R.L. “Pete” Turner October 31, 2007
WALNUT MARKET/CROP REPORT
CROP:
The Walnut Marketing Board announced the September shipments at 22,594 inshell equivalent tons; about the same as last year. Inshell shipments were 6.9 million pounds, compared to 5.9 million pounds last September. Shelled shipments were 16.4 million pounds, 0.4 million pounds less than last year. Total inshell equivalent year to date shipments are 39,984 tons; 280 tons more than last year to date shipments.
It is still a little early to make a good crop prediction but most in the industry believe the crop is coming in short of the 320,000 tons official forecast. The early varieties as well as the Hartley’s seem to be coming in close to the forecast. However, packers and growers are reporting that Chandlers are coming in short of the official state forecast. Based on the current information and input from the grower/packers I would have to guess the crop is closer to 300,000 tons than the original 320,000 ton estimate.
However, the quality of the crop appears be well above average with very little insect or sunburn damage. The Chandlers have great color as well as the Serr’s, Vina’s and Hartley’s. Most are reporting that the Howard’s are darker than normal, but are above average in edible yield.
MARKET:
As expected, empty pipe lines put a heavy demand for early shipments causing the market to strengthen rapidly. The early opening on Light Halves & Pieces started out at $3.05 range and quickly jumped to $3.35. Inshell Jumbo opened at $1.20 and went to $1.35 when Diamond opened their price two days later. Shelled material took another jump when they opened LHP at $3.80. The market quickly followed.
The current market on Jumbo Hartley’s is between $1.50 and $1.55 with Chandler LHP offering at $3.90. Because of the shortage of small material, Medium and Small Pieces are trading $0.15 to $0.25 above the Halves and Pieces. Topping Pieces is well above the $4 levels.
Because of the sudden strengthen of the market; it is difficult to determine where it may go over the next several months. However, if the crop continues to come up short, I do not believe the market will weaken, in fact, it may get firmer as we get closer to the holidays.
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.
Pete
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Vietnam′s cashew export increases in first 10 months
Vietnam has so far this year reaped cashew export revenues of 523 million U.S. dollars, posting a year-on-year rise of 27 percent, local newspaper Investment reported Friday. The country has exported some 130,000 tons of the nuts since the beginning of this year, up 22 percent, mainly to China, the United States, Russia, Japan and the Middle East, the paper quoted the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development as reporting.Vietnam planned to increase its cashew cultivation acreage to 450,000 hectares from 350,000 hectares in 2005, with estimated annual yield of 500,000 tons in 2010, said the ministry. Vietnam is expected to earn some 560 million dollars from exporting 140,000 tons of cashew nuts in 2007, up 10.9 percent and 10.2 percent respectively against 2006, according to the Vietnam Cashew Association. Source: people.com.cn
Publication date: 10/31/2007
Vietnam has so far this year reaped cashew export revenues of 523 million U.S. dollars, posting a year-on-year rise of 27 percent, local newspaper Investment reported Friday. The country has exported some 130,000 tons of the nuts since the beginning of this year, up 22 percent, mainly to China, the United States, Russia, Japan and the Middle East, the paper quoted the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development as reporting.Vietnam planned to increase its cashew cultivation acreage to 450,000 hectares from 350,000 hectares in 2005, with estimated annual yield of 500,000 tons in 2010, said the ministry. Vietnam is expected to earn some 560 million dollars from exporting 140,000 tons of cashew nuts in 2007, up 10.9 percent and 10.2 percent respectively against 2006, according to the Vietnam Cashew Association. Source: people.com.cn
Publication date: 10/31/2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Breeding bolsters macadamia industry profits
New varieties emerging from the macadamia breeding program could increase profitability across the whole macadamia supply chain by 30 per cent. According to Project Leader, CSIRO’s Dr Craig Hardner, the best of the 20 new macadamias selected could produce double the yield of current commercial varieties.“Kernel quality seems to have also been improved through the breeding program and this may reduce the level of reject kernel prior to roasting,” Dr Hardner said. Former Deputy Chief of CSIRO Plant Industry and current Horticulture Australia Limited’s (HAL) Chair, Dr Nigel Steele Scott was part of the team that initiated the project in 1992 with a long-term set of breeding goals aimed at improving macadamia profitability.“It is really exciting to see how this project has developed, kept focus and is now delivering. All of us involved in this, now and in the past, can be proud that we have probably made the most significant progress in the domestication of any Australian native plant,” Dr Steele Scott said. The selected macadamias come from crosses made between macadamias from native populations in Australia and varieties from Hawaii developed from Australian seed. The wealth of macadamia’s genetic material in the Australian bush can be used to breed better commercial macadamia varieties suited to Australian conditions. Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries will now run trials of the selected macadamias in different regions to confirm the elite performers and their utility.“These trials will ensure growers get the most profitable varieties when they become commercially available in about eight years,” Dr Hardner said. Growers are enthusiastic about the selections and are hoping to get involved in the early trials.“These new varieties will help keep Australian producers competitive in export markets where we compete against countries with lower labour costs,” said Mr Kim Jones, Macadamia Industry Development Manager.This research is done by CSIRO in partnership with Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and NSW Department of Primary Industries. The project was facilitated by HAL in partnership with the Australian Macadamia Society and was funded by the macadamia levy.Source: csiro.au
Publication date: 10/29/2007
New varieties emerging from the macadamia breeding program could increase profitability across the whole macadamia supply chain by 30 per cent. According to Project Leader, CSIRO’s Dr Craig Hardner, the best of the 20 new macadamias selected could produce double the yield of current commercial varieties.“Kernel quality seems to have also been improved through the breeding program and this may reduce the level of reject kernel prior to roasting,” Dr Hardner said. Former Deputy Chief of CSIRO Plant Industry and current Horticulture Australia Limited’s (HAL) Chair, Dr Nigel Steele Scott was part of the team that initiated the project in 1992 with a long-term set of breeding goals aimed at improving macadamia profitability.“It is really exciting to see how this project has developed, kept focus and is now delivering. All of us involved in this, now and in the past, can be proud that we have probably made the most significant progress in the domestication of any Australian native plant,” Dr Steele Scott said. The selected macadamias come from crosses made between macadamias from native populations in Australia and varieties from Hawaii developed from Australian seed. The wealth of macadamia’s genetic material in the Australian bush can be used to breed better commercial macadamia varieties suited to Australian conditions. Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries will now run trials of the selected macadamias in different regions to confirm the elite performers and their utility.“These trials will ensure growers get the most profitable varieties when they become commercially available in about eight years,” Dr Hardner said. Growers are enthusiastic about the selections and are hoping to get involved in the early trials.“These new varieties will help keep Australian producers competitive in export markets where we compete against countries with lower labour costs,” said Mr Kim Jones, Macadamia Industry Development Manager.This research is done by CSIRO in partnership with Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and NSW Department of Primary Industries. The project was facilitated by HAL in partnership with the Australian Macadamia Society and was funded by the macadamia levy.Source: csiro.au
Publication date: 10/29/2007
Cashews Weekly update October 29, 2007
Although activity last week was limited, cashew market undertone was firm with very few offers – W240 around 2.70, W320 around 2.30, W450 around 2.15 FOB. Some business has been done for nearbys at these levels from India and Vietnam.
Brazil crop may not be as big as initially reported – it may only be same or slightly higher than last year. RCN prices are high & processors are finding it difficult to sell at current levels with a very strong currency
Rawcashew market is quiet – offers from Indonesia are very high and Tanzania stalemate continues. If not resolved quickly, this might affect processing in first quarter of 2008
In general, prices for all nuts are firm – some due to short crops and some due to good marketing. Growth in consumption is steady but not spectacular. As far as cashews are concerned, excess inventories have been used up – supply & demand seem to be well balanced.
