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News in a Nutshell - w/e 15th May 2020

Are almonds really as sustainable as we think, or just a waste of water?

The Independent, May 1st 2020

Summary: This piece investigates the popularity of almonds in the U.S. and how many believe that consuming variations of this product is healthy for them. However, it has become apparent that this poster-product of health requires “an irresponsibly high amount of water” (it takes one gallon of water just to produce one almond).

The US agriculture industry uses up to around 80% of the country’s fresh water, a situation made worse by climate change and probabilities of water shortages. However, almonds have a considerable amount of power in California, as many growers see it as a lucrative industry. Although other foods, such as coffee and chocolate, also require large quantities of water, it’s vital to balance the benefits of almonds and the context in which they are produced.

Relevance to ABC: Water consumption continues to be a sustainability area that almonds are under scrutiny for. It has been suggested that almonds require the greatest amount of water, compared to other nuts and food types so attract the greatest criticism. Furthermore, water shortages have become a more serious problem in California in recent year, increasing the profile of almonds and water usage, and thus impact the reputation of ABC.

Why bees are finally getting a break

BBC Future Planet, 7th May 2020

Summary: Since the beginning of lock-down, wildlife has faced less human disturbance, traffic and pollution fumes. Bees have especially experienced a revival, according to scientists, as they have been at risk due to habitat loss, pollution and pesticide use in recent years.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a pause on commercial beekeeping across the world, as countries are unable to import queen bees to replenish colonies. In California, around two million bee colonies are needed for its almond production. Travel restrictions, social distancing and self-quarantine means that the Californian almond production has taken a hit.

Relevance to ABC: This piece looks at the impact of COVID-19, and subsequent travel bans and reduction of workers, on the production of almonds in California.

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News in a Nutshell - w/e 1st May 2020

How beekeepers are keeping food production going despite the sting of lockdown

The Independent, May 1st 2020

Summary: An estimated one-third of the food we eat depends on bee pollination. As such, beekeepers and commercial pollinators play essential roles in the global food production system. In order to meet worldwide consumer demands for almonds, fruits and vegetables, beekeepers internationally and domestically import queens and other bees each spring to replenish their colonies (which naturally decline over winter).

This normal process has, however, completely changed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Although the tending and transportation of bees is considered essential work in most places in the world, there remains uncertainty and difficulty. For example, travel restrictions mean that bee imports from the US are banned in Canada and the UK is not able to source its queens in Greece and Italy. Beekeeping shops are also closed, meaning that beekeepers don’t have access to the materials and equipment they need to manage their bees. All of this disruption means that there is now a major risk to the global food production system and even the production of bees themselves may be in danger.

Relevance to ABC: In California, almond growers truck in most of the bees in the US to pollinate their crops each spring. The virus could impact the health of the bee transporters and all those involved in the wider almond production. As stated in the article, the virus could also cause bee shortages, meaning that there will be less bees pollinating larger almond fields in California and an increase in production costs and difficulty.

 Alarm over deaths of bees from rapidly spreading viral disease

The Guardian, May 1st 2020

 Summary: A team of British scientists and researchers have identified a viral disease that causes honey bees to suffer severe trembling, flightlessness and death within a week. The disease was first recorded in the UK in 2007 and then again in 2017, but has been around for centuries (first described by Aristotle). Today, it is wiping away whole colonies, with dead bees being found outside hives.

The study has found that the disease was nearly twice as likely in apiaries owned by beekeepers who imported honey bees. As commercial beekeeping tends to manage large colonies, the disease appears to be quickly spreading through densely populated hives. However, the study’s lead scientist, Prof Giles Budge, stressed that it would be “unfair” to blame the industrial beekeeping industry for the disease.  

 Relevance to ABC: Although this article does not mention almonds, it is an important scientific study relating to bee health, published in a top tier UK media.

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News in a Nutshell – w/e 17th April 2020

Crops at risk as coronavirus lockdown grounds bees

Financial Times, April 17th  

Summary: Lockdowns, quarantine requirements and border closures introduced in recent weeks around the world to slow the coronavirus pandemic are threatening to hit food production by limiting the movement of bees, agriculturalists have warned. Farmers around the world growing fruits, vegetables and nuts rely on bees to pollinate their crops. In many cases bees are trucked through agricultural areas, rather than staying local to one area — but now they cannot travel. During Californian almond pollination season, bees have to self-quarantine every time they move to a different location around the country, leading to a delay in pollination.

