NEWS
Spring 2016
Rainmakers and Sunny Skies at APG 2016 Conference
More than 800 American Pistachio Growers members,
growers and pistachio industry friends headed to the
desert oasis of JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
Wednesday through Friday, February 17-19 for APG’s Annual
Conference. The new venue and expanded format provided
more opportunities to balance leisure and business at the
industry’s largest annual gathering.
Despite a challenging year for many growers that also
affected industry partners, sponsors provided amazing
support that resulted in an unprecedented 100% offset of
all conference and gala costs. A convenient, onsite PAC
golf tournament; 72 exhibit booths; an increased slate of
informative speakers; and a 70’s theme Gala finale event
kept attendees constructively and pleasantly occupied
throughout the three-day event.
Executive Director Richard Matoian kicked off Thursday’s
general session with his State of the Industry followed by
a comprehensive marketing update that combined APG
marketing staff, China grower ambassadors, Miss California,
and the nutritionist for this year’s Superbowl Champion
Denver Broncos. Presentations on water regulations, grower
communications and crop insurance rounded out the day.
Friday morning began with opening remarks from APG
Chairman Thom Dille who turned the podium over to new
Chairman Jimi Valov. A weighty presentation on the Food
Safety Modernization Act was followed by lighter fodder
from Keynote Speaker, David Wasserman from The Cook
Political Report who analyzed this unusual election year.
Afternoon breakout options included a production research
session with respected researchers offering continuing
education credits or an update from the Pacific Legal
Foundation on their current efforts.
Attendees took home this year’s Annual Report and attendee
gift created to remind them of their warm memories while
sipping a morning beverage from commemorative mug with
exclusive Conference artwork (available on member portal
for APG members). The APG Store offered 2016 Annual
Conference shirts that utilized the graphic and other items
for members to display their APG pride.
Surveys submitted after the event gave high marks to
this year’s format, speakers and the new venue. The APG
Board and Membership Services Committee that oversees
the Conference approved a return to Palm Desert for the
American Pistachio Industry 2017 Conference WednesdayFriday, February 22-24 at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort
& Spa. Information will be posted online and mailed first to
members in late fall. We hope to see you there!
APG HIGHLIGHTS
Desert Setting Ideal for Ninth APG Annual Conference
Valov Elected Chairman - New Board Members Seated
Sponsors Fully Fund 2016 Conference and Gala
Gala Fun Finale: Members Go Wild with 70s Theme
Miss California China Tour Showcases APG Growers
LeadOn Silent and Live Auctions Raise Record Funds
2016 CA Regional Grower Meetings Scheduled
Board Acts in Response to Lifting of Iranian Sanctions
EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR
UPDATE
Spring is my favorite season of the year for many reasons.
It’s a time when we start to shed heavy coats and pants
for light wind breakers and shorts. It’s time when baseball
is revving up. It’s the time for family activities and picnics
in the park. And, it’s a time when spring showers and
snowpack replenish the earth and nurture our orchards,
vines and various other crops.
Spring is truly a time of hope, renewal, and new life. So, at
the risk of sounding like a weatherman, I’m happy to report
rainfall to-date in California has been above normal in most
areas, snow pack in the Sierras is almost near normal, and
best of all, we have received adequate winter chill hours
for our pistachio orchards. This weather news added to
the fact that this should be an “on” year points to a healthy
and substantial pistachio crop in 2016. This is great news
for our industry and a welcome relief to many growers who
suffered through a disastrous 2015.
Though we know the drought is not over, we can rejoice in
a welcome respite from its effects. Nowhere was this sense
of joy more evident than at our recent Annual Conference
in Palm Desert. Over 800 APG members and guests
gathered at the beautiful Marriott Desert Springs Resort
for content rich educational sessions, updates on industry
related issues and topics, and comprehensive reports on
our domestic and international marketing programs. By
individual accounts and survey responses, a great time was
had by all!
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cover all of this year’s conference expenses, but to end
up in the positive, a first since my time here, going back to
2008.
Also with spring are APG’s first organizational meetings of
the year with the newly elected Board of Directors. Four
new members were seated at the February 18 meeting, and
three returned for second terms. The three incumbents
re-elected were: Jeremy Blackwell, Anil Gupta and Adam
Kusmak. The four new members elected included Steve
Burcham, Dominic Pitigliano, Gary Smith, and Brian Watte.
Following their official seating onto the Board, officer
elections were held. Jimi Valov will Chair the Board for
2016, with Sharon Roden as Vice-Chair; Rudy Hernandez
will serve as Secretary/Treasurer. With Jimi’s election as
Chair of the Board of Directors, I would like to officially
recognize Thom Dille for serving two terms as Chair. Thom’s
leadership, fair-minded character and business acumen
helped lead this organization successfully through all the
challenges we faced.
With a healthy pistachio crop on the way and our new
leadership in place, APG is well positioned to move into
the future. This is evident in all areas of the organization,
but especially apparent in our marketing department.
The Marketing Committee has already been engaged in a
thoughtful discussion to develop activities and programs
that will build on our previous programs and goals in order
to implement an outstanding marketing strategy for the
2016 crop.
We here at APG wish you the best of growing conditions,
quality production and successful harvest for 2016.
APG Board Report
I can truly say that our conference was fun, entertaining,
and educational. However this year’s conference was
successful on a much deeper level as well. When we got
into the heavy planning of the conference back in October
of last year, we were directed that this year’s conference
would be financially self-sufficient. In other words, it was
our goal that the 2016 conference would be totally funded
by sponsorships and registrations and that no assessment
funds would be used to underwrite the event.
The APG Board of Directors held an open meeting
Thursday, February 18 in Palm Desert. Prior to the meeting,
an Annual Meeting of the Membership was conducted.
