Clarice Turner, president and CEO of the Almond Board of California, said the industry will pursue growth during challenging times by seeking more export opportunities and creating new products.

“Most almond growers have not been making money for at least two years, and some more than that,” Turner said.

Europe is ahead of the U.S. in formulating almond-based products, which offer consumers an advantage with a long shelf life.

“We intend to dig in and inspire innovation in this space,” Turner said, adding that she hoped almond pasta would soon take off.

Turner spoke during a press conference to mark her 100th day leading the Almond Board of California on April 9.

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Almond opportunities

India remains an attractive export option for almonds. It has a stable economy and the largest population in the world, more than half of which is under the age of 30. Post-pandemic, the country is focused on health.

Indonesia, Turkey, Morocco and China also remain top markets, and the board is working to remove trade barriers there.

A recent success was the March 27 announcement that tariffs on raw almonds entering the United Kingdom would be dropped as of April 11.

The tariffs cost UK importers about $4 million per year, and the suspension will allow them to offer more competitive prices on California almonds to processors.

Foundation for strong crop

California almond orchards appear to be in “fantastic” shape this spring, as bees were able to pollinate trees, the state’s snowpack is healthy and reservoirs are full.

While the foundation is set for a strong crop, Mother Nature is fickle, and some farmers didn’t have extra funds for fertilizer, she said.

“Our yields could be questionable,” Turner said.

A USDA report from late March stated that anticipated high tree nut yields are expected to put downward pressure on prices.

Turner said inflation looks to be softening, but relief isn’t being passed on to consumers, including with almonds, which are at one of their lowest price points.

Trader Joe’s will drop the price of almonds for shoppers, however.

Climate smart farming

Turner said the almond industry is perceived as “big ag,” but 90% of California almond farms are owned by families, and 70% of those are smaller than 100 acres.

“Most of these are multigenerational families. They want to pass that land down to their children,” Turner said.

She also touted the industry’s benefit to the environment. California almond orchards store an amount of carbon equivalent to the emissions from 24.5 million gas-powered cars, and the industry is far more efficient with water use than it was during previous decades.

“We are very bullish on what’s ahead for the almond industry,” Turner said.

“California is the best place in the world to grow almonds,” she added.

Turner’s background

Turner was named the next president and CEO of the Almond Board of California in July.

She replaced Richard Waycott, who left at the end of 2023 to pursue other interests.

Before joining the board, Turner was president of Napa Valley winery Joseph Phelps Vineyards, and previously held executive positions at Boudin Bakery, Starbucks Coffee Co., YUM! Brands, Papa Murphy’s International and PepsiCo.