plant-based and meat alternative products at
foodservice and food manufacturing
The walnut industry is seeking collaborations with
foodservice operators and food manufacturers to innovate
with product formulation and take advantage of consumer
interest in plant-based foods and meat alternatives. Due to
their unique texture and buttery flavor, walnuts check all the
boxes for a plant-based diet, meat alternative and flavor.
Verloop noted the industry is actively connecting with chefs
and product developers to explore partnerships and concepts,
bolstered by California's high quality, consistent supply.
For more information about the California walnut
industry, please visit walnuts.org/walnut-industry/.
Upper Midwest Hazelnut celebrates 15 years
Fifteen years ago, early-adopter growers, private breeders
and researchers from the Universities of Minnesota and
Wisconsin got together to set an ambitious goal: build a new
crop and industry from scratch. This was no small task given
it takes 20+ years to develop a new hazelnut variety, and
we were starting with zero dollars and zero staff. Thanks to
http://www.walnuts.org/walnut-industry/
January/February 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of January/February 2023