Actions approved follow:
Though financial self-sufficiency has been a goal for past
conferences, we weren’t able to make this a reality. This
year, I’m proud to report that due to the careful planning
and hard work of our staff, primarily that of Director,
Member Services Catherine Byrnes, we received enough
revenue in sponsorships and registration fees not only to
Recent Board Actions
No formal actions were taken at the Annual Membership
Meeting immediately preceding the February 18 Board
Meeting. The newly elected Board members were
announced.
Sunset Review funds approved.
APG slate of officers presented and approved.
Approval to fund completion of carbon footprint project.
Financial audit approved for year ended August 31, 2015.
CHAIRMAN’S
CORNER
At the APG Board Meeting during this year’s Conference,
I was elected Chairman of the Board, an honor I humbly
accepted. I will work very hard to follow the lead of my
predecessors Mike Woolf, Brian Blackwell, Jim Zion,
and Thom Dille. They each made their mark as effective,
perceptive and wise APG leaders, and I hope to do the
same during my time at the helm of this great organization.
For the past six years, I chaired the Membership Services
Committee (MSC), which oversees membership activities
that include our annual conference. When harvest was
complete and resulted in very disappointing yields for
many growers, the APG budget was necessarily cut. In
response, the MSC set a goal to expend zero assessment
dollars on the conference and Gala.
Well, I’m pleased to report this was accomplished. In
fact, targeted tightening of expenditures, very strong
participation and attendance and incredible support from
sponsors allowed us to exceed our own high expectations
and actually fund ALL membership activities. These include
regional grower meetings, our July Membership Luncheon,
membership advertising and various member services
included in the total MSC budget.
When we decided to move the Conference to Palm
Desert, as my long-time friend and previous Conference
Committee Chair Corky Anderson had urged us to do for
many years, we weren’t sure as many people would travel
to the desert as the beach. Well, they did, and the talk
around the resort confirmed it was a good move. So we’ll
return in 2017 for sure and then take it from there.
her Miss California crown through crowds of adoring fans.
Along with fellow growers Devin Aviles and Alison Nagatani
led by APG’s China market expert, Haiying Zhang, we really
seemed to make a great impact in this important market
for pistachio producers. Sharing our experiences about this
important public relations trip is so important so everyone
understands how receptive people in our largest overseas
market are to American pistachios and the people who
grow them.
When it was all said and done, a trip back to the seventies
at the Friday night Gala was a great way to end it in style...
and fun to see so many dress the part! I hope you all have
marked your calendars for February 22-24, 2017.
As Chairman, I’d also like to strongly encourage all growers
to invest in and influence their future by joining APG and
becoming involved in the decision-making process. There
is no other organization that allows you to express your
opinion and play an active part in your livelihood. If you
aren’t interested in serving on the Board or one of the
committees, all meetings are open to APG members.
The future for us pistachio growers looks bright, but
without the support of a united organization looking out for
our interests, that future will dim. Let’s pull together though
good times and challenging ones to make sure we leave
leave a strong legacy for our children and grandchildren.
This group is not a closed, stagnant organization. Those of
us who have been around from day one have put into place
term limits and other measures to make sure there is room
for new growers who are willing to contribute their time and
brain power to APG. One recent example just implemented
is term and attendance guidelines for committees to make
sure all who want to serve are given a chance.
The following chairpersons have been chosen within our
committee structure for the current year:
2016 APG COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Getting together was more important than ever this year,
and APG offered many talks to please just about everyone.
Mixed with important business were some lighter moments,
such as Miss California tap dancing with our own Pistachio
character (inside the costume that day was our very own
talented Marketing staff member, Jessica Garrison).
Membership Services Finance
Govt Policies/Partnerships
LeadOn Program
Marketing Communications
Nutrition Subcommittee
I spent more time on stage (in my red satin doll shirt) this
year with an added report on my participation in APG’s
recent trip to China as a grower ambassador. It was a
real pleasure talking about our product with Chinese
consumers and so was escorting Bree Morse wearing
If you are an APG member, thank you. If you have not yet
joined us, we hope to see you at the upcoming Regional
Grower Meetings at the end of April and/or at our Annual
Membership Luncheon in July to discuss how you can
become a proud American Pistachio Growers member.
Adam Orandi
Gary Smith
Jeremy Blackwell
Kristi Robinson
Rudy Hernandez
Sharon Roden
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DIVINE DESERT DIGS PROVIDE IDEAL SETTING FOR
The APG Annual Conference will return to
Palm Desert February 22-24, 2017
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AMERICAN PISTACHIO INDUSTRY CONFERENCE.
Congratulations to CAROL SWINGLE, booth contest winner of an
iPad gift basket and RONNIE TIPPS, post-event survey participant
randomly drawn to win a 2017 Conference registration with Gala.
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THANKS TO OUR VERY GENEROUS SPONSORS,
APG PRESENTED CONFERENCE AT ZERO NET COST!
TITANIUM SPONSOR $20,000 Contribution
PLATINUM SPONSOR $10,000 Contribution
GOLD SPONSOR $5,000 Contribution
Conference pistachios provided by Meridian Growers.
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SILVER SPONSORS $2,500 Contribution
AGROMILLORA
CALIFORNIA
ALL CROP
INSURANCE
BOART
LONGYEAR
BUHLER GROUP
C NAGATANI
FARMS, FLP
CABLEVEY
CONVEYORS
FIDDYMENT
FARMS, INC
FIVE STAR
HARVESTING
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
& CONSTRUCTION
INGLEBY/
ERIKSSON
MARY ROACH
INSURANCE AGENCY
SATAKE USA, INC.
SEAMAN FARM
MANAGEMENT
STEVE MOORE
FARMS
SYNGENTA CROP
PROTECTION
A DIVISION OF ALLIANT INSURANCE
BRONZE SPONSORS $1,000 Contribution
Anex Manufacturing
JKB Energy Corp.
M Parise Associates/
Tomra Sorting Solutions
Magnuson
Corporation
Kettleman
Pistachio Growers
Nelson
Manufacturing Inc.
