AMERICAN PISTACHIO GROWERS JULY LUNCHEON Nearly 300 APG members attended the annual July Membership Luncheon, held on July 27 in Visalia, California. This year’s luncheon focus was on current issues facing the pistachio industry. Rob Nash, Director of Government Relations, spoke about the Water Bond being officially certified for the November 2018 Ballot, due, in part, to APG’s efforts and funding to the campaign effort. Executive Director, Richard Matoian, addressed the tariffs affecting the pistachio industry and shared APG’s stance of ending the tariff issue between the United States and China. Judy Hirigoyen, Vice President of Global Marketing for APG, shared the good news about the increased consumption of American-grown pistachios in APG’s key export markets, and she gave a sneak preview of upcoming marketing plans. Guest speaker, California Secretary of Agriculture Karen Ross, addressed the various governmental policies affecting the pistachio industry and spoke about how California is the world’s preferred supplier of pistachios.
Judy Hirigoyen
Richard Matoian
Karen Ross Rob Nash
JULY MEMBER LUNCHEON SNAPSHOTS APG’s staff was on hand to talk about their various programs from the “Nutrition Wall” of scientific research to APG’s leadership program, LeadOn, and government relations. APG branded t-shirts were also sold at the APG store.
AMERICAN-GROWN PISTACHIOS
CONSUMP
INCREASES IN INTERNATIO Trends in healthier eating habits bode well for US-based pistachio farmers Consumption numbers of American-grown pistachios are up globally. According to a report released recently by California State University, Fresno (CSUF) Department of Agricultural Business, Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, pistachio consumption has increased substantially in international markets between 2015 and 2017. The United States remains the largest producer of pistachios in the world, with approximately 99 percent grown in California, where climate and precision agricultural practices produce high-quality nuts. Paired with the fact that approximately 70 percent of pistachios grown in the U.S. are exported, this data shows how popular the nut is worldwide. This increase in demand is likely due to global health trends and a growing body of scientific research that ties pistachios to a wide range of benefits, including weight management, blood sugar control and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
“We’re finding that not only is overall consumption of U.S. pistachios increasing, but consumers are also broadening their consumption timeframe. While nuts have traditionally been consumed during winter months and holidays, we’re seeing increases during spring and summer months as consumers learn about the health attributes pistachios have for athletic individuals and weight management.” APG Vice President of Global Marketing Judy Hirigoyen
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ONAL MARKETS
For this study, trends were reviewed in China, South Korea, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom – seven nations considered to be primary trade partners for U.S. pistachios. Additionally, the study included India as an important emerging market. For the report, CSUF researchers used data for total pounds of pistachios traded across borders accessed from the Global Trade Atlas (GTA).
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American Pistachio Growers’ press release announced the increase in world consumption of American pistachios in July. Since then, more than 93 million consumers have viewed the good news.
Healthy Snacking Trends Go Global The market for healthy snacking alternatives is on the rise as more consumers demand snack choices that will help them maintain their active lifestyles. A rise in awareness about healthy snacking habits, along with consumers’ desire for grab-and-go options, is further propelling this segment’s growth. Although there are multitude of reasons individuals choose to snack, the two predominant global themes are: enjoyment – 75 percent of the world eats snacks to satisfy hunger or cravings in between meals; and nutrition – 63 percent of the world’s consumers snack for nutritional reasons.1 For more information on the health benefits and nutrition gained from pistachios, visit AmericanPistachios.org and follow APG on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. http://www.nielsen.com/content/dam/nielsenglobal/kr/docs/global-repo rt/2014/Nielsen%20Global%20Snacking%20Report%20September %202014.pdf
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SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS Sunshine, warmer weather and longer days all add up to more outdoor activity. APG’s summer “Snack for Active Lifestyles” themed social media posts drive home the message that pistachios are the go-to snack for sports- and fitness-minded consumers as well as sports nutritionists. Multiples times a week, APG posts messages devoted to a broad range of outdoor activities from swimming, hiking, running and cycling, to surfing, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, golfing and jiu-jitsu. Each activity provides an opportunity to ignite the fan base, and expand APG’s universe in the social space.
To date, over 700,000 consumers have viewed our posts, and more than 20,000 consumers are liking and sharing our posts as well as clicking through to visit APG’s website, AmericanPistachios.org
APG SAMPLING EVENTS IN GERMANY Hundreds of athletes, who participated in the Swimrun races in eight cities across Germany, refueled with American pistachios. American Pistachios Growers were the snack partner of the popular Swimrun series in Germany. A Swimrun is a multiple-stage competition that involves participants running and swimming over a cross-country race course or loop course.