Processors are reluctant to take large positions for 2008. If USD continues to be weak in first half 2008, this could have significant impact on WA RCN pricing. Buyers are still not prepared to pay premium for forwards as they feel that there is nothing on demand & supply front to warrant a big jump in prices
For next few weeks (maybe months), present trend of nearby activity and firmness can be expected to continue. Change in perception can only happen in Mar-May when three major regions will be harvesting. Exchange rate at that time and ability of processors & kernel traders and users to manage positions in the meantime will determine whether there will be a big change in price range
Regards,
Pankaj N. Sampat
Mumbai India
Although activity last week was limited, cashew market undertone was firm with very few offers – W240 around 2.70, W320 around 2.30, W450 around 2.15 FOB. Some business has been done for nearbys at these levels from India and Vietnam.
Brazil crop may not be as big as initially reported – it may only be same or slightly higher than last year. RCN prices are high & processors are finding it difficult to sell at current levels with a very strong currency
Rawcashew market is quiet – offers from Indonesia are very high and Tanzania stalemate continues. If not resolved quickly, this might affect processing in first quarter of 2008
In general, prices for all nuts are firm – some due to short crops and some due to good marketing. Growth in consumption is steady but not spectacular. As far as cashews are concerned, excess inventories have been used up – supply & demand seem to be well balanced.
Processors are reluctant to take large positions for 2008. If USD continues to be weak in first half 2008, this could have significant impact on WA RCN pricing. Buyers are still not prepared to pay premium for forwards as they feel that there is nothing on demand & supply front to warrant a big jump in prices
For next few weeks (maybe months), present trend of nearby activity and firmness can be expected to continue. Change in perception can only happen in Mar-May when three major regions will be harvesting. Exchange rate at that time and ability of processors & kernel traders and users to manage positions in the meantime will determine whether there will be a big change in price range
Regards,
Pankaj N. Sampat
Mumbai India
Monday, October 22, 2007
Rain complicates walnut harvest
STOCKTON October 17, 2007 4:24am
• Some nuts in the mud
• Can hinder mechanical harvesters Muddy orchards are complicating the end of harvest for a number of Central Valley walnut growers.
They had walnuts laid in rows on the ground when heavy rain fell on their orchards. Now, the farmers are scrambling to get the nuts picked up and dried before more rain falls.
Some farmers have almost completed harvest work, but others have much yet to do.
Walnuts grow throughout the Central Valley, but San Joaquin County has the most acreage and has had periodic rain.
Walnuts are harvested September through November. The nuts are removed from trees by machines that shake the nuts to the ground. They are then swept from the orchard floor by mechanical harvesters and taken to processing plants where they are dried and cleaned before being packed.
Virtually all – some 99 percent -- of U.S. walnuts are produced in California.
The California walnut industry is made up of over 5,300 walnut growers and about 55 walnut processors
Copyright Central Valley Business Times © 2007 Central Valley Business Times is an online unit of BizGnus, Inc. All rights reserved. No content may be reused without written permission.
STOCKTON October 17, 2007 4:24am
• Some nuts in the mud
• Can hinder mechanical harvesters Muddy orchards are complicating the end of harvest for a number of Central Valley walnut growers.
They had walnuts laid in rows on the ground when heavy rain fell on their orchards. Now, the farmers are scrambling to get the nuts picked up and dried before more rain falls.
Some farmers have almost completed harvest work, but others have much yet to do.
Walnuts grow throughout the Central Valley, but San Joaquin County has the most acreage and has had periodic rain.
Walnuts are harvested September through November. The nuts are removed from trees by machines that shake the nuts to the ground. They are then swept from the orchard floor by mechanical harvesters and taken to processing plants where they are dried and cleaned before being packed.
Virtually all – some 99 percent -- of U.S. walnuts are produced in California.
The California walnut industry is made up of over 5,300 walnut growers and about 55 walnut processors
Copyright Central Valley Business Times © 2007 Central Valley Business Times is an online unit of BizGnus, Inc. All rights reserved. No content may be reused without written permission.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Cashews market updateOct 20, 2007
Cashew market seems to have settled down in a comfortable range – W240 around 2.65, W320 around 2.25, W450 around 2.10 FOB. Reasonable volumes are being traded from India & Vietnam.
Rawcashew market is quiet – offers from Indonesia are very high and Tanzania stalemate continues. Until they come to realistic levels, movements are unlikely to start.
Inventories of main grades are low in USA & Europe and this will keep market steady. Volume traded for next year has not been much – processors are not keen to sell unless they get a premium and buyers feel that there is nothing to trigger a change in the current price range. Supply growth will take care of normal consumption growth
Weaker USD means lower realisations for origins and attractive prices for non-US markets. This could have some impact on market in coming months
Overall feeling is that market will move within few cents of current range with a possibility of some increase in case of any supply disruption or big jump in demand
Would appreciate your comments on market situation and your forecast of demand & price trend and any other news or info
Regards,
Pankaj N. Sampat
Mumbai India
Cashew market seems to have settled down in a comfortable range – W240 around 2.65, W320 around 2.25, W450 around 2.10 FOB. Reasonable volumes are being traded from India & Vietnam.
Rawcashew market is quiet – offers from Indonesia are very high and Tanzania stalemate continues. Until they come to realistic levels, movements are unlikely to start.
Inventories of main grades are low in USA & Europe and this will keep market steady. Volume traded for next year has not been much – processors are not keen to sell unless they get a premium and buyers feel that there is nothing to trigger a change in the current price range. Supply growth will take care of normal consumption growth
Weaker USD means lower realisations for origins and attractive prices for non-US markets. This could have some impact on market in coming months
Overall feeling is that market will move within few cents of current range with a possibility of some increase in case of any supply disruption or big jump in demand
Would appreciate your comments on market situation and your forecast of demand & price trend and any other news or info
Regards,
Pankaj N. Sampat
Mumbai India
Friday, October 12, 2007
Time of the year when they start shelling Pecans
http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/hinkbone/?action=view¤t=MVI_3738.flv
http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/hinkbone/?action=view¤t=MVI_3738.flv
Monday, September 24, 2007
Weekly Cashews update
September 22, 2007
There was very little activity in cashew market this week and no change in prices. Stray trades reported W240 around 2.65, W320 around 2.25, W450 around 2.10, Splits around 1.80 FOB. Prices from Vietnam and Brazil were almost the same
Indonesia RCN being offered at high levels but no buying interest from main processors. Tanzania has not announced price, tax, policy – final meetings scheduled next week. Stakeholders hope they will fix realistic parameters so that movement is smooth and in time
Kernel buyers seem to be content to pick up quantities when reasonable offers are made… or paying up few cents for limited quantities they need to fill specific needs. There does not appear to be any interest to pay premium to build up long position
Similarly large processors are content to sell some quantities at each spurt and then wait for next selling opportunity – not keen to take any large positions unless they get a premium. Medium & small processors continue to sell when they need to (or are able to)
Product movement is steady and there is no excess inventory. This is good in the sense that entire chain is comfortable but any disruption in supply or jump in demand could queer the pitch
Overall we would expect market to move in 2.15-2.30 range unless something dramatic happens. Given the narrow margins, pricing RCN for first quarter 2008 processing and kernels for first half 2008 shipments is going to be a challenge
Regards,
Pankaj N. Sampat
Mumbai India
September 22, 2007
There was very little activity in cashew market this week and no change in prices. Stray trades reported W240 around 2.65, W320 around 2.25, W450 around 2.10, Splits around 1.80 FOB. Prices from Vietnam and Brazil were almost the same
Indonesia RCN being offered at high levels but no buying interest from main processors. Tanzania has not announced price, tax, policy – final meetings scheduled next week. Stakeholders hope they will fix realistic parameters so that movement is smooth and in time
Kernel buyers seem to be content to pick up quantities when reasonable offers are made… or paying up few cents for limited quantities they need to fill specific needs. There does not appear to be any interest to pay premium to build up long position
Similarly large processors are content to sell some quantities at each spurt and then wait for next selling opportunity – not keen to take any large positions unless they get a premium. Medium & small processors continue to sell when they need to (or are able to)
Product movement is steady and there is no excess inventory. This is good in the sense that entire chain is comfortable but any disruption in supply or jump in demand could queer the pitch
Overall we would expect market to move in 2.15-2.30 range unless something dramatic happens. Given the narrow margins, pricing RCN for first quarter 2008 processing and kernels for first half 2008 shipments is going to be a challenge
Regards,
Pankaj N. Sampat
Mumbai India
Monday, September 17, 2007
BY NEIL MURRAY
FOODNEWS
Friday August 31 2007
WITH just a few weeks to go before the US cranberry harvest begins, the Ocean Spray Growers Co-operative, the largest cranberry producer, has warned that supplies of raw material will be tight over the foreseeable future.