Palogix International
Pistacia Global, Inc.
Sas-Z-Nuts
Scroggs Consulting
Sierra Gold Nurseries
US Farm Systems
Westside Farm
Management
PATRON SPONSORS $500 Contribution
Bird Gard
Blackwell
Farming Company
Cardinal
Professional Products
Dave Wilson
Nursery
Eurodrip USA
Fruit Growers
Laboratory, Inc.
Hortau
Madera One-100 LLC
Mazon Trucking, Inc.
Montage, Inc.
Pearson Realty
Roscoe Moss
Company
Schuil &
Associates, Inc.
Stewart Brothers
Drilling Company
VICAM
A Waters Business
TARGETED/SUPPLEMENTAL Sponsorships
Sterling Electric
Electric CLUB
49 RECEPTION HOST
WELCOME
Pioneer
Nursery
ATTENDEE
GIFT
Pioneer Nursery ATTENDEE GIFT
Personal
Ag
Management
REGISTRATION
Personal Ag Management REGISTRATION
ARO Pistachios and Setton Farms WELCOME RECEPTION
Fiddyment Farms and Heart of the Desert VIP BAG PISTACHIOS
Horizon Nut Company POWER UP BREAKFAST
Meridian Growers
CONFERENCE
Fiddyment
Farms and
Heart of thePISTACHIOS
Desert VIP BAG PISTACHIOS
Rabobank
APG
CONFERENCE
WEBSITE
Meridian Growers CONFERENCE
PISTACHIOS
Rabobank
APG CONFERENCE
WEBSITE
Zenith Agribusiness
BOOTH CONTEST
IPAD BASKET
Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella CLUB 49 SNACKS
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INFORMATIVE SPEAKERS AND EXPANDED
Members may access photos, order APG logo
with their username/password on the
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SCHEDULE OFFERED SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!
gear/event shirts and download Conference art
member portal at AmericanPistachios.org.
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Palm Trees, Proximity Prime for Pistachio PAC Tourney
The premiere fundraising event for the industry’s powerful
Pistachio PAC was conveniently held Wednesday, February
17 at this year’s conference venue, the JW Marriott Desert
Springs on their Palm Course. It was a near-perfect day
full of sunshine, good food and friendly competition at this
year’s annual APG Golf Classic.
2016 TOURNAMENT RESULTS
First Place Team
Golfers walked over to the onsite nightclub that hosted their
awards lunch with Jeff Gibbons announcing the winners
and awarding the eagle trophies. Shrimp cocktails and
champagne generously hosted by Agri-World.
Combined with the 2015 PAC Breakfast, this year’s
tournament generated more than $100,000 to benefit
the Pistachio PAC and further strengthen this influential
pistachio industry organization.
L-R: Jimi J. Valov, Tom Chedester, Jason Errecart,
Jeff Scmiederer Not Pictured: Carl Scruton
Second Place Team
L-R: Andrew Howe, Dan Boswell, Kevin Willet,
Kevin Gage, Jacob Sheeley, David Vierra
Third Place Team
L-R: Robert Lake, Sandy Landrum, Bill Hoover,
Bryce Parker Not Pictured: Rene Nazarian,
Tony Melillo
PICTURED LEFT:
Men’s Closest to the Pin
Shawn Sowder
Women’s Closest to the Pin
Shelly White
Men’s Longest Drive
Derick Strain
Women’s Longest Drive
Betty Anderson
Men’s Straightest Drive
Jake Barcellos
Women’s Straightest Drive
Marolyn Chedester
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THANKS 2016 APG GOLF CLASSIC SPONSORS!
DIAMOND - $5,000
ATB Ranch, LP
Gage Farms
George Watte and Sons
Pioneer Nursery
Setton Farms, Inc.
RUBY - $2,500
Agriland Farming Company, Inc.
Agri-World Cooperative
Doug Anderson Real Estate
Horizon Nut Company
Ingleby USA - Eriksson, LLC
J. Vierra Pistachio Ranch, Inc.
Jimi & Tammy Valov
KAS-COT Farms, Inc.
Keenan Farms, Inc.
Meg & Jon Bassett
Monarch Nut Company
Pistachio Growers, Inc.
Primex Farms, LLC
Rainbow King Lodge
Seaman Farm Management Inc.
Stone Land Company
Stratford Ranch
Valov & Sons Farming
West Hills Farm Services, Inc.
EMERALD - $1,000
ARO Pistachios, Inc.
Beeler Industries Inc.
Bob Schramm & Nancy Williams
Buchanan Hollow Nut Company
Creekside Farms, LP
Curtico
Fiddyment Farms
G & G Andrew Farms, LP
Gebhardt Farm Management
George Andrew & Son, LP
Hoffman & Son Farming
In Memory of Janie Poonian
Kettleman Pistachio Growers
Meridian Growers
Mike Woolf Farming
Nelson Hardie Orchard Sprayers
Pitigliano Farms
Schmiederer Family Farms
Standard Truck & Trailer Sales, Inc.
Steve Moore Farms
Strain Orchards, LP
Tech Flex Packaging
Triple B Farms
Sapphire - $500
2B Farming, Inc.
A&R Pistachios of California
Agromillora-CA Tree Nursery
Anderson Farms
BBAK, LLC
Brian & Sharon Blackwell
Cablevey Conveyors
Doug Les Farms
Greg Watte Ranch
Hansen Ranches
Landmark Irrigation Company
Madera One-100
Mazon Trucking
Pacific Nut Producer
Russ Waymire / Doug Anderson
Realty
Saltzman Financial & Insurance
Services
Satake
SBS AG
West-Link Corporation
Amethyst - $250
Kevin & Janie Blackwell
Carl & Barbara Fanucchi
Pearson Realty
Golf Bag Contributors
ARO Pistachios, Inc.
Beeler Industries, Inc.
Horizon Nut Company
Industrial Design & Construction, Inc.