Relevance to ABC: This is the first UK article referencing almonds in relations to the coronavirus. Bees are being quarantined in a similar way to humans to avoid the spread of disease and ensure that they are healthy to pollinate crops such as almonds. The great the impact the coronavirus might have on bees, the more chance there will be beehive shortages. Bees shortages would lead to increased costs to meet demand or difficulties in pollinating larger almond fields.

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News in a Nutshell – w/e 20th March 2020

Climate change: Tougher air quality rules boost fruit and nut crops in California

I News, March 16th

Summary: Farmers in California have enjoyed a boost to almond, strawberry, peach and walnut crops thanks to air quality regulations introduced by the state government. A study published in the journal Nature Food found efforts to cut ozone pollution in California over the past 35 years have delivered a $600m (£483m) annual yield boost to farmers growing perennial crops like fruits and nuts.

Relevance to ABC: Almond crop yields have benefitted from the Californian authorities taking steps to control ozone pollution. They have introduced tougher standards on tailpipe emissions from cars and trucks, and new rules regulating factories. Carbon footprint and air quality is a topic to keep an eye on in terms of almond industry sustainability.

To bee or not to bee: the great dilemma

The Times, March 15th

Summary: Pollinating America’s almond crop has become big business but questions remain as to how sustainable it is. This article examines how bees are affected during pollination season, with almond crops the first stop on their journey moving between other fruits and nuts. The piece also goes on to discuss the Almond Board of California’s marketing strategy – how it has repositioned almonds as a healthy source of protein and great for snacking – and how it has increased demand for almonds/beehives in the process.

Relevance to ABC: The article is fairly neutral in tone and balanced in how it covers almonds’ relationships with bee health. Introducing superfoods for bees is a solution presented for supporting their health. Also included is comment from Stuart Woolf, head of Woolf Farming and former chairman of the Almond Board: “Thirty years ago, USDA . . . would have put almonds in with fats and butters and all that kind of stuff to avoid. What the Almond Board did was convince consumers that this is actually protein, and while it has calories, they’re good calories.”.

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News in a Nutshell – w/e 6th March 2020

Baby bumblebees left with permanent brain damage by insecticide

Sky News, March 4th

Summary: Certain pesticides cause permanent brain damage in baby bumblebees and may threaten the future success of colonies, researchers from Imperial College London have found. The study scanned the brains of bees exposed to imidacloprid, one of the neonicotinoid group of pesticides. They found the key region of the brain that facilitates learning showed reduced growth and residues of the insecticide in flowers and plants caused permanent brain damage. "These findings reveal how colonies can be impacted by pesticides weeks after exposure, as their young grow into adults that may not be able to forage for food properly." said Dr Richard Gill, from the department of life sciences at Imperial and the lead researcher on the study. This was also covered by The Telegraph, BBC Science Focus and Mail Online.

Relevance to ABC: Academic studies relating to bee health and pesticides continue to be produced as media appetite for research insights sustains. Almonds are not mentioned, however this was covered by top tier UK media.

'Without water we can't grow anything': can small farms survive California's landmark water law?

Susie Cagle, The Guardian, February 27th

Summary: For the first time in history, the state is regulating the groundwater that fuels its massive agriculture industry. Now the smallest farms face the biggest threat. Rights to California’s uniquely unregulated groundwater have always come along with ownership of the land above. Groundwater allowed farmers to make it through dry times and to plant in parched places far from natural rivers or government canals. No entity would reliably track how much water any pump sent up, let alone prevent that pumping, even as the ground sank and thousands of residential wells ran dry. Hoping to bring overtaxed groundwater basins back into balance, the California legislature passed the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (Sgma) in 2014 to begin regulating groundwater for the first time in the state’s history. The law, which created management agencies and set a 2040 deadline for sustainability, stands to reshape California agriculture and the Central Valley’s way of life. As nuts are considered far more valuable, higher-profit commodities than fruits and vegetables, California almond acreage has more than doubled since 2000. They are also viewed as a less labour-intensive crop.

Relevance to ABC: This article sheds light on the difficulties that small farms have in producing almonds. While growers save on worker costs, they can end up spending these savings on water due to the volume of water it takes to produce one almond. The new water law will also have an impact on ABC’s own sustainability strategies and goals, with water use goals established for Californian agriculture in 2040.

