Items Tagged with 'Aubrey Bettencourt'

Aubrey Bettencourt is stepping down as president and CEO of the Almond Alliance, USDA hires several new senior staff members and Nona McCoy joins the Torrey Advisory Group.

Ag leaders are warning that new plant breeding advancements around the globe are threatening the state's market dominance, while production costs are beginning to outweigh the benefits.

While growers continue to struggle with low prices, inflationary costs and regulatory hurdles, Almond Alliance CEO Audrey Bettencourt is looking to tap into a massive demand potential as retaliatory tariffs ease and new markets emerge.

The lead ag negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative says the U.S. has been “heavily engaged” with the Indian government on agricultural issues, including India’s recent export ban of long grain, non-basmati rice.

The advocacy group has embarked on bold strategies to address the shipping crisis, control the narrative on water use and turn almonds from a luxury product to a staple of nutrition programs.

Some ag shippers are still using the Port of Oakland to send wine, walnuts, fruits, vegetables, hay and rice to foreign buyers, but many other exporters are also looking for alternatives to the key — but troubled — West Coast shipping point.

Be clear, specific and aggressive at the negotiating table, advises former Interior Deputy Assistant Secretary Aubrey Bettencourt.