USDA is modifying the federal marketing order for California almonds in part to help the industry build new markets.
A final rule that will take effect June 6 changes the definitions for “almonds: and “shelled almonds” and, for research purposes, adds a definition for “almond biomass.”
Almond biomass includes the “hulls, shells, and skins of harvested almonds and woody biomass derived from almond trees,” including tree limbs, bark, prunings), according to the rule.
The definition of shelled almonds was expanded for marketing purposes.
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This rule also changes board member election dates to align with the collection of assessments and modifies the date for board estimates and reserve recommendations.
“The amendments to the Order are modernizing in nature and align Order provisions with current industry definitions and practices. They define commonly used industry terminology and simplify language to more broadly identify disposition outlets of almonds,” the rule says.
The amendments were approved by 85.9% of the producers who voted in a referendum USDA conducted last fall.