Ingleby USA - Eriksson, LLC
Keenan Farms, Inc.
Monarch Nut Company
Pacific Nut Producer
Pearson Realty
PR AG Services, LLC
Primex Farms
Setton Farms, Inc.
Sterling Electric
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THANKS TO THIS YEAR’S GROOVIN’ 70s
Entertainment courtesy of Jimi and Tammy Valov
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PLATINUM Sponsors - $10,000 Contribution
GALA SPONSORS - OH WHAT A NIGHT!
Dinner wine chosen and sponsored by Pioneer Nursery
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APG MARKETING UPDATE
APG Provides Consumers Inspiration and Advice for New Year’s Resolutions
APG teamed up with our ambassador Cheryl Forberg, RD (Chef and Nutritionist for NBC’s hit show The Biggest Loser)
for a Facebook Chat contest. The chats took place alongside The Biggest Loser show, which premiered Tuesday
nights beginning January 4 and ran seven weeks.
Fans were invited to Cheryl Forberg’s
Facebook page where she answered
questions related to weight loss,
healthy eating and maintaining a
healthy lifestyle. Each week’s set
of questions gave Cheryl plenty of
opportunities to highlight pistachios’
role in starting and/or maintaining
a healthy lifestyle and discuss the
nut’s health and nutritional benefits.
Participants were also directed to
our website for recipes and more
pistachio nutrition information.
Everyone who participated in the weekly chats was entered into a drawing to win a weekly prize (winners were
randomly selected). The prizes, donated by the events sponsors, included a Big Green Egg MiniMax, KitchenIQ
Giveaway Suite; Ary Vacmaster Vacuum Sealer; Melissa’s Organic Produce Products; two-nights at any Omni Hotel or
Resort; Garmin Vívoactive Smart Watches; or Lodge Cookware packages, along with American pistachios and a copy
of Cheryl Forberg’s book A Small Guide to Losing Big. The 15 chats resulted in a Facebook reach of more than 256,937
consumers and a 12 percent increase in APG Facebook likes.
Bye Bye Love Handles, Hello Health and Fitness
In December, hundreds of American pistachio Love Nut kits were sent
to journalists just ahead of Valentine’s Day, the season of love. Our
Love Nut campaign message was updated, repackaged, translated into
several languages, and added to our websites around the world.
The kit included messages from spokespeople Cheryl Forberg, RD
and Sharon Palmer, RDN (The Plant-Powered Dietitian), as well as smart
recipes for a healthy snacking, more information about pistachios and
heart health, and, best of all, tips on how pistachios can help you lose
those unwanted love handles! To read more about the Love Nut, visit
AmericanPistachios.org.
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APG Wins Gold and Silver at American Advertising Federation’s ADDY Awards
Once again APG has received multiple ADDY awards for creative excellence in marketing and promotion. These nationally
acclaimed awards are given out annually by the Fresno Advertising Federation through the nationally acclaimed American
Advertising Federation Awards program (ADDY).
Three APG entries received the coveted gold medal in this prestigious Central California competition; one won a silver medal.
Judged by marketing and advertising professionals outside of the Fresno market, creativity, originality and creative strategy
formed the award criteria.
The American Advertising Awards is the advertising industry’s largest and most representative competition, attracting over
40,000 entries every year in local AAF Club (Ad Club) competitions. The mission of the competition is to recognize and reward
the creative spirit of excellence in the art of advertising. The Central Valley competition is the first of a three-tier, national
competition. Concurrently, local entrants from all over the United States vie to win a coveted ADDY award recognition for being
the best of the best in their markets.
GOLD MEDAL WINNERS
Audio/Visual Sales Presentation Award:
The American Pistachio Story video.
View video at AmericanPistachios.org.
Integrated Branded Content Campaign
APG’s gold medal campaign integrates the various promotional mediums
to communicate our powerful message, including our AmericanPistachios.
org website, social media consumer contest, Snack Like a Pro advertisement
and Tailgating with Pistachios video featuring our ambassador Bryan Snyder,
Nutrition Director for the Denver Broncos. (The tailgate video can be viewed
by visiting AmericanPistachios.org.)
SILVER MEDAL WINNER
Digital Publications Award: APG eNews
2015 Holiday Edition
Exterior Award:
Mark Cavendish Bus Wrap
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Miss California December 2015 China Tour
Miss California 2015, Bree Morse, and APG growers
Jimi Valov, Devin Aviles and Alison Nagatani traveled to
China for a public relations tour to promote American
pistachios to Chinese consumers. The nine-day blitz
stretched across China, focusing on four major cities:
Shanghai, Ningbo, Xi’an, and Beijing. Their trip coincided with
the holidays and just ahead of Chinese New Year, a season
when pistachios are a popular food and gift item.
APG grower ambassadors Devin Aviles, Alison Nagatani and Jimi Valov with
Bree Morse. American pistachios are the official snack of Miss California
China has the world’s largest diabetes epidemic, with onethird of Chinese adults diagnosed with the condition. To raise
awareness of pistachios’ effectiveness as a dietary tool to
help prevent diabetes, events with the media, consumers,
and health and nutrition professionals were held in each city.
In Xi’an, our nutrition expert, Dr. Ge Sheng joined our team
for a seminar hosting 150 nutrition professionals. In Beijing,
APG partnered with the Chinese Diabetes Association for an
educational event.
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APG ambassadors and the China Diabetes Association, Beijing
Beijing Yide Baking School media event
Press conferences in four cities drew representatives from more than
99 media outlets. USDA agricultural trade officers Valerie Brown from
Shanghai and Bruce Zanin from Beijing joined in the media conferences
in their perspective cities. In Beijing, a media event was held at the Beijing
Yide Baking School where Miss California and our growers, along with the
Minister Counselor for Agricultural Affairs Philip Shull, demonstrated the
versatility of baking with pistachios.