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News in a Nutshell – w/e 21st February 2020

Nut production 'needs to occur in a water sustainable way': study

Oliver Morrison, Food Navigator

February 20th

Summary: In a new publication in the journal Global Food Security, scientists from the JRC, the University of Twente and the University of Nebraska quantified the amount of global irrigated nut production under water stress. They found that 74% of irrigated nuts are produced under water stress (of which 63% under severe water stress), throughout many regions of the world, most notably in India, China, Pakistan, the Middle East, the Mediterranean region and the US. Of the tree nuts, almonds accounts account for the largest quantity (1 million tons per year) produced under water stress, of which 60% are produced in California, followed by walnuts (0.67 tons per year), pistachios (0.36 per year) and hazelnuts (0.28 tons per year).

Relevance to ABC: Water consumption continues to be a sustainability area that almonds are under scrutiny for, with this the latest research to quantify and almonds’ water usage in production. It has been suggested that almonds are have the greatest volume of produce under water stress in comparison to other nuts. Global Food Security is a journal to monitor for any future research that might be published around almond sustainability.

Hive heists: why the next threat to bees is organized crime

Oliver Milman, The Guardian

February 18th

Summary: Beehive heists have been a problem previously relating to almond bloom, with hives regularly split open or dismantled, interventions that can kill tens of thousands of the kidnapped bees. It is said that certain police officers now specialize in hive crime in California. The almond industry is being blamed due to the increase in production –doubling in size over the past two decades. The article suggests that 1.17m acres of almonds in California require pollination at a standard rate of two beehives an acre. This would mean the industry needs to conjure up 2.34m beehives for a short window of time each February, when almond trees start to blossom. The piece continues to state that more than two-thirds of the nation’s commercially managed honeybees are sent on trucks to for bloom.

Relevance to ABC: Bee hive theft is an issue that ABC has needed messaging support around previously, and updates may be needed to coincide with the current bloom season should any incidents occur. Moreover, the article mentions that beekeepers risk losing 40% of their colonies each winter, reiterating the need for consistent bee health management messaging.

Bees and flowers have had the world’s longest love affair. Now it’s in danger

Alison Benjamin, The Guardian

February 14th

Summary: Around Valentine’s Day commercial beekeepers from all over the US arrived with around 2m beehives ahead of the three weeks-intensive bloom season, where 80% of the world’s almonds are to be produced. The correlation with high bee mortality has again been attributed to a combination of poor nutrition, parasites, which weaken bees and spread disease, and pesticides (all a result of intensive agriculture), and the article mentioned that in the US alone sales have grown by 250% in the past five years.

Relevance to ABC: While this article could be perceived as negative, the article covers almonds’ contribution of $11bn to California’s GDP and the creation of 100,000 jobs. It also suggests that since 2013, almond farmers have planted 34,000 acres of wildflowers to provide additional bee food, but that is just 3.4% of the land. Moreover, there is mention of a bee-friendly kitemark that has been developed for the small number of almonds grown with wildflowers and without pesticides. The Xerces Society who has produced this may be a stakeholder to engage.

Why the vegan diet is not always green

Richard Gray, BBC Future

February 13th

Summary: Tree nuts have been presented as anti-heroes of the vegan diet, this article citing that cashew nuts, almonds and walnuts are some of the most water-intensive large-scale crops grown on the planet.  The article goes on to say that large amounts of water, pesticide and fertilizer use makes their environmental impact disproportionately large, with Julian Fulton, an environmental scientist at California State University, quoted as saying that “almonds have a high water footprint in part because they are a thirsty crop and also have high fertilizer inputs, but also because they are a dense product,”. The article also goes on to reference a University of Michigan study around carbon emissions of tree nuts, estimating that almonds produce about 2.3kg of CO2/kg of nuts, with those emissions said to increase depending on the product bought at the end of the day. Moreover, there is mention of another study by Italian researchers which estimated that buying almonds in 100g bags emits 2.61kg of CO2/kg, while a jar of almond paste emits 2.89-3.07kg of CO2/kg.

Relevance to ABC: This article references a study funded by Almond Board of California, which found that the average almond grown in the US state requires 12 liters of water, or 10,240 l/kg of kernels. There are various US-based scientists and researchers to add from a stakeholder mapping perspective, but interestingly this article references the carbon emissions of nuts, with