This backs up an earlier warning, at the FOODNEWS Juice Latin America conference in Sao Paulo, that a shortage was looming (FOODNEWS 18 May). The unfolding situation is being driven by a healthy escalation in sales from markets around the world, with the biggest impact from the US domestic market, as consumers increase their demand for the health benefits, taste and refreshment offered by cranberry products.
This position reflects that seen for many other fruits and nuts whose global demand is soaring, but whose supplies may sometimes fall short.
"Demand for cranberries has never been higher, driven by the growing awareness of taste and the many health benefits associated with the fruit. The success of Ocean Spray's marketing campaign in the US has created 8% base volume growth and this is being reflected elsewhere as the brand's position is being developed," said Jamie Robinson, commercial director of Ocean Spray International Services UK.
He told FOODNEWS that supply into the US market grew to 7.9 million barrels in 2006, compared with 7.2 million barrels in the previous year. US production is estimated at around 6.8 million barrels, and the rest of the supply is mostly accounted for by imports from Chile.
Fruit damage
Ocean Spray will not be drawn yet on prospects for the 2007 crop, but warns that recent hailstorms have definitely damaged the fruit."So there is only a slim chance for a large crop," warned Robinson. In addition, last year's crop was a record, and the natural crop cycle means that this year's harvest is bound to be smaller.
The rising popularity of Ocean Spray's 'craisins', sweetened dried cranberries (or SDCs), means that an increasing volume of cranberries is also being used for dried fruit production rather than juice and juice drinks.
Originally, cranberries were almost all processed into sauce and eaten by Americans on Thanksgiving Day. Now, more than 90% of the fruit is processed into juice, and in the next few years the market will be split between juice and SDCs."The demand is for craisins, and it is constraining the supply for juice," confirmed Robinson. A buyer in the UK confirmed that more fruit has been going for SDCs.
The fresh market takes about 5% of the fruit supply, and is relatively stable.
US cranberry sales in the September 2006-April 2007 period (the most recent for which figures are available) have risen to 4.4 million barrels, compared with 3.7 million barrels for the same period a year previously.
European demand in the year to April 2007 has, on the other hand, been relatively flat, but is now growing, especially in France. Again, the perceived health benefits of cranberries are responsible for this.
Ocean Spray will not be drawn on the cost of new crop cranberry concentrate. The present spot market price is around US$50/gallon, roughly equivalent to US$10 500/ tonne. Earlier this year, the spot price was nearer US$42/gallon.
"The price to manufacturers will go up; no question," warned Robinson.
He added: "Despite this shortage, we want to reassure our customers that the Ocean Spray Growers are committed to providing Ocean Spray supplied products for the UK.
We are, however, competing with other markets and customers to secure continuous supply."
© 2007 Agra Informa Ltd.The content of this web site is copyright by Agra Informa Ltd. Reproduction, retrieval, copying or transmission of the content of this site is not permitted without the publisher's prior consent.
FOODNEWS
Friday August 31 2007
WITH just a few weeks to go before the US cranberry harvest begins, the Ocean Spray Growers Co-operative, the largest cranberry producer, has warned that supplies of raw material will be tight over the foreseeable future.
This backs up an earlier warning, at the FOODNEWS Juice Latin America conference in Sao Paulo, that a shortage was looming (FOODNEWS 18 May). The unfolding situation is being driven by a healthy escalation in sales from markets around the world, with the biggest impact from the US domestic market, as consumers increase their demand for the health benefits, taste and refreshment offered by cranberry products.
This position reflects that seen for many other fruits and nuts whose global demand is soaring, but whose supplies may sometimes fall short.
"Demand for cranberries has never been higher, driven by the growing awareness of taste and the many health benefits associated with the fruit. The success of Ocean Spray's marketing campaign in the US has created 8% base volume growth and this is being reflected elsewhere as the brand's position is being developed," said Jamie Robinson, commercial director of Ocean Spray International Services UK.
He told FOODNEWS that supply into the US market grew to 7.9 million barrels in 2006, compared with 7.2 million barrels in the previous year. US production is estimated at around 6.8 million barrels, and the rest of the supply is mostly accounted for by imports from Chile.
Fruit damage
Ocean Spray will not be drawn yet on prospects for the 2007 crop, but warns that recent hailstorms have definitely damaged the fruit."So there is only a slim chance for a large crop," warned Robinson. In addition, last year's crop was a record, and the natural crop cycle means that this year's harvest is bound to be smaller.
The rising popularity of Ocean Spray's 'craisins', sweetened dried cranberries (or SDCs), means that an increasing volume of cranberries is also being used for dried fruit production rather than juice and juice drinks.
Originally, cranberries were almost all processed into sauce and eaten by Americans on Thanksgiving Day. Now, more than 90% of the fruit is processed into juice, and in the next few years the market will be split between juice and SDCs."The demand is for craisins, and it is constraining the supply for juice," confirmed Robinson. A buyer in the UK confirmed that more fruit has been going for SDCs.
The fresh market takes about 5% of the fruit supply, and is relatively stable.
US cranberry sales in the September 2006-April 2007 period (the most recent for which figures are available) have risen to 4.4 million barrels, compared with 3.7 million barrels for the same period a year previously.
European demand in the year to April 2007 has, on the other hand, been relatively flat, but is now growing, especially in France. Again, the perceived health benefits of cranberries are responsible for this.
Ocean Spray will not be drawn on the cost of new crop cranberry concentrate. The present spot market price is around US$50/gallon, roughly equivalent to US$10 500/ tonne. Earlier this year, the spot price was nearer US$42/gallon.
"The price to manufacturers will go up; no question," warned Robinson.
He added: "Despite this shortage, we want to reassure our customers that the Ocean Spray Growers are committed to providing Ocean Spray supplied products for the UK.
We are, however, competing with other markets and customers to secure continuous supply."
© 2007 Agra Informa Ltd.The content of this web site is copyright by Agra Informa Ltd. Reproduction, retrieval, copying or transmission of the content of this site is not permitted without the publisher's prior consent.