Media interviews were also conducted with four national television
programs, one in each city. In Shanghai, a popular TV station, Taozui
Shanghai, broadcast a media event with an unusual concept for people in
China: Strong can be Beautiful! Miss California and pistachio grower
Alison Nagatani were put to the test, and they proved to a room full of
health and fitness-minded consumers that healthy and strong are beautiful.
Growers Jimi Valov and Devin Aviles took questions about farming and
happily provided samples of homegrown pistachios.
APG team with Valerie Brown, Director,
U.S. Agriculture Trade Office, Shanghai
The mission of our tour was to raise consumer awareness of American
pistachios’ health and nutrition benefits and to give the people of China an
opportunity to connect with farmers. Our commitment to quality and food
safety was also a key message that resonated well with Chinese consumers.
While Miss California provided the hook to draw the crowds, once they
came, the focus turned immediately to American pistachios and the people
that grow them. Mission accomplished.
Taozui Shanghai TV Station Broadcasted Media Event:
Strong can be Beautiful with Miss California and
pistachio grower Alison Nagatani.
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2016 AMERICAN PISTACHIO GROWERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Top Row L-R: Gary Smith, Dominic Pitigliano, George Schweers, Mia Cohen, Jimi Valov, Beth Sequeira, Adam Kusmak, Steve Seplak, Alison Nagatani, Kristi Robinson
Bottom Row L-R: Richard Sandrini, Jeremy Blackwell, Brian Watte, Rudy Hernandez, Sharon Roden, Anil K. Gupta, Adam Orandi, Steve Burcham
APG Growers Elect Board
The 2016 American Pistachio Growers Annual Membership
and Board Meetings were held Thursday during the Annual
Conference in Palm Desert. All APG members were notified
in advance of the meeting and encouraged to attend.
Election results of the recent grower ballot for seven Board
seats were announced by Chairman Dille during the Annual
Membership Meeting. New to the APG Board are Steve
Burcham and Dominic Pitigliano, both graduates of LeadOn,
the APG Leadership Program. Jeremy Blackwell, Anil K.
Gupta and Adam Kusmak were voted in for a second threeyear term; veteran Board members Gary Smith and Brian
Watte ran for and won election after sitting out the required
one year due to term limit expiration.
During the Board Meeting Chairman Dille conducted the
election of 2016 officers and officially handed over the
gavel to incoming Chairman of the Board Jimi Valov.
2016 APG officers were unanimously confirmed:
Jimi Valov, Chairman
Sharon Roden, Vice Chair
Rudy Hernandez, Treasurer/Secretary
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The 2016 meeting schedule was also approved as follows:
May 4 Board Meeting APG Fresno Office
July 22 Annual Membership Luncheon and
Board Meeting Visalia Convention Center
November 9 Board Meeting APG Fresno Office
CA Regional Meetings
Invitations are on the way for this year’s APG Regional
Grower Meetings. We welcome current and future
members to enjoy a meal, open discussion and highlights
of APG and industry updates presented at the Annual
Conference for those who were not able to attend.
TUESDAY, APRIL 26
Madera Municipal Golf Course - Breakfast
Harris Ranch, Coalinga - Lunch
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27
Hungry Hunter Steakhouse, Bakersfield - Lunch
THURSDAY, APRIL 28
California Farm Bureau Federation, Sacramento - Lunch
If you are a pistachio grower and do not receive an
invitation and/or know of a grower who has not yet joined
APG, please call our office. Online registration is available
at AmericanPistachios.org/RegionalMeetings. We hope to
see you soon to answer questions and listen to your ideas
on how to improve YOUR APG and harness the Power of
Pistachios.
LeadOn Graduates Bring Fresh Perspectives to APG
The extremely successful APG Leadership Program,
LeadOn, is now in its sixth year. A total of 70 have
graduated from the program, many of whom have gone
on to serve on the APG Board and committees. In fact,
10 of the current 18 Board members have completed the
thorough education on a wide range of applicable topics.
Along with a thorough education and valuable field
experiences, each LeadOn class forms a special bond
that nurtures continuing beneficial business and personal
relationships. At this year’s Conference in Palm Desert,
former graduates participated in a warm reunion reception
Thursday night to hang out with old and new friends.
There is no doubt an influx of committed Board rookies
increase the diversity of the APG leadership team and
help represent the broad spectrum of grower interests. In
our democratic organization, meaningful engagement of
members is critical -- American Pistachio Growers would
not exist without active grower participation. In this aspect,
we are unique and fortunate, and LeadOn provides a
steady stream of educated, invested individuals.
During Friday’s general session, 2015 participants
were awarded plaques and welcomed into service.
Congratulations to graduates: Anna Abbatiello,
Skyler Bettencourt, Kristin Dodd, Courtney Goldman,
Laura Gutile, Sherry Heuler, Drew Hoffman, Richard Kreps,
Mike Michigian, Asha Munger, Gabrielle Munger,
Michael Newton, Lorna Schultz Roush, and Nika Robani
Shirani. The future of APG looks very bright indeed.
Creative Auction Items Fund Leadership Program
LeadOn Silent Auction items sparkled this year with the
addition of handcrafted gems such as a diamond pistachio
tree necklace; a polished assortment of pistachio wood
pens; and an intricate, custom pistachio quilt designed and
sewn by APG staff member Dianna Short.
Gala guests were treated to Live Auction action with
extremely diverse offerings, such as a Phantom 3 Drone,
Razor Dirt Rocket bike, Kentucky Derby tickets or Aerial
Hog Hunting. It was a fun and lucrative smorgasbord
of items that raised record funds to support a very worthwhile cause - APG’s future leaders.
THANKS TO OUR 2015-2016 SPONSORS:
ARO Pistachios, Inc.
ATB Growers
Avellar-Moore Farms
C. Nagatani Farms
Citi Commercial/Ag Banking
Chris and Lorna Roush
Five Star Harvesting
Gage Farms
George Watte & Sons
Keenan Farms, Inc.
