This year the regulatory component of The Almond Conference will be packed with valuable information on several topics. Here is a brief snapshot of just a few:
Water remains a priority as we move through the fifth year of drought. The “Addressing California Water Issues” panel will discuss the impact of the proposed unimpaired flows ruling, the implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, and how we can utilize alternative water sources such as recycled, oil-produced water and possible desalination options. And, what’s happening on the federal level to help California growers?
The “Export Transportation Panel — Getting Ready for 2017!” will discuss the factors impacting shipments out of the Port of Oakland. This panel of carriers, labor unions, and port authorities will provide their perspectives on what the almond industry can expect from port logistics in the future. With union contracts expiring in 2019, what’s being done to prevent another slowdown?
Finally, the “Integrity Forum: When Does a Commercial Issue Become Trade Distorting” panel. The experience with No Objection Certificates in India caused significant market disruption, but it also raised an important question: How do you address a commercial issue when it escalates to the level of a trade distorting measure? The panel will explore legal and trade options, as well as recommended remedies and possible contract scenarios — hopefully to avoid a similar situation in the future!