Weekly Cashew Update
Sep 15, 2007
Cashew market continued to be quiet – last week there were some sales of W320 from India at lower levels but this week not much activity reported. Prices are steady – around 2.65 for W240, around 2.25 for W320, around 2.15 for W450.. There were reports of sales from Vietnam at lower levels – mainly for FH 2008 shipments but some for end 2007 as well
RCN prices in Indonesia are high for early shipments but doubt whether these are sustainable with current kernel prices.. No news from Tanzania about Government / Board policy on pricing, levies, taxes - it seems crop will be normal
Brazil is expecting a good crop but this has still not resulted in any selling pressure - clearer picture should be available by mid Oct when arrivals are in full swing
In next few weeks, there might be some good demand for spot / nearby shipments but not certain whether this will translate into contracting for next year at higher levels.. Traders may decide to buy only what they absolutely need to fulfill delivery commitments and wait for dips in market to cover forward positions.
Overall demand growth seems to be steady… unless there is big jump in demand or shortage in supply (either of which could lead to change in sentiment) we expect market to stabilise around current levels with usual periodic spurts and dips
Would appreciate comments on market situation, any info on demand trends & your views on demand prospects, prices in your market and any other news or info
Regards,
Pankaj N. Sampat
Mumbai India
Sep 15, 2007
Cashew market continued to be quiet – last week there were some sales of W320 from India at lower levels but this week not much activity reported. Prices are steady – around 2.65 for W240, around 2.25 for W320, around 2.15 for W450.. There were reports of sales from Vietnam at lower levels – mainly for FH 2008 shipments but some for end 2007 as well
RCN prices in Indonesia are high for early shipments but doubt whether these are sustainable with current kernel prices.. No news from Tanzania about Government / Board policy on pricing, levies, taxes - it seems crop will be normal
Brazil is expecting a good crop but this has still not resulted in any selling pressure - clearer picture should be available by mid Oct when arrivals are in full swing
In next few weeks, there might be some good demand for spot / nearby shipments but not certain whether this will translate into contracting for next year at higher levels.. Traders may decide to buy only what they absolutely need to fulfill delivery commitments and wait for dips in market to cover forward positions.
Overall demand growth seems to be steady… unless there is big jump in demand or shortage in supply (either of which could lead to change in sentiment) we expect market to stabilise around current levels with usual periodic spurts and dips
Would appreciate comments on market situation, any info on demand trends & your views on demand prospects, prices in your market and any other news or info
Regards,
Pankaj N. Sampat
Mumbai India
Monday, September 10, 2007
September 8, 2007
Cashew market was quiet this week. W320 prices softened for nearby positions as some processors dropped selling ideas due to lack of buying interest. Large processors ideas continued to be around 2.70 for W240, 2.30 for W320, and 2.15 for W450. Brazil and Vietnam prices are almost the same as India and not much activity reported from these origins either
Indonesia RCN prices MOVED UP but activity is very limited. Unless RCN prices ease or kernel prices move up, we do not expect any rush from India to buy Indonesia or Vietnam RCN as processors seem to have adequate stocks in warehouses and pipeline. Since no big change is expected in kernel demand or prices, processors will be cautious in buying RCN unless there is a reasonable parity
Brazil is expecting a good crop but processors do not seem to be in hurry to make sales – probably they expect good demand from USA for next few months
It seems that kernel market is comfortable in current range (which is higher than the range we have seen since last quarter 2005 to mid 2007) and will continue to move within this range with periodic jumps and dips for specific grades and positions.. Differentials for lower grades have narrowed down to the old levels and industry seems to be adjusting to this.. Differentials for large sizes continue to be big and it does not seem that this will change in near future
Regards,
Pankaj N. Sampat
Mumbai India
Cashew market was quiet this week. W320 prices softened for nearby positions as some processors dropped selling ideas due to lack of buying interest. Large processors ideas continued to be around 2.70 for W240, 2.30 for W320, and 2.15 for W450. Brazil and Vietnam prices are almost the same as India and not much activity reported from these origins either
Indonesia RCN prices MOVED UP but activity is very limited. Unless RCN prices ease or kernel prices move up, we do not expect any rush from India to buy Indonesia or Vietnam RCN as processors seem to have adequate stocks in warehouses and pipeline. Since no big change is expected in kernel demand or prices, processors will be cautious in buying RCN unless there is a reasonable parity
Brazil is expecting a good crop but processors do not seem to be in hurry to make sales – probably they expect good demand from USA for next few months
It seems that kernel market is comfortable in current range (which is higher than the range we have seen since last quarter 2005 to mid 2007) and will continue to move within this range with periodic jumps and dips for specific grades and positions.. Differentials for lower grades have narrowed down to the old levels and industry seems to be adjusting to this.. Differentials for large sizes continue to be big and it does not seem that this will change in near future
Regards,
Pankaj N. Sampat
Mumbai India
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Looking for Gold in Them Thar Trees
Investors Rush Into Almonds,But Will They Stick AroundAs Prices Slip, Costs Rise?
By MALIA WOLLANSeptember 6, 2007; Page B1
Greg Hostetler is a real-estate developer who builds subdivisions in California's Central Valley. But the past few years, he's gone nuts.
To be precise, Mr. Hostetler has been building a sideline in almonds, spending $60 million to buy and plant 4,500 acres of trees since 2000. This year, he plans to shell out at least another $5 million to plant an additional 1,000 acres.
"The almond market is looking a lot better than the housing market right now," he says.
Mr. Hostetler isn't the only newcomer jumping into California's almond game, where orchards now stretch down the Central Valley from Red Bluff in the north to Bakersfield in the south. In the past few years, doctors, lawyers, pension-fund managers and pro football Hall-of-Famers, among others, have all snapped up farmland in the state to plant almonds as world-wide demand for the nut has grown by 11% between 2001 and 2006. And despite some concerns on the horizon, many of the newer growers remain optimistic.
"Everyone knows that almonds are a great investment," says Monterey, Calif., restaurateur Dominic Mercurio, who has teamed with football commentator John Madden to purchase nearly 400 acres of almond orchards, spending more than $3 million since they bought their first 25 acres in the late 1990s. Mr. Mercurio says he and the former Oakland Raiders coach intend to buy at least another 600 acres in the next few years.
While some investors have been lured to almonds because of agricultural tax breaks, the recent rush has mainly been spurred by a boom in demand, partly fueled by high-protein diets such as Atkins and South Beach. The industry has also assiduously marketed the cousin of the peach and the plum, touting it as filling, high in antioxidants that fight colon cancer and good for the heart. The upshot: Between 2001 and 2006, the industry says, annual consumption of almonds in the U.S. grew by more than a quarter, exceeding a pound per person.
That's good news for California's agricultural sector since more than 80% of the world's almonds are grown in the state, flourishing in the Central Valley's fertile soil and a climate similar to the Mediterranean where almond trees have thrived for centuries. The nut is the state's biggest agricultural export -- ahead of wine, strawberries and cotton -- worth more than $2.7 billion a year. Overall, California has 730,000 acres of almonds now, up from 389,000 acres in 1980, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The department forecasts a record 1.33-billion-pound almond crop for 2007, up 19% from 2006.
But many of the people jumping into almonds are doing so even as prices for the nut have been sliding. In 2005, farmers received $2.80 to $4 per pound of almonds. Now, about a third of the way through the almond harvest, farmers are getting $1.50 to $1.80 per pound. In a classic agricultural cycle, high crop prices resulted in a rush to plant trees, leading to a market glut of nuts. Meanwhile, almond production costs have also risen -- especially for the bees that pollinate the flowers and the diesel oil that fuels the machines that shake the nuts from the trees, sweep them from the ground and truck them to market. Recent salmonella worries have also led to new rules for pasteurizing almonds with either heat or chemicals, adding additional expenses for growers and processors.
"A lot of people are jumping on the tree-nut bandwagon," says Mike Iliff, senior appraiser for Fresno Madera Farm Credit, an agricultural lender. "They'll plant and grow and keep doing it until they drop the price down and satiate the market. You can always depend on agriculture to stab itself in the foot."