Madera One-100
Meridian Growers
Mike Woolf Farming, Co.
Monarch Nut Company
Nut Farmers LLC
Purewal Custom Harvesting
Rainbow King Lodge
Rain and Hail Insurance
Services
Robinson Farm Management
Roman Electric Inc.
SAS-Z Nuts
Schmiederer Family Farms
Setton Farms, Inc.
Sol Aureus Farms
Steve Moore Farms
Valov & Sons
Venture Farms
Zenith Insurance
19
Congressman Paul Cook Addresses PAC Breakfast
Once again, the Pistachio PAC breakfast provided the
membership with a most interesting and educational
experience when Congressman Paul Cook (R-CA) gave
the annual PAC breakfast speech. Congressman Cook’s
district covers a geographical area from just north of
Palm Springs to almost east of Sacramento, and includes
the town of Newberry Springs where APG members farm
pistachios. The districts of Congressmen Kevin McCarthy,
Tom McClintock, Steve Knight. Judy Chu, Pete Aguilar, and
Raul Ruiz border Congressman Cook’s large district.
Congressman Cook serves on three important
congressional committees: the House Committee on
Natural Resources (water), the House Committee on
Foreign Affairs (Iran sanctions) and the Committee
on Armed Services. Congressman Cook served with
distinction in the United States Marine Corps and is a
veteran of the Vietnam War.
His military career spanned twenty-six years; he retired
from the U.S. Marines in 1992 as a full colonel. His actions
in combat earned him a number of honors, including two
Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star Medal with a V for valor.
The Pistachio PAC Chairman, Dr. Robert Lake introduced
Congressman Cook and Cook’s wife Jeanne. (This was the
first time that a Congressman’s spouse joined them at the
Pistachio PAC breakfast.)
The Congressman directed his comments to the water
legislation and foreign relations. He reminded the
attendees, approximately 120 APG members, that the U.S.
House of Representatives passed several water bills, but
the U.S. Senate has not acted on the House bills nor has it
moved a Senate bill.
Since the Congressman serves on the Foreign Affairs
Committee, he was most concerned with the U.S. relations
in the Middle East. Having served in combat, he spoke
of his concern with the volatile political conditions in the
region. In addition, he expressed his concern with the
increasing economic and military power of China.
As is the PAC breakfast custom, the Congressman received
many questions from the attendees. His thoughtful
responses to their questions demonstrated why he is
eminently qualified to be a member of the U.S. House of
Representatives.
The APG membership’s continuing support of the Pistachio
PAC allows it to remain one of the largest specialty crop
political action committees in the United States. The
annual Pistachio PAC breakfast not only updates the APG
membership on the latest congressional activities but also
serves to educate the congressional speaker about the
U.S. pistachio industry.
State PAC Fundraiser
APG growers should have received by mail a request to
provide voluntary contributions to APG’s State Political
Action Committee (PAC). The State PAC efforts compliment
the legislative and regulatory efforts of the Federal PAC
(Pistachio PAC), but strictly on the State level.
With your approval of the form that was attached with
the State PAC fundraising letter, APG will deduct $99 per
member entity from assessments already paid to us by
your processor. This is not an additional assessment.
2016 PAC Breakfast Speaker: Congressman Paul Cook
20
Help do your part to support the efforts of the industry by
joining the State PAC.
GOVERNMENT
AFFAIRS REPORT
Schramm, Williams & Associates, Inc.
U.S. Removal of Iranian Sanctions
The United States officially removed sanctions on Iranian
pistachios January 16, 2016, and a new trade era started
for American Pistachio Growers and the U.S. pistachio
industry. Opening the U.S. market to Iranian pistachios will
result in allowing review petitions to be filed, with the first
review to be the sunset review on the antidumping order
on raw inshell pistachios. In addition to the sunset review,
administrative, new shipper and change circumstances
petitions are expected to be filed. The former California
Pistachio Commission won the original unfair trade orders
(antidumping raw inshell pistachios, countervailing raw
inshell pistachios and countervailing roasted inshell
pistachios) in 1986. In 2005, we were successful in
maintaining the antidumping order in the sunset review.
The amount of time involving the 2016 sunset review will
range between six months and one year.
Responding to the various reviews requires special legal
trade representation and a large budget. The legal project
requires cooperation by the growers and handlers with
questionnaires, legal briefs and appearances before the
U.S. International Trade Commission and the International
Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce.
Using 2014 crop prices as an example, a $0.10 reduction
in pistachio price will result in a $51 million loss for the
U.S. pistachio growers. A $0.20 price reduction would
result in $102 million loss. In 1985 when Iranian pistachios
flooded the U.S. market, California pistachio growers’ prices
dropped by 50 percent.
Your APG Board recently voted in favor of participating
in the sunset review for the purpose of maintaining the
antidumping order on raw inshell pistachios.
Federal Legislation on Drought
In early February, Senator Dianne Feinstein introduced her
most recent version of legislation to address the California
drought (S. 2533). Senator Feinstein described the bill as
being the end product of “dozens and dozens” of meetings
with all interested stakeholder groups, and stated it strikes
a compromise between the differing views of those groups.
She recognized not everyone will be happy with the bill,
but she believes this bill is the only one that can pass the
U.S. Senate and be signed by the President. Of interest, the
other California Senator, Senator Barbara Boxer, has not
“endorsed” this bill.
Of greatest interest to the Central Valley, the Feinstein bill
does NOT contain mandated pumping levels in the Delta to
move water south. Senator Feinstein says a bill with those
requirements could not pass the U.S. Senate. In contrast,
the House Republicans have said “mandated pumping
levels are absolutely necessary.”
In addition, the Feinstein bill contains a number of
provisions authorizing more spending on projects such
as desalination and recycling. Again, in contrast, the U.S.
