At its August 27 meeting, the Almond Board of California (ABC) Board of Directors met to determine the salable and reserve percentages to be recommended to the USDA Secretary for the 2025/26 fiscal year. Under Marketing Order 981.49, the Board is required to make this recommendation by September 1.
After reviewing the saleable and reserve calculation, the Board unanimously voted to recommend that the 2025/26 crop be set at 100% salable.
Historical context
Bryce Spycher, ABC's Senior Manager of Marketing Order Services, provided a review of the history of reserves in the almond industry. "The volume regulation has been part of the marketing order since its inception in 1950," Spycher said. "From 1950 through 2000, reserves were used in 32 of those 50 years to smooth out major swings in supply. The last time a reserve was enacted was the 1999–2000 crop year, when production was just over 800 million pounds."
Some growers questioned the data and formula used in the calculations, including the method of determining carryover. It was clarified that the same calculation has been used for many years and applies consistent factors. For the past 25 years, the crop has been set at 100% salable.
Several industry members with experience from the last reserve program raised concerns about how such a system would function today. They noted that the program is likely outdated and unenforceable, pointing out that the almond industry moved away from that tool 25 years ago, with current production levels much higher and demand more stable than when reserves were last applied.
A unanimous decision
After considering stakeholder feedback, the Board unanimously recommended to the USDA Secretary that the 2025/26 crop be set at 100% salable.
Objective measurement comments
Separately, industry members raised questions about the purpose of the Objective Measurement program. ABC is gathering input on industry views and is encouraging feedback and comments. These recommendations will be compiled and presented in the coming months to the Committee and Board of Directors for review and possible future action.
© California AlmondsFor more information:
Almond Board of California
Tel: +1 209 549 8262
Email: [email protected]
www.almonds.org