All of this has roused the ire of some longtime almond farmers, who say the newcomers are driving up land values and driving down nut prices. Second-generation farmer Stuart Woolf, who farms in Fresno and Madera County, says the ranch adjoining his 10,000 acres is up for sale at "an inflated price." The per-acre price for almond orchards in 2006 in Madera County was $8,500 to $15,000, up from $3,500 to $8,500 in 2000, according to the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers.
Though Mr. Woolf would like to own the neighboring property himself, he says "some doctor who knows nothing about farming is likely going to buy it." That makes him worry that almonds have become more about land speculation than agriculture. He calls people like him who know the farming business and want to invest for the long haul, "patient money." These days, he says, he sees a lot of "impatient money" in almonds.
Hartley Spycher planted his first almond trees in 1960, now has 500 acres of the nuts in Turlock, Calif., and is planting 80 additional acres this year. He is less concerned about land than he is about water, worrying that as more people punch wells into the ground to irrigate their orchards, water will become scarce. Still, he says it's a free market. "If I was 18 years old, I'd be more worried," says the 70 year old.
Almonds first landed in California with Franciscan monks in the mid-1770s aboard Spanish ships bound for missions along the coast. Serious cultivation didn't begin until the 1870s, when pioneers planted hardier varieties deep in the state's interior, particularly in the Central Valley.
Since 1950, the nut has had its own marketing arm called the California Almond Board; almond farmers fund the group through a mandatory fee. In the mid-1990's, the board launched international marketing efforts to increase international sales, funded scientific research and succeeded in getting the Food and Drug Administration to certify almonds as "heart healthy." At the 2006 Oscars and other celebrity events, the board even arranged to have the nuts tucked into VIP goodie bags.
That rising profile of almonds helped attract the newcomers, including Silicon Valley developer and lawyer John Vidovich. Mr. Vidovich, who started getting into almonds in 1998, has since become one of the state's larger growers with 15,000 acres of the nuts. "The world needs more almonds," he says. "Almonds help sell other products like cereal and chocolate."
Mr. Hostetler, the Central Valley real-estate developer who is now planting more almond orchards, says his $60 million investment in the nut so far is "a little better than break even," but he'll know more after this year's harvest ends next month.
Mr. Hostetler, who still spends three-quarters of his time in the property business, says he isn't worried about the huge quantity of almonds slated to fall from the trees this season, or the thousands of acres being planted with new trees this year. When he drives his pickup truck out between the dusty rows of trees, he says he sees nothing but bounty and profit on the horizon.
"Almonds are like Las Vegas," says Mr. Hostetler, who eats almonds everyday and keeps a stash in his office. "It keeps growing, people keep thinking it's gotten too big, but still there aren't enough rooms."
Write to Malia Wollan at malia.wollan@wsj.com
RELATED ARTICLES AND BLOGS
Investors Rush Into Almonds,But Will They Stick AroundAs Prices Slip, Costs Rise?
By MALIA WOLLANSeptember 6, 2007; Page B1
Greg Hostetler is a real-estate developer who builds subdivisions in California's Central Valley. But the past few years, he's gone nuts.
To be precise, Mr. Hostetler has been building a sideline in almonds, spending $60 million to buy and plant 4,500 acres of trees since 2000. This year, he plans to shell out at least another $5 million to plant an additional 1,000 acres.
"The almond market is looking a lot better than the housing market right now," he says.
Mr. Hostetler isn't the only newcomer jumping into California's almond game, where orchards now stretch down the Central Valley from Red Bluff in the north to Bakersfield in the south. In the past few years, doctors, lawyers, pension-fund managers and pro football Hall-of-Famers, among others, have all snapped up farmland in the state to plant almonds as world-wide demand for the nut has grown by 11% between 2001 and 2006. And despite some concerns on the horizon, many of the newer growers remain optimistic.
"Everyone knows that almonds are a great investment," says Monterey, Calif., restaurateur Dominic Mercurio, who has teamed with football commentator John Madden to purchase nearly 400 acres of almond orchards, spending more than $3 million since they bought their first 25 acres in the late 1990s. Mr. Mercurio says he and the former Oakland Raiders coach intend to buy at least another 600 acres in the next few years.
While some investors have been lured to almonds because of agricultural tax breaks, the recent rush has mainly been spurred by a boom in demand, partly fueled by high-protein diets such as Atkins and South Beach. The industry has also assiduously marketed the cousin of the peach and the plum, touting it as filling, high in antioxidants that fight colon cancer and good for the heart. The upshot: Between 2001 and 2006, the industry says, annual consumption of almonds in the U.S. grew by more than a quarter, exceeding a pound per person.
That's good news for California's agricultural sector since more than 80% of the world's almonds are grown in the state, flourishing in the Central Valley's fertile soil and a climate similar to the Mediterranean where almond trees have thrived for centuries. The nut is the state's biggest agricultural export -- ahead of wine, strawberries and cotton -- worth more than $2.7 billion a year. Overall, California has 730,000 acres of almonds now, up from 389,000 acres in 1980, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The department forecasts a record 1.33-billion-pound almond crop for 2007, up 19% from 2006.
But many of the people jumping into almonds are doing so even as prices for the nut have been sliding. In 2005, farmers received $2.80 to $4 per pound of almonds. Now, about a third of the way through the almond harvest, farmers are getting $1.50 to $1.80 per pound. In a classic agricultural cycle, high crop prices resulted in a rush to plant trees, leading to a market glut of nuts. Meanwhile, almond production costs have also risen -- especially for the bees that pollinate the flowers and the diesel oil that fuels the machines that shake the nuts from the trees, sweep them from the ground and truck them to market. Recent salmonella worries have also led to new rules for pasteurizing almonds with either heat or chemicals, adding additional expenses for growers and processors.
"A lot of people are jumping on the tree-nut bandwagon," says Mike Iliff, senior appraiser for Fresno Madera Farm Credit, an agricultural lender. "They'll plant and grow and keep doing it until they drop the price down and satiate the market. You can always depend on agriculture to stab itself in the foot."
All of this has roused the ire of some longtime almond farmers, who say the newcomers are driving up land values and driving down nut prices. Second-generation farmer Stuart Woolf, who farms in Fresno and Madera County, says the ranch adjoining his 10,000 acres is up for sale at "an inflated price." The per-acre price for almond orchards in 2006 in Madera County was $8,500 to $15,000, up from $3,500 to $8,500 in 2000, according to the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers.
Though Mr. Woolf would like to own the neighboring property himself, he says "some doctor who knows nothing about farming is likely going to buy it." That makes him worry that almonds have become more about land speculation than agriculture. He calls people like him who know the farming business and want to invest for the long haul, "patient money." These days, he says, he sees a lot of "impatient money" in almonds.
Hartley Spycher planted his first almond trees in 1960, now has 500 acres of the nuts in Turlock, Calif., and is planting 80 additional acres this year. He is less concerned about land than he is about water, worrying that as more people punch wells into the ground to irrigate their orchards, water will become scarce. Still, he says it's a free market. "If I was 18 years old, I'd be more worried," says the 70 year old.
Almonds first landed in California with Franciscan monks in the mid-1770s aboard Spanish ships bound for missions along the coast. Serious cultivation didn't begin until the 1870s, when pioneers planted hardier varieties deep in the state's interior, particularly in the Central Valley.
Since 1950, the nut has had its own marketing arm called the California Almond Board; almond farmers fund the group through a mandatory fee. In the mid-1990's, the board launched international marketing efforts to increase international sales, funded scientific research and succeeded in getting the Food and Drug Administration to certify almonds as "heart healthy." At the 2006 Oscars and other celebrity events, the board even arranged to have the nuts tucked into VIP goodie bags.
