August 2014 American Pistachio Growers eNews

Seventh Annual Membership Luncheon APG Anheuser-Busch Partnership APG Leadership Orchard Tour Agricultural Trade Delegation Mission to Mexico APG Members Inducted into Willcox’s Wheels of Progress Central Valley Water Forum Advances in Pistachio Production Workshop

More than 300 pistachio growers, processors and industry friends gathered for the Seventh Annual APG Membership Luncheon in Visalia on July 25. The luncheon kicked off with 2014 APG Chairman Thom Dille giving a warm welcome to all, and APG ambassador Miss California 2014, Marina Inserra, singing a beautiful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Executive Director Richard Matoian provided an informative overview of the pistachio industry, and Global Marketing Director Judy Hirigoyen along with Marketing Project Managers Kathleen Kissee, Rebecca Hall, Haiying Zhang, and Genaro Gonzales provided updates on APG marketing initiatives and a preview of the marketing activities for 2014-15. Growers Gary Robinson and Gary Smith spoke about their travels to China with Miss California 2014 to promote APG’s commitment to quality and the health benefits of American pistachios.

The luncheon closed with the announcement that in celebration of APG’s new partnership with Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company, each attendee would receive a six-pack of Michelob ULTRA beer, compliments of Anheuser-Busch.

There is nothing better than sipping on a cold glass of Michelob ULTRA beer while snacking on flavorful American pistachios. APG has joined forces with Anheuser-Busch with a promotion that makes it easier for pistachio lovers to enjoy their beer and eat pistachios too.

In 2015, through this national promotion, pistachio lovers can save up to $6.00 on the purchase of American Pistachio Growers member brand pistachios and a 12-pack or larger of Michelob ULTRA American-style, low-carbohydrate light lager. This pairing provides the perfect snack for those shoppers seeking a smart snack option and reinforces pistachios and ULTRA as both healthy choices. The value offers will encourage them to stock up and save.

There’s a growing movement in America toward healthy eating and living. Both American pistachios and Michelob ULTRA light lager support this effort. Pistachios contain a host of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that bodies need to stay healthy and fit. Michelob ULTRA is an American-style, low carbohydrate light lager with fewer calories. Both foods are appreciated by adult fitness enthusiasts as well as adult consumers living an active lifestyle.

A field trip was added to this year’s APG Leadership Program to give the participants a first-hand look at the evolution of pistachios. The tour started with an impressive visit to Pioneer Nursery. Led by Brian Blackwell, the class learned about the different varieties of pistachios and got to see the various growth stages from seed to plant.

Next on the agenda was an orchard tour where the group had the opportunity to get up close and personal with real pistachio trees and review what they had learned in class. Bob Beede led the tour through APG member Ken Curti’s orchard. He taught participants what to look for on their own trees and how they could improve their orchard practices.

No pistachio orchard tour would be complete without visiting a processing facility! Horizon Nut Growers graciously escorted the leadership class through their processing plant. Here the class learned about the different stages of pistachio production – from sorting to roasting. Just as the pistachio nuts journey ends at the processing plant, so did the leadership field trip.

For more information on the 2015 leadership program, contact Dianna Short at info@americanpistachios.org

APG Executive Director Richard Matoian traveled with California Governor Jerry Brown and a delegation of state and business officials to Mexico City with the mission of strengthening the trade, investment and cooperation between Mexico and California. During the three-day trip, the agricultural delegation met with the National Association of Supermarkets and Department Stores (ANTAD) and hosted a business roundtable with agricultural importers.

Participants included five state senators, ten assembly members, nine administration officials and eightyeight business attendees. Representatives from the agricultural sector included Secretary Ross, Craig McNamara (President of the CA State Board of Food and Agriculture), Bryce Lundberg (Lundberg Farms/CA State Board of Food and Agriculture), Joy Sterling (Iron Horse Vineyards), Jake Lewin (California Certified Organic Farmers), Melissa Poole (Paramount Farming), Michael Smith (Harris Ranch), Peter Gallo (Joseph Gallo Farms), Mario Steta (Driscoll’s), Robert Koch (Wine Institute), Marcy Martin (California Grape and Tree Fruit League), Chris Rosander (Raisin Administrative Committee) and Richard Matoian (American Pistachio Growers).

Each year, since 1951, 10 individuals or couples are chosen “Wheels of Progress,” for their efforts to keep the town of Willcox, Arizona rolling. Out of more than 100 nominees throughout the state, APG grower members, Steve and Shirley Seplak were selected as one of this year’s 10 Willcox honorees by the Willcox Historical Society. The award recognizes people who have made a positive impact on Arizona’s history, culture, environment or economy.