House is not eager to spend hundreds of millions of dollars
on any new projects. So, there will have to be considerable
compromise on both sides if a final bill is to be agreed
upon.
The next step for the Feinstein bill will be for the Senate
committee with jurisdiction over water policy to “consider”
the bill. An option is for the Feinstein bill to be woven into
a broader bill that addresses the needs of other Western
states; the Chairwoman of the Senate committee, Senator
Murkowski (R-AK), has been indicating for the last year that
this was her intention. Following committee consideration,
the next step would be consideration on the floor of the
full Senate and then a conference (perhaps on an informal
level) with the House.
Consideration by the full Senate will be something of a
challenge, since time is short in this election year. A “lame
duck” session after the November elections may hold the
best hope for action. However, the agenda for a “lame
duck” session would be driven largely by election results.
Food Safety Modernization Act
Over the past six months, the U.S. Food & Drug
Administration has finalized and published four of the
lynchpin FSMA rules. These include the Produce Safety
rule (growers), the Preventive Controls rule for food
facilities (handlers), the Foreign Supplier Verification
rule, and Accredited Third-Party Certification rule. In the
coming months, FDA will finalize more regulations that
21
are important to the FSMA; these include the Sanitary
Transportation of Food rule and the Intentional Adulteration
of Food rule.
Produce Safety Rule
The Produce Safety rule has staggered compliance dates,
which are as follows:
•Very small businesses - those with more than $25,000 but
no more than $250,000 in average annual produce
sales during the previous three year period: January
26, 2020
•Small businesses - those with more than $250,000 but no
more than $500,000 in average annual produce sales
during the previous three year period: January 26, 2019
•All other farms - January 26, 2018
The compliance dates for certain aspects of the water
quality standards and related testing and recordkeeping
provisions allow an additional two years beyond each of
these compliance dates for the rest of the final rule.
Compliance dates for modified requirements for farms
eligible for a qualified exemption are the following:
•Labeling requirement (if applicable): January 1, 2020
•Retention of records supporting eligibility for a qualified exemption: January 26, 2016
•
Receiving facility is a small business and its supplier
will not be subject to the human preventive controls rule or
the produce safety rule: September 18, 2017
•
Receiving facility is a small business and its supplier
will be subject to the human preventive controls rule or the
produce safety rule: September 18, 2017, or six months after
the supplier is required to comply with the applicable rule,
whichever is later
•
Receiving facility is not a small or very small business
and its supplier will not be subject to the human preventive
controls rule or the produce safety rule: March 17, 2017
•
Receiving facility is not a small or very small business
and its supplier will be subject to the human preventive
controls rule or the produce safety rule: Six months after
the supplier is required to comply with the applicable rule
APG MRL Database
APG maintains an MRL database that shows the top export
markets for pistachios and the pesticide limits for each
country for approximately 80 chemicals/active ingredients
that the U.S. pistachio industry uses. This database is
updated annually and was recently updated in January
2016. This database may be found on the APG website. If
you have any questions, please contact the APG Fresno
office.
•All other modified requirements:
•Very small businesses: January 26, 2020
•Small businesses: January 26, 2019
The Preventive Controls Rule
The staggered compliance dates for the Preventive
Controls rule are as follows:
•Very small businesses (averaging less than $1 million per
year (adjusted for inflation) in both annual sales of
human food plus the market value of human food
manufactured, processed, packed, or held without
sale): September 17, 2018, except for records to
support its status as a very small business (January 1,
2016)
•Small businesses (a business with fewer than 500 full-time
equivalent employees): September 18, 2017
•All other businesses: September 19, 2016
Within the Preventive Controls rule, FDA included provisions
for the Supply Chain Program, which provides structures
for the various entities along the food supply chain to
maintain food safety along the supply chain. The staggered
compliance dates are as follows for the supply chain
program within the Preventive Controls rule:
22
T-TIP Update
On February 26, 2016, the United States and European
Union concluded the 12th negotiation session of the
Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP), also
known as the U.S.-EU Free Trade Agreement. Generally,
both U.S. and European trade officials have stated that they
would like to complete all negotiations before the end of
the Obama Presidency. In order to reach this goal, the two
countries have added two negotiation sessions to the 2016
calendar.
In light of the accelerated talks, Turkey has expressed a
desire to be a part of the final U.S.-EU trade agreement.
Turkey is not a member of the European Union; however,
the two maintain a customs union arrangement that allows
the free flow of trade across borders. If left out of the
agreement, Turkey stands to lose up to $5 billion in annual
trade. Pistachio trade by Turkey to Europe was 1.67 million
pounds in 2014, compared to U.S. exports that exceeded
113.4 million pounds.
APG has requested the immediate elimination of Europe’s
1.6 percent duty on raw pistachios.
Trans-Pacific Partnership
A target market for pistachios has been Vietnam. Once
implemented, the tariff on raw pistachio would be reduced
to 15 percent and eliminated beginning year three of the
agreement. APG urged negotiators to remove the pistachio
tariff and visited Vietnam to directly communicate our tariff
objective. When the TPP negotiations first started, the
Vietnam pistachio tariff was at 35 percent; during the TPP
negotiations, the government of Vietnam gradually lowered
the tariff to 15 percent.
Republican congressional leaders have repeatedly stated
that consideration of the agreement will not come before
the November 2016 elections. House Speaker Paul Ryan
(R-WI) also believes that currently there are not sufficient
votes for the trade pact to pass Congress. Senate Finance
Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-UT) has called for
several changes to the agreement before it is presented
to Congress. Democrats, led by House Ways and Means
Ranking Member Sander Levin (D-MI), have listed numerous
problems with the agreement, including deficiencies with
workers’ rights provisions, rules of origin, investment, and
the lack of currency manipulation controls.
U.S. Agricultural Exports
For the first time since the 2008/2009 recession, the U.S.
Department of Agriculture reported U.S. agricultural exports
did not exceed the previous year’s sales. In calendar year
2015, export sales were valued at $133 billion, down 11.3
percent from $150 billion in 2014. (The U.S. dollar gradually
became stronger during this period.)
In March 2016, the recently-elected Canadian Prime
Minster, Justin Trudeau, visited the United States to discuss
the pros and cons of the TPP with President Obama.
The agreement is currently under review by the Trudeau
government as the negotiations were conducted under
reformer Prime Minster Stephen Harper whose party
controlled the Canadian government from 2006 to 2015.
Facilities in both the United States and Canada would be
certified to move merchandise across the border without
stops. The White House, Homeland Security and the U.S.
Customs and Border Patrol are currently examining the
proposal.
Fresh fruit, vegetable and tree nut exports saw a 4.8
percent reduction in exports from 2014 to 2015, from $17.2
billion to $16.4 billion. The current fruit, vegetable and
tree nut trade deficit is $6.2 billion, the largest on record,
up from $3.8 billion in 2014. U.S. pistachio exports saw a
reduction of 29 percent for the same time period, moving
from 319.3 million pounds in 2014 to 226.3 million pounds in
2015.
U.S. Monthly Exports of Pistachios: Crop Years 2011-2012 through 2015-2016
IN METRIC TONS
Year
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2011-2012
6,711
7,046
7,367
7,762
7,032
8,840
7,839
8,259
13,751
14,666
9,169
Jan
Total
9,783 188,475
Pistachios
Raw
2012-2013
9,597
12,677
11,949
10,563
7,916
8,669
7,927
5,295
16,795
21,942
17,125
7,167
137,622
2013-2014
10,904
10,037
9,170
5,863
5,926
7,051
11,244
11,231
18,312
25,092
14,025
6,463
135,318
Inshell & Shelled
2014-2015
6,551
8,872
8,992
9,642
8,711
8,208
6,985
7,379
14,161
15,435
13,966
6,417
115,319
2015-2016
6,525
9,724
8,723
6,127
5,382
4,304
7,078
7,445
8,642
6,799
4,740
4,062
79,551
2011-2012
1,238
1,666
1,688
1,628
1,562
2,286
2,271
1,364
2,747
2,821
2,417
1,591
23,279
26,747
Pistachios
Roasted
Total
2012-2013
1,205
1,697
1,429
2,240
2,329
2,047
1,993
1,730
2,955
3,529
2,999
2,594
2013-2014
2,151
2,002
2,215
2,156
2,025
2,263
2,575
2,736
3,735
5,416
3,505
2,662
33,441
2014-2015
2,650
3,399
2,224
1,872
2,124
1,717
1,706
2,177
3,309
2,575
3,021
2,065
28,839
2015-2016
1,407
1,998
1,805
1,495
1,852
1,413
1,518
1,476
1,858
2,368
1,465
1,490
20,145
11,374
211,754
2011-2012
7,949
8,712
9,055
9,390
8,594
11,126
10,110
9,623
16,498
17,487
11,586
2012-2013
10,802
14,374
13,378
12,803
10,245
10,716
9,920
7,025
19,750
25,471
20,124
9,761 164,369
2013-2014
13,055
12,039
11,385
8,019
7,951
9,314
13,819
13,967
22,047
30,508
17,530
2014-2015
9,201
12,271
11,216
11,514
10,835
9,925
8,691
9,556
17,470
18,010
16,987
8,482
9,125 168,759
144,158
2015-2016
7,932
11,722
10,528
7,622
7,234
5,717
8,596
8,921
10,500
9,167
6,205
5,552
99,696
Prepared by Schramm, Williams Associates, Inc. using data from the U.S. Department of Commerce.
23
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Fresno,
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uitt Av
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enue
ue,
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ite
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Fax: 559.475.0624
AmericanPistachios.org
[email protected]
AmericanPistachios.org
2016 Board
of Directors
JIMI
VALOV CHAIRMAN
20
2011-2012
011-2012
Board of Directors
SHARON RODEN VICE CHAIRMAN
RUDY
HERNANDEZ TREASURER/SECRETARY
Jim
m Zion
Gary Smith
JEREMY
Chairman
Cha
airman BLACKWELL CALIFORNIA
Vice Chairman
STEVE BURCHAM CALIFORNIA
Larry
Lar
rryCOHEN
LowderCALIFORNIA
MIA
Treasurer/Secretary
ANIL K. GUPTA CALIFORNIA
ADAM KUSMAK NEW MEXICO
ALISON NAGATANI CALIFORNIA
ADAM ORANDI CALIFORNIA
DOMINIC PITIGLIANO CALIFORNIA
KRISTI ROBINSON CALIFORNIA
SHARON RODEN CALIFORNIA
RICHARD SANDRINI CALIFORNIA
GEORGE SCHWEERS NEW MEXICO
STEPHEN SEPLAK ARIZONA
BETH SEQUEIRA CALIFORNIA
GARY SMITH CALIFORNIA
nonmember list:
COURTESY NONMEMBER COPY
JOIN APG TODAY!
Board Member Emeriti
H.P. ANDERSON III
BRIAN BLACKWELL
DR. JOHN LAKE
RICHARD PASLAY
APG Staff
Richard Matoian
Judy Hirigoyen
Executive Director
Vice President, Global Marketing
Catherine Byrnes
Haiying Zhang
Director, Member Services
and Communications
Director, Asian Markets
Rebecca Hall
Karen Gross
Marketing Project Manager
Director, Accounting
Genaro Gonzales
Dianna Short
Digital Content Manager
Executive Assistant
Jessica Garrison
Jennifer Jones
Marketing Admin Asst
Receptionist/Admin Asst
Calendar Kernels
APG Board Meeting
May 4, 2016 10:00 am
Fresno APG Office
2016 APG Regional Grower Meetings
April 26 - 28
Four California Locations
American Pistachio Growers
Annual Membership Luncheon
July 22, 2016
Visalia Convention Center
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