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APG ADVERTISES ON WORLD’S LARGEST VIDEO PLATFORM IN CHINA APG advertised on iQiyi, a well-known nationwide video platform in China, to broadcast its “Power of Pistachios” campaign. Throughout a four-month period, starting from November to December 2017; and then from June to July 2018, seven advertisements using APG’s social media videos aired during iQiyi’s more popular shows. The advertisements were viewed by nearly 20 million consumers.
iQiyi is currently one of the largest online video sites in the world, with nearly 6 billion hours spent on its service each month, and over 500 million monthly active users.
NUTRITION SEMINAR AND MEDIA EVENT IN NANJING, CHINA American Pistachio Growers held a “Super Snack” themed nutrition seminar and media event in Nanjing, China, on July 14. APG nutrition expert in China, Dr. Ge Sheng (Director of the Clinical Nutrition Department, Sixth People’s Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University) and Zheng Jinfeng (Director of the Nutrition Department, Nanjing General Hospital of PLA) shared research findings about the role pistachios play in glycemic control, which helps to prevent diabetes. They also recommended that healthy snacks, such as pistachios, should be consumed daily as part of a healthy diet. Over one hundred nutritionists and journalists from leading health and wellness publications attended the event.
Zheng Jinfeng
Dr. Ge Sheng
APG MEMBER events
Tuesday, September 25, 2018 Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center, Fresno, California
The Central California’s Women’s Conference is sold out, but thanks to APG it’s not too late to attend the luncheon. APG has reserved a table for 8 lucky APG members. Click here for your chance to win a seat at APG’s Members Only table.
ENTER TO WIN!
At the Clovis Farmers Market September 29
5:30pm to 9:00pm
Celebrate pistachios with American Pistachio Growers at the Pistachio Party in Old Town Clovis, during the Clovis Farmers Market, on Friday September 29, from 5:30pm to 9pm. Sample bags of pistachios will be given away, and chefs from the Institute of Technology Culinary Arts Program will be creating delicious dishes with pistachios for everyone to enjoy. APG ambassador Miss California 2018 Mackenzie Freed will be there to welcome all.
Maria Shriver Luncheon Keynote
USDA - FSA NOW OFFERS ASSISTANCE FROM LOSSES DUE TO PISTACHIO BUSHY TOP SYNDROME Under the Tree Assistance Program (TAP), the USDA California Farm Service Agency State Committee has approved assistance to farmers for crops that have manifested Pistachio Bushy Top Syndrome (PBTS). Pistachio tree producers, whose pistachio trees incurred losses due to PBTS, will be able to sign-up for compensation, under the Tree Assistance Program. Due to the diligent work, over the last year, from APG and the California Congressional Delegation, this critically needed assistance program for affected growers of Pistachio Bushy Top Syndrome will officially begin accepting applications October 15, 2018; •
December 15, 2018 is the deadline to apply for losses that occurred on or after Oct 1, 2011 to December 31, 2016.
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Producers with tree losses due to PBTS on or after January 1, 2017 may apply beginning October 15, 2018.
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The deadline for losses that occurred after January 1, 2017 has not yet been set. Producers applying for losses due to PBTS must adhere to all TAP eligibility requirements.
HERE'S MORE INFORMATION:
TREE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM / TAP FACT SHEET
TRADE WAR WITH CHINA CONTINUES TO ESCALATE
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On August 3, China’s Ministry of Commerce announced it would start imposing 60 billion dollars in tariffs on 5,207 items originating in the U.S. The duty rate ranges from 5 to 25 percent. Although specialty crop items are largely excluded from this list, raw pistachios, processed nuts, roasted pistachios and olive oil are included. The details for each product will be announced separately; however, tariffs will not be imposed before September 5, 2018. This move is in retaliation to the United States’ proposed section 301; 25 percent tariff on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods.
TRADE MITIGATION PROGRAM - USDA ANNOUNCES TARIFF MITIGATION FOR AGRICULTURE On July 24, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the implementation of a trade mitigation program that would provide aid to agriculture industries impacted by the ongoing tariff issues. The deal includes three programs with a combined investment of $12 billion. The two programs the pistachio industry are qualified for are: • Food Purchase and Distribution Program and the Trade Promotion Program.
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• Food Purchase and Distribution Program through the Agricultural Marketing Service to purchase unexpected surplus of affected commodities such as fruits, nuts, rice, legumes, beef, pork and milk for distribution to food banks and other nutrition programs.
UPDATES ON IMPORTANT TOPICS, VIA OUR AMERICAN PISTACHIO GROWERS GOVERNMENT RELATIONS REPORT, ARE AVAILABLE. CLICK ON EACH TOPIC BELOW TO READ THE LATEST NEWS: California State Water Resources Control Board to Hear Proposal on Increasing Unimpaired Flows in the Delta APG Joins Ratepayer Protection Network in Response to Pending Wildfire Legislation Immigration Law: Federal vs. State - Judicial Guidance for Employers "Stop the Water Grab" Rally at the State Capitol Pistachio PAC Outreach Activities
Check Your Mailbox - State Pistachio PAC Contribution Letter is in the Mail!
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