Grower Newsletter

ALMOND BOARD RELEASED THE OBJECTIVE CROP ESTIMATE TODAY:

This is more than most in the industry expected. In fact many were expecting lower than the 850 million subjective estimate in May. The market has been very quiet with most buyers reluctant to contract at the current record prices - especially our European friends who are also looking at a stronger US dollar. The domestic market, on the other hand, has been booking 2004 and 2005 crop almonds right up to this morning to meet demand.

ALMOND MARKET HAS BEEN STEADY THIS MONTH. We will make a market report in a week when we get the position report and see what the market reaction to the crop estimate is. Although prices have held steady up to now, I would not expect price increases following this higher estimate. We may see some weakness but we are still forced to reduce shipments for the 2005 crop by about 15% from 2004 crop.

Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) at Harvest for Food Safety

Please review these practical steps to prevent microbial contamination in the orchard:

1. Water can contain pathogens

• Avoid wet soil surfaces when nuts are shaken or windrowed at harvest to prevent creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth.
• Keep moisture content of nuts in windrows as low as possible.
• Avoid stockpiling high moisture almonds.

2. Manure is a risk factor for food borne illness, especially when the food product is on the ground.

• Clean the orchard floor of any undesirable residue before harvest.
• Exclude all animals as much as possible from your orchards.
• Using raw manure is not recommended in the orchard. If composted manure is used, spread the manure as early as possible after harvest.

3. Pathogens stay dormant on machinery and in your orchard, but may return when soil is disturbed:

• Routinely high pressure wash and sanitize all equipment prior to harvest.
• Minimize the amount of soil collected during harvest by proper adjustment of equipment.

It is critical that everyone in the industry works to reduce the potential for contamination. Properly executed GAP's help huller/shellers and handlers manage the GMPs in their facilities. A complete GAP manual can be obtained by calling Colleen Aguiar at (209) 826-0272 or by visiting the Almond Board of California website at www.almondboard.com.

Ned Ryan and Colleen Aguiar

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