WALNUT NEWS FALL AND WINTER WALNUT MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS Drew Alonso Wolter, UCCE Junior Specialist Horticulture Intern, UC Davis Graduate Student Katherine Jarvis-Shean, UCCE Orchard Advisor, Sacramento, Solano and Yolo Counties Emily J. Symmes, UCCE Area IPM Advisor, Sacramento Valley Walnut harvest season is in full swing. Here are a few things to be mindful of during and after harvest to maintain the best quality and avoid pest/disease issues later in the season.
HARVEST • Harvest Timing: Harvesting as early as possible can help reduce quality losses due to navel orangeworm, mold development, and darkening kernel color. At harvest, the objective is to shake what you can pick up that same day. Walnut quality declines most rapidly during the first 9 hours after shaking. • Collect harvest samples. Collecting ground samples at harvest will allow you to distinguish sources of damage in greater detail than is provided on grade sheets. A sampling protocol and damage identification guide is available at: sacvalleyorchards.com/walnuts/insects-mites-walnuts/ harvest-damage-evaluation-for-walnuts/.
POST-HARVEST • Clean operation: Once harvest is complete, ensure that hullers, dryers, and areas surrounding orchards are cleared of nuts that may be harboring moth larvae. Sanitize orchards as part of your NOW management program by shaking/hand poling, blowing berms, and then flail mowing mummies prior to next season. Remember that walnut mummies on the orchard floor (middles and tree rows) provide overwintering
survival sites for NOW, so even if you have few mummies remaining in the trees, blowing and destroying mummies on the ground helps reduce carry-over NOW populations.
NOVEMBER 2019
IN THIS ISSUE Strategic Planning
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Grades & Standards
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Health Research Update
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Export Marketing
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Domestic Marketing
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Save the Date
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Upcoming Events
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• Planting a cover crop: Annual cover crops are planted in the fall. Target the narrow window after harvesting late varieties and before leaf fall to seed the cover crop. If you’d like to find more info on cover crops visit: sacvalleyorchards.com/blog/walnuts-blog/time-to-thinkabout-cover-crops-in-walnuts/ • Botryosphaeria or Phomopsis: Pruning with BOT infection in mind: If pruning or hedging is planned this year, aim for as early in fall as you can and when weather is forecast to be dry to avoid infection. • Scouting for weeds. Walking the orchard in the fall provides the ability to evaluate the current year’s weed control program. By scouting the orchard for areas where weed species may have escaped control, you can adjust your management practices to control these weeds in the following year. • Site Preparation for Walnut Replanting. If you are tearing out an existing orchard and planning to replant walnuts, post-harvest and in October is the time to cut trees and paint stumps with Garlon to kill tree roots. Paint within five minutes of cutting the stump and leave the painted stump for at least 60 days. See more at sacvalleyorchards.com/walnuts/diseases/considerationsfor-replanting-walnut-orchards/.
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STRATEGIC PLANNING Earlier this year, the industry adopted a new strategic plan following a nearly yearlong effort to plan for future production and the needs to support the plan. A strategic planning committee of industry members convened to develop a road map, assessing where we are, where we want to be, and how we will get there. The result of those efforts are a set of succinct strategic planning priorities for industry, as well as mission, vision, purpose statement, and core values that embody all that the industry does. Mission (the core business of an organization): To cultivate industry prosperity by increasing worldwide demand for California walnuts. Core Values (the principles that guide decision making): We: Do what’s right for the industry long term. Operate with integrity and honesty. Strive for excellence and innovation. Purpose (the end benefit to people and society): To enhance diet and health through flavorful California walnuts. Vision (the destination toward which we are working): California walnuts are the worldwide nut of choice. Strategic priorities were developed following extensive review of internal and external factors that impact industry: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Given the vast breadth of factors, the following priorities were identified as the most important for our future success. Strategic Priorities • Grow domestic and international demand. • Conduct research programs that fuel the vision. • Continue to build support via industry engagement communication plans. • Strengthen regulatory support for walnut production trade through advocacy. • Demonstrate industry commitment to sustainable production practices.