That rising profile of almonds helped attract the newcomers, including Silicon Valley developer and lawyer John Vidovich. Mr. Vidovich, who started getting into almonds in 1998, has since become one of the state's larger growers with 15,000 acres of the nuts. "The world needs more almonds," he says. "Almonds help sell other products like cereal and chocolate."
Mr. Hostetler, the Central Valley real-estate developer who is now planting more almond orchards, says his $60 million investment in the nut so far is "a little better than break even," but he'll know more after this year's harvest ends next month.
Mr. Hostetler, who still spends three-quarters of his time in the property business, says he isn't worried about the huge quantity of almonds slated to fall from the trees this season, or the thousands of acres being planted with new trees this year. When he drives his pickup truck out between the dusty rows of trees, he says he sees nothing but bounty and profit on the horizon.
"Almonds are like Las Vegas," says Mr. Hostetler, who eats almonds everyday and keeps a stash in his office. "It keeps growing, people keep thinking it's gotten too big, but still there aren't enough rooms."
Write to Malia Wollan at malia.wollan@wsj.com
RELATED ARTICLES AND BLOGS
Monday, September 03, 2007
Weekly Cashews Update
September 1, 2007
Cashew market continued to be quiet with no perceptible change in prices. Levels were 240 around 2.70, 320 around 2.25, 450 around 2.15, SW around 2.10 FOB. Not much business as small packers do not have much to offer and large packers looking for few cents more
As expected, early prices for Indonesia RCN are high but unless kernel market continues to be firm in Sep, processors will not been keen to buy at these levels. Tanzania crop is expected to be good but it is to be seen what Government decides about pricing guidance, taxation, financing to local industry.
Brazil is expecting a good crop but opening prices might be high as processors do not have stock and current kernel prices are higher than last year (however the stronger currency might cap the RCN prices in local currency). If RCN prices stabilise at reasonable levels, USA might be able to cover first quarter needs from Brazil and this would cap the rise in kernel prices
In the next 8-10 weeks, fair amount of contracting will be done in Europe for next year deliveries (in last couple of years we have noticed slight shift – buying has been more spread out, either due to change in buying pattern or because the market has been moving in a narrow range). This time, pricing might be difficult as we are looking at a new, higher range after a long period of trading in the 1.90-2.10 range. The stronger Euro/GBP makes life little easier for buyers in Europe (which is the second biggest cashew importing region)
Overall, feeling is that unless there is a big surge in demand, we will see market stabilizing around current levels – downside is limited
Regards,
Pankaj N. Sampat
Mumbai India
September 1, 2007
Cashew market continued to be quiet with no perceptible change in prices. Levels were 240 around 2.70, 320 around 2.25, 450 around 2.15, SW around 2.10 FOB. Not much business as small packers do not have much to offer and large packers looking for few cents more
As expected, early prices for Indonesia RCN are high but unless kernel market continues to be firm in Sep, processors will not been keen to buy at these levels. Tanzania crop is expected to be good but it is to be seen what Government decides about pricing guidance, taxation, financing to local industry.
Brazil is expecting a good crop but opening prices might be high as processors do not have stock and current kernel prices are higher than last year (however the stronger currency might cap the RCN prices in local currency). If RCN prices stabilise at reasonable levels, USA might be able to cover first quarter needs from Brazil and this would cap the rise in kernel prices
In the next 8-10 weeks, fair amount of contracting will be done in Europe for next year deliveries (in last couple of years we have noticed slight shift – buying has been more spread out, either due to change in buying pattern or because the market has been moving in a narrow range). This time, pricing might be difficult as we are looking at a new, higher range after a long period of trading in the 1.90-2.10 range. The stronger Euro/GBP makes life little easier for buyers in Europe (which is the second biggest cashew importing region)
Overall, feeling is that unless there is a big surge in demand, we will see market stabilizing around current levels – downside is limited
Regards,
Pankaj N. Sampat
Mumbai India
Monday, August 27, 2007
US: Almond wait causes strain
A proposed delay in the launch of a mandatory pasteurization program for California almonds is not sitting well with nut processors gearing up for the expected Sept. 1 start.The Almond Board of California has requested that the U.S. Department of Food and Agriculture postpone the start of the program for six months, until March 1, to ensure the industry has met all the pasteurization steps required under the new law.Richard Waycott, president of the Modesto-based Almond Board of California, said the industry wasn't completely ready when it surveyed its members in August."We don't want the public to think we are stalling," Waycott said. "This is just taking us longer than we would like."The industry began the pasteurization effort several years ago after being rocked by two cases of salmonella contamination in the past five years. Both cases of salmonella outbreaks were linked to raw almonds.But some companies that have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in pasteurization equipment designed to kill harmful bacteria say the delay is too long. Those companies would pasteurize the almonds as a service for growers."It is going to hurt us," said George Tavernas of California Nut Co., near Turlock. "We have a big investment in this. We expected to make $300,000 to $400,000, and now we won't have that."Others face a similar dilemma.Dale and Sheri Alquist of Going Nuts in Madera said getting their pasteurization plant ready has taken them a year and nearly $1 million. And they said they can't afford to have it sit idle until March."We could go bankrupt if this delay takes place," Sheri Alquist said. "This was going to be our business, and now we have no business."Alquist said she is hoping the USDA rules against the almond board and forces a Sept. 1 start date.That remains to be seen. A federal agricultural official said Monday said that the agency expects to hear the request in the coming weeks."The concern we are hearing is that as they gear up, there is an issue of readiness," said Michael Durando, administrative branch chief for the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service in Washington, D.C.Waycott said the process to validate the pasteurization program for the industry has been time-consuming and complex.A technical-review panel was created to make sure that the processes used by the industry comply with the law's requirements for minimum safety levels.Source: redding.com
A proposed delay in the launch of a mandatory pasteurization program for California almonds is not sitting well with nut processors gearing up for the expected Sept. 1 start.The Almond Board of California has requested that the U.S. Department of Food and Agriculture postpone the start of the program for six months, until March 1, to ensure the industry has met all the pasteurization steps required under the new law.Richard Waycott, president of the Modesto-based Almond Board of California, said the industry wasn't completely ready when it surveyed its members in August."We don't want the public to think we are stalling," Waycott said. "This is just taking us longer than we would like."The industry began the pasteurization effort several years ago after being rocked by two cases of salmonella contamination in the past five years. Both cases of salmonella outbreaks were linked to raw almonds.But some companies that have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in pasteurization equipment designed to kill harmful bacteria say the delay is too long. Those companies would pasteurize the almonds as a service for growers."It is going to hurt us," said George Tavernas of California Nut Co., near Turlock. "We have a big investment in this. We expected to make $300,000 to $400,000, and now we won't have that."Others face a similar dilemma.Dale and Sheri Alquist of Going Nuts in Madera said getting their pasteurization plant ready has taken them a year and nearly $1 million. And they said they can't afford to have it sit idle until March."We could go bankrupt if this delay takes place," Sheri Alquist said. "This was going to be our business, and now we have no business."Alquist said she is hoping the USDA rules against the almond board and forces a Sept. 1 start date.That remains to be seen. A federal agricultural official said Monday said that the agency expects to hear the request in the coming weeks."The concern we are hearing is that as they gear up, there is an issue of readiness," said Michael Durando, administrative branch chief for the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service in Washington, D.C.Waycott said the process to validate the pasteurization program for the industry has been time-consuming and complex.A technical-review panel was created to make sure that the processes used by the industry comply with the law's requirements for minimum safety levels.Source: redding.com
Vietnam: Cashew nut exports total 92.000 tonnes in eight months
Viet Nam exported 92,000 tonnes of cashew nuts in the first eight months of this year, fetching 375 million USD, completing almost 66 percent of this year's plan in volume and 67 percent in export value.The US remained the biggest market of Vietnamese cashew nut, which imported almost 21,000 tonnes, worth more than 86 million USD, or about 33 percent of Viet Nam 's total cashew nut export in the first eight months of 2007. It was followed by China with 11,630 tonnes, worth nearly 43 million USD.The price of cashew nut is expected to increase to 4,100 USD per tonne from 3,950 USD last year, according to the Viet Nam Cashew Association.The Ministry of Industry and Trade, revealed that about 164 businesses nationwide are involved in cashew nut export, including 26 major businesses with annual export turnovers of more than 5 million USD.In an effort to promote export in the remaining four months of this year, the Cashew Association plans to renew processing equipment and production organisation and import about 50,000 tonnes of raw cashew nut to be processed for export.
