Almond Board of California (ABC) often facilitates opportunities for stakeholders to meet with industry members in an effort to initiate a dialogue on issues important to the California Almond industry. Recently, ABC hosted two events with representatives of the U.S. government.
First, U.S. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Jonathan Cordone met with industry members to discuss trade issues, including the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) and its chance of passage. While optimistic, he agreed it would be difficult due to current opposition. He also praised ABC and the almond industry for their efforts made to resolve labeling issues with India.
ABC hosted a seminar for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which provided Indian officials with a better understanding of why adding details about importers on the bulk container packaging is unnecessary when the information can be provided in accompanying documentation.
In October, U.S. Representative Jeff Denham visited with industry members and provided an update on current and future legislative activity. He provided an overview of drought legislation to be considered during the November session, noting drought language will be added to the Water Resources Development Act, which must be passed before the end of the year. He also discussed the 2018 farm bill and the importance of specialty-crop accomplishments in the 2014 Agricultural Act of 2014. Representative Denham commented on the fact that many legislators are not familiar with the almond industry, its economic impact or its contributions to export trade. He encouraged industry members to expand efforts to explain the scope of the almond industry and its research initiatives, particularly the achievements we have made.