GROWING DEMAND
Future production and utilization are concerns that keep us up at night. With an estimated 60,000 non-bearing acres coming into production, we estimated that over the next five years, we will have an additional 196,000 tons to 2
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market by the 2022/23 season. The marketing teams went through extensive analysis to determine how this volume will be utilized in our existing markets, as well as new/other markets where volume potential exists.
DOMESTIC Domestic Goal: 64,000 tons Domestic growth will be focused in the four key areas of retail, industrial, institutional, and restaurants. In order to achieve the goals set forth, strategies, tactics, and measurement plans were developed, along with shifts in budget resources to support the growth. Consumer advertising and public relations will increase awareness and support partners in the trade.
INTERNATIONAL Export Goal: 132,000 tons Internationally, our goal is to grow volume across a large segment of markets in various states of maturity: emerging, growth, mature, and new. A target list was developed where the CWC programs have the ability to stimulate demand and purchase, each having its own strategy and tactics. Similarly to domestic, budgeted resources were shifted to support growth from the new plan.
RESEARCH IS OUR FOUNDATION AND FUTURE In order to continually improve crop quality, research programs in the areas of production, post-harvest, and food safety are vital. And health research is essential to affirm the benefits of walnuts to the consumer audience and to shape public policy.
PRODUCTION RESEARCH
Production research ensures we balance the short term orchard management needs with the long term goals of improving crop quality through the breeding program. Key research areas focus on orchard management, entomology, plant pathology & nematology, and breeding & genomics.
POST-HARVEST RESEARCH
The area of post-harvest research has continued to grow dramatically to support our growing industry and the challenges before us: food safety, crop quality, shelf life, uses of byproduct, and regulatory environment. Research projects will invest in our future to make us more competitive, while finding alternative uses for byproduct (shells and hulls) and mitigating risks to industry posed by the evolving regulatory environment.
HEALTH RESEARCH
Health research not only reaffirms walnuts' strengths in the key area of heart health, but produces new studies to understand walnuts role in public health, such as cognition, weight management, cancer, and more. This ongoing research gives consumers new reasons to choose walnuts and health professionals and policy makers new reasons to recommend walnuts.
has increased immensely in recent years. The CWC is more engaged now than ever and continually finding new ways to increase engagement. Through the CWC we will continue to advocate for issues impacting industry and collect data and/or support for those issues. Where appropriate, we will increase engagement with regulators/policy makers to showcase the walnut industry.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
SUSTAINABILITY
Our goal with industry communications is to increase industry engagement through all means available. While we have continued to increase our communications, we will undertake additional efforts to ensure that our handlers/board members have the tools they need. We will assess opportunities for various types of meetings and communications to ensure that our growers at all levels of industry have the opportunity to be involved. Additionally, we will continue to partner with other organizations that can also spread our message.
ADVOCACY FOR INDUSTRY
GRADES & STANDARDS
By 2022/23, our goal is to further engage with regulators and legislators on industry issues. The scope of this work
Demonstrating the industry’s commitment to sustainable practices is essential to our customers and consumers globally. The industry has a strong foundation in the pillars you see here (fig. 1). However, the methods by which we track and report to our stakeholders is critical. We will conduct research among our growers, handlers, and outside partners to better quantify our impacts. In the interim, a working group of industry and staff are developing tools and resources to aid industry in telling our story while producing the data our customers demand.
FSMA PRODUCE SAFETY INSPECTIONS: WHAT TO EXPECT The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was passed in 2011 to help prevent foodborne illness outbreaks. Under the FSMA rules are the Preventive Controls Rule (PCR) which covers processors/handlers and the Produce Safety Rule (PSR) which covers farms. The PSR is being implemented in stages between 2019 and 2021 depending on farm size.
In California, FDA is contracting with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to conduct the on-farm inspections to verify FSMA compliance. CDFA has created the Produce Safety Program (PSP) to educate and assist growers in complying with PSR requirements.