Viet Nam exported 92,000 tonnes of cashew nuts in the first eight months of this year, fetching 375 million USD, completing almost 66 percent of this year's plan in volume and 67 percent in export value.The US remained the biggest market of Vietnamese cashew nut, which imported almost 21,000 tonnes, worth more than 86 million USD, or about 33 percent of Viet Nam 's total cashew nut export in the first eight months of 2007. It was followed by China with 11,630 tonnes, worth nearly 43 million USD.The price of cashew nut is expected to increase to 4,100 USD per tonne from 3,950 USD last year, according to the Viet Nam Cashew Association.The Ministry of Industry and Trade, revealed that about 164 businesses nationwide are involved in cashew nut export, including 26 major businesses with annual export turnovers of more than 5 million USD.In an effort to promote export in the remaining four months of this year, the Cashew Association plans to renew processing equipment and production organisation and import about 50,000 tonnes of raw cashew nut to be processed for export.
I do not agree with this info but i decided to post it anywaysHello all,
As many of you are aware, the USDA turned down the request by the California Almond Board to delay implementation of new regulations that will require all "raw" almonds to be "pasteurized" (treated a toxic fumigant or steam heating)…. if this regulation is allowed to go into effect there will be no such thing as truly raw almonds grown and marketed in this country … and possibly no longer domestic organic almonds. And one of the most egregious aspects of this new rule is that even after pasteurizing almonds with a gas considered as a possible carcinogen, or steam heating, the almonds will still be labeled as …. raw!
The Almond Board had asked for the delay because adequate production capacity was not in place to meet the September 1 deadline – an argument rejected by the USDA in their rush forward with this rule. We still question whether there is sufficient capacity to treat almonds with steam heat, rather than the only other approved alternative; the toxic fumigant propylene oxide.
We are in the midst of an aggressive campaign to pressure the USDA Secretary to suspend this rule’s implementation until the public has had a chance to have a say. If you have not already done so, we encourage you to visit the Cornucopia website (http://www.cornucopia.org/) and click on the "Authentic Almond Project" navigation button for full campaign information including a comprehensive fact sheet on the issue. Please forward a link to your staff, customers or members.
Our next step is to get public interest groups and industry professionals (growers, handlers, processors who use almonds in their products and retailers) to sign–on to the letter below.
Please click back to us with your authorization, by 5 p.m. Monday, to add your name/organization as a signatory to this important communication to the USDA Secretary. Our goal is to release this letter to the USDA next Tuesday, August 28, so we need your authorization before this to add your name to the list of signatories to the letter. This letter will not be going out under Cornucopia letterhead. It is intended to reflect the broad diversity of stakeholders engaged in and concerned with this issue. Signatories will be listed alphabetically. And if you are a farmer, please indicate so with your message authorizing us to sign you on and if you're farmer please indicate so with your message authorizing us to sign you on.
Not only is this campaign important to those who depend on raw almonds as an important and nutritious component to their diet, and those whose livelihoods depend in part by meeting these consumers expectations, this could very well be a watershed event.
We need to draw the line in the sand right here and right now. If the almond industry is successful in implementing this new "pasteurization" requirement we could very well be starting the proverbial trip down a very slippery slope — what will be the next fresh and nutritious food that will require some kind of pasteurization or even irradiation to be considered safe?
Sincerely yours,
Will Fantle
Research Director
The Cornucopia Institute
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
August 28, 2007
Secretary Mike JohannsUnited States Department of Agriculture1400 Independence Ave SWWhitten Building Suite 200AWashington, D.C. 20250
Dear Secretary Johanns –
As stakeholders in the domestic almond industry, we are concerned and alarmed by the potential ramifications of the USDA’s pasteurization mandate for all domestically grown raw almonds sold in the United States. We would like to take this opportunity to share our concerns with you regarding this important new regulation.
These are matters we would have preferred to raise with you and the USDA during the comment period earlier this year when the draft rule was published for review. Unfortunately, the majority of the undersigned were unaware of the proposed regulations. Almost none of us were the generous recipients of a private mailing to handlers and processors from the Almond Board of California alerting us to the draft regulation and inviting our comments. Perhaps this accounted for the incredibly anemic 18 public comments that were submitted on the draft regulation. Nonetheless, our concerns are legitimate, and we believe they should be addressed by the USDA.
One thing we can all agree on is that California almonds are the industry’s gold standard; they are clearly the superior-quality product available in the marketplace. What is at stake, however, is the future structure and shape of domestic almond production and the continued consumption and use of California almonds in this country.
As you certainly understand, the almond is not an inherently risky food. Salmonella contamination, from fecal material, occurs when it is introduced during the handling and processing of almonds. We believe it makes sense to minimize those practices that contribute to contamination risks.
However, the preferred plan of mandatory pasteurization selected by USDA is being rushed forward and has yet to be carefully vetted by all industry stakeholders. In particular, the following aspects still need to be publicly addressed:
American almond farmers are being placed at a distinct economic disadvantage. The fact that imported raw almonds sold in the U.S. do not require pasteurization harms domestic producers and is already shifting some domestic markets to foreign sources as retailers and manufacturers of products formerly containing California almonds make the switch. These savvy marketers understand that their consumers want truly raw almonds. The foreign raw almond treatment loophole is totally illogical and at odds with the rule’s rationalization of public safety and may very well not stand a court test.
This rule will impose financial burdens on small-scale and organic farmers. The costs of the chemicals and heat treatments, in addition to the costs of extra transportation and reporting, will be disproportionably taxing on smaller producers and handlers. This is unfair since none of the reported Salmonella cases in 2001 or 2004 were traced to small-scale or organic farms. We know that the Almond Board of California performed a cursory economic analysis of the treatment impacts. The lot size for treatment, used in the macro analysis, does not take into account the realities of organic and small-scale production.
§ The least expensive option approved for "pasteurization" is treatment with propylene oxide. This substance is classified as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Propylene oxide treatment of foods is banned in the European Union, Canada, Mexico, and many other countries. We assume you know this, as almonds exported from this country will not require pasteurization. The need to segregate exported almonds will add a significant economic burden for many producers/handlers.
§ Neither the USDA nor the Almond Board of California has released the scientific research publicly justifying the selection of propylene oxide treatment. We need the opportunity to review why it makes sense for U.S. customers to eat almonds gassed with a substance that most of the world questions the safety of. Only the Almond Board of California and its constituents have researched the pasteurization of almonds, reporting that there is no significant reduction in their quality or nutrition. Serious questions remain unanswered.
§ Organic growers and handlers that we have collaborated with indicate that there is a shortage of facilities able to provide the high-temperature or steam treatment of raw almonds. Since the propylene oxide process is not allowed under the National Organic Program Standards, this presents a difficult situation for California’s organic almond producers. This issue must be resolved before mandated pasteurization begins. Unless you intervene, domestically produced organic almonds may become unavailable after September 1. In addition, no research has been released for public review that assesses potential nutritional and compositional changes that occur in the steam-treated nuts. The public needs to see this research and have the opportunity to review and comment on it prior to this rule going into effect.
§ It is misleading and deceptive to label pasteurized almonds as “raw.” Many consumers wish to purchase truly raw, unprocessed almonds, for health, religious, or other personal reasons. In fact for some consumers with serious health issues, raw almonds may comprise as much as 30% of their dietary intake following their personal processing of the nut into various food forms. One reasonable alternative to the new rule would be to provide an unpasteurized almond option with a label clearly identifying the almond as unpasteurized. Another option would allow exemptions for organic and small-scale growers—there is some evidence that almonds grown in these environments might be inherently less risky in terms of contamination.
If there is an ongoing issue with Salmonella contamination, we need to see the scientific research that identifies it as a systemic problem, and not one that is associated solely with the largest almond farming operations or poor handling practices at the hulling and shelling level. We also want a full review of other treatment alternatives that might be less objectionable to consumers.
The above-noted comments capture many, but not all, of the issues we are concerned with regarding the mandated pasteurization plan.
We are requesting that you take action in the best interests of all almond stakeholders. Therefore, we ask that you suspend the implementation of this new regulation for a minimum of 180 days prior to the September 1 implementation date and then initiate a full review of the almond pasteurization rule with the widely disseminated notice of the opportunity for public input.
Respectfully yours,
(growers, industry participants, retailers and public interest groups are listed in alphabetical order)
Mark A. Kastel
The Cornucopia Institute
kastel@cornucopia.org
608-625-2042 Voice
866-861-2214 Fax
P.O. Box 126
Cornucopia, Wisconsin 54827
http://www.cornucopia.org/
August 25, 2007
Cashew market was quiet this week but undertone continued to be firm. Price levels were W240 around 2.65, W320 around 2.25, W450 around 2.15 FOB but not much business being done. Although buyers are picking up some quantities at current levels, they are not willing to pay few cents more that large processors are asking
It seems that buyers have covered most of what they need for next 2-3 months shipments and would like to see how things develop in Sep/Oct before buying additional (which they probably will have to do in next few weeks in order to be able to take positions for 2008 deliveries).
Similarly, processors have adequate sales to be shipped in next few months and do not seem to be in hurry to make additional sales (even though current prices are quite attractive compared to levels of last 18-24 months)
Feeling is that market will stabilise around current levels but if demand is strong & kernel prices continue to move up in Sep/Oct, it will impact RCN pricing in Indonesia & East Africa and establish a higher trading range for 2008
Would appreciate your comments on market situation, views on prospects for coming weeks & months and any other news or info
Also, please advise buying interest & we will do our best to put something together
Regards,
Pankaj N. Sampat
Mumbai India
Cashew market was quiet this week but undertone continued to be firm. Price levels were W240 around 2.65, W320 around 2.25, W450 around 2.15 FOB but not much business being done. Although buyers are picking up some quantities at current levels, they are not willing to pay few cents more that large processors are asking
It seems that buyers have covered most of what they need for next 2-3 months shipments and would like to see how things develop in Sep/Oct before buying additional (which they probably will have to do in next few weeks in order to be able to take positions for 2008 deliveries).
Similarly, processors have adequate sales to be shipped in next few months and do not seem to be in hurry to make additional sales (even though current prices are quite attractive compared to levels of last 18-24 months)
Feeling is that market will stabilise around current levels but if demand is strong & kernel prices continue to move up in Sep/Oct, it will impact RCN pricing in Indonesia & East Africa and establish a higher trading range for 2008
Would appreciate your comments on market situation, views on prospects for coming weeks & months and any other news or info
Also, please advise buying interest & we will do our best to put something together
Regards,
Pankaj N. Sampat
Mumbai India
Monday, August 20, 2007
Firm expands pecan operations to San Simon
TUCSON (AP) — A farming company that already has more than 100,000 pecan trees south of Tucson is now planting in eastern Cochise County, near the New Mexico state line.
Farmer’s Investment Co. is planting its next generation of trees on more than 2,700 acres it recently bought near the tiny community of Sam Simon, said Nan Stockholm Walden, the company’s vice president and general counsel.
The company, which owns The Green Valley Pecan Co., has already planted some 26,000 pecan trees on about 500 acres and will continue planting over the next five years, Walden said.
Dale Leiendecker, Cochise County assessor, said the land was purchased over the past two years in 31 parcels for just over $6.3 million. The company partly used proceeds from land it sold near Maricopa that was being closed in by development.
Walden said the new trees, which now resemble 2- to 3-foot sticks, painted white to protect against the elements, will take seven years to begin producing any significant amount of pecans. The company will truck the pecans to its plant in Sahuarita south of Tucson.
The company has operated farming or ranching operations in several areas of the state and also owns a warehouse in Las Cruces, N.M., and about 1,000 acres near Albany, Ga.
The acquisition of the land near San Simon is part of the company’s strategy to process more of its own nuts and less from other sources, Walden said. “The more we can grow on our own land, and process, the more competitive we are.”
About 60 percent of the pecans processed at the company’s plant in Sahuarita are grown on company land, and the rest come primarily from New Mexico, Texas and Mexico.
The Sahuarita plant processes about 8 million pounds of pecans a year and employs 240 workers.
The company farms more than 100,000 pecan trees on 6,000 acres along the Santa Cruz River in Sahuarita and Green Valley. The trees were planted mainly during the 1960s, but the company was established in 1948 by Keith Walden and is now operated by his son, Richard, who is married to Nan.
“We are agriculturalists,” she said, “and the third generation of our family and our workers are involved now in our operations.”
TUCSON (AP) — A farming company that already has more than 100,000 pecan trees south of Tucson is now planting in eastern Cochise County, near the New Mexico state line.
Farmer’s Investment Co. is planting its next generation of trees on more than 2,700 acres it recently bought near the tiny community of Sam Simon, said Nan Stockholm Walden, the company’s vice president and general counsel.
The company, which owns The Green Valley Pecan Co., has already planted some 26,000 pecan trees on about 500 acres and will continue planting over the next five years, Walden said.
Dale Leiendecker, Cochise County assessor, said the land was purchased over the past two years in 31 parcels for just over $6.3 million. The company partly used proceeds from land it sold near Maricopa that was being closed in by development.
Walden said the new trees, which now resemble 2- to 3-foot sticks, painted white to protect against the elements, will take seven years to begin producing any significant amount of pecans. The company will truck the pecans to its plant in Sahuarita south of Tucson.
The company has operated farming or ranching operations in several areas of the state and also owns a warehouse in Las Cruces, N.M., and about 1,000 acres near Albany, Ga.
The acquisition of the land near San Simon is part of the company’s strategy to process more of its own nuts and less from other sources, Walden said. “The more we can grow on our own land, and process, the more competitive we are.”
About 60 percent of the pecans processed at the company’s plant in Sahuarita are grown on company land, and the rest come primarily from New Mexico, Texas and Mexico.
The Sahuarita plant processes about 8 million pounds of pecans a year and employs 240 workers.
The company farms more than 100,000 pecan trees on 6,000 acres along the Santa Cruz River in Sahuarita and Green Valley. The trees were planted mainly during the 1960s, but the company was established in 1948 by Keith Walden and is now operated by his son, Richard, who is married to Nan.
“We are agriculturalists,” she said, “and the third generation of our family and our workers are involved now in our operations.”
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