IMPACT ON WALNUT GROWERS All farms covered under the Produce Safety Rule must take several steps to comply with its requirements. Key steps include at least one farm representative completing an FDArecognized Produce Safety Rule Grower Training Course. This training, in turn, will inform how to implement required
Produce Safety Rule food safety practices on your farm and any documentation that is needed. The grower training need only be taken once. The California Walnut Board (CWB) sponsored complementary grower trainings for the last 3 years. And while CWB has concluded the complementary trainings, CDFA is currently offering low cost, subsidized training courses throughout the state, a list of which can be found here, http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/producesafety/training.html Growers can also participate in an on-farm readiness review inspection, a ‘mock inspection’ if you will, to help them understand PSR requirements and get ready for the official inspection. CDFA has clarified that any farm inspection will always be announced. If growers wish to receive updates about the Produce Safety program, they can sign up here: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/producesafety/mailinglist.html For additional PSR related questions, growers can also email: producesafety@cdfa.ca.gov. (Source: California Department of Food and Agriculture Produce Safety Program: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/producesafety/) W A L N U T
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HEALTH RESEARCH UPDATE
PROFESSIONAL AND SCIENTIFIC EVENTS
In September, the California Walnut Commission was a sponsor at, the conference for Nutritional Advances in the Prevention and Management of Chronic Disease in Barcelona, Spain. Lenore Arab, PhD from David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, presented “Nut consumption correlates with women’s cognition and mood” which shared outcomes from her CWC-supported research resulting in the publication, “Lower depression scores among walnut consumers in NHANES”. Dr. Arab shared with over 125 international attendees that depression scores were significantly lower among nut consumers and particularly walnut consumers (who ate just under one ounce per day) as compared to non-nut consumers in this cross-sectional study of American adults (average age 46). The difference was strongest among women, who were more likely than men to report higher depression scores. Dr. Arab and her team looked at self-reported dietary data and noted that depression could have impacted typical eating behaviors, and other lifestyle habits that are more common in walnut consumers could have influenced the results. Significant, positive associations between walnut consumption and cognitive functions among all adults, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity suggested that “daily walnut intake may be a simple beneficial dietary behavior.” Emilio Ros, MD, PhD was the chair and facilitator of the session. A press conference was held immediately after the session with key health and science journalists from Barcelona. Findings from this study show an association between walnut consumption and depression symptoms, but do not prove cause and effect. The evidence adds to the current understanding of the potential beneficial impact of including walnuts in the diet.
PUBLICATIONS “Changes in nut consumption influence long-term weight change in US men and women”, published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention, and Health in September. The research was conducted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and supported by the California Walnut Commission (CWC). The CWC has made body weight and composition research a priority area of research due to the current 4
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obesity epidemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that in 2016, the number of obese people nearly tripled since 1975. There are about 1.9 billion people that are overweight and 650 million obese, which results in about 2.8 million deaths every year as a result of being overweight or Dr. Lenore Arab and Dr. Emilio Ros obese. This paper at the Nutrients Conference revealed that in Barcelona. increased daily nut consumption may be associated with less long-term weight gain and a reduced risk of becoming obese, compared to not eating nuts. An increase in consumption of walnuts and other tree nuts by half a serving per day was associated with a 15 percent and 11 percent lower risk of developing obesity. Researchers investigated the connection between nut consumption and weight change by analyzing more than 20 years of data on American adults (ages 24-75). The results don’t prove causality, but they do provide further support for including walnuts as part of a healthy diet that won’t contribute to weight gain.
EXPORT MARKETING
GERMANY – SMARTER SNACKEN In April, 2019, the CWC ran a highly engaging campaign across social, digital, and media channels using its own platforms as well as key influencers. The umbrella theme of the campaign was “Smarter Snacken”, with a call to action for consumers to commit to a healthy snacking lifestyle, with California walnuts, for 66 days. While consumers were enjoying their walnuts, they were asked to upload a picture on Instagram for a chance to win a fabulous mini fridge, ideal for storing walnuts year-round. To help spread the word, the CWC collaborated with two
online magazines as well as six well-known food influencers, who are also registered dieticians. Over the 66day campaign, 3,143,338 consumers were reached and created a total of 74,897 engagements. This campaign not only created awareness, but it also fostered walnut purchases by activating consumers to snack on more walnuts.
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DOMESTIC MARKETING UPDATE
GOLDEN WALNUT SWEEPSTAKES RETURN Due to the tremendous success of last year’s Golden Walnut Sweepstakes, the program will return for the 2019 holiday season, kicking off November 11 and running through December 20. Consumers are encouraged to submit a store receipt through the contest page on walnuts.org for a chance to win the virtual “Golden Walnut.” Entries qualify for a chance to win a portion of $15,000 in available prizes – a grand prize of $5,000 or one of one hundred $100 gift cards.
The program was launched last year to kick start the new crop year by boosting holiday sales of California walnuts. Last year’s campaign resulted in more than 28,000 entries and a 60% increase in total walnut category dollar sales when compared to the pre-campaign period. Digital advertising for the sweepstakes drove significant traffic to walnuts.org throughout the national campaign.
NEW U.S. ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN The California Walnut Board launched of the “Life Isn’t Always Simple” advertising campaign this month. It was created to show consumers how walnuts can be an easy way to add nutrition, crunch and variety to any meal and snack. The new campaign, which focuses on the importance of small daily “wins,” like getting an easy and delicious meal on the table, marks a conscious shift to a more lifestylefocused creative strategy than in years past. In developing the creative, the Board emphasized the emotional connection and role walnuts can play in people’s everyday lives.
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California walnuts’ previous advertising focused on their functional benefits – versatility as an ingredient, simplicity of use, and heart-healthy benefits. The new campaign builds on these strengths, but is also designed to shift how people think and feel about walnuts. The campaign will appeal to our audience on a more emotional level, and portray walnuts in a fresh, relatable, and engaging light.
Segmentation research and a series of focus groups uncovered that women aged 25-54, primarily Millennials and Gen Xers, are optimistically embracing the challenges that accompany their full, active and busy lifestyles. Despite describing their days as ‘controlled chaos’, they are enthusiastic about life, laugh off small setbacks, and enjoy small daily victories. Lack of time is their greatest challenge and many are looking for simple solutions to make their days more manageable. That’s where walnuts come in, helping to create and savor the simple satisfactions of life. The new campaign engages the consumer with amusing vignettes of the many ways modern life isn’t so simple, then reminds them that using California walnuts really is simple – and provide nutritious and delicious recipes and snacks in a wide variety of applications.
The integrated campaign will reach 97% of adults over 18 an average of 32 times, garnering 3.7 million impressions across the U.S. The year-long campaign kicks off with national print ads, six TV spots, as well as digital ads. The media plan to support this new campaign leverages various platforms including print magazines, national TV, editorial integrations, digital and social activations, blog posts, and influencer programs. The entire plan is designed to encourage walnut consumption beyond the traditional holiday season. This effort will be supported by an unprecedented investment at retail, to remind consumers to add California walnuts to their shopping cart.
CALIFORNIA WALNUT CONFERENCE SAVE THE DATE - JANUARY 10, 2020 YUBA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
THE ANNUAL WALNUT DAY HAS BEEN NEWLY UPDATED AND EXTENDED FOR 2020. IT’S ONE CONFERENCE YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS! A full day of educational topics, trade show, and a free lunch! • Industry Updates
• Latest Health Research
• International Marketing Panel
• Disease Resistant Rootstocks
• Domestic Marketing
• Walnut Tree Nutrition
• Smart Technology in Ag
• Regulatory Updates
• Weed & Disease Management
• Sustainable Ground Management Act (SGMA)
For registration, please visit https://www.wcngg.com/register/
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CALIFORNIA WALNUT COMMISSION 101 Parkshore Drive, Suite 250 Folsom, CA 95630
UPCOMING EVENTS MEETINGS
CALIFORNIA WALNUT BOARD & CALIFORNIA WALNUT COMMISSION
CALIFORNIA WALNUT CONFERENCE SAVE THE DATE - JANUARY 10, 2020 YUBA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS THE ANNUAL WALNUT DAY HAS BEEN NEWLY UPDATED AND EXTENDED FOR 2020. IT’S ONE CONFERENCE YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS!
CONTACT INFO California Walnut Board and California Walnut Commission 101 Parkshore Drive, Suite 250 Folsom, CA 95630 phone 916.932.7070 email info@walnuts.org fax 916.932.7071
walnuts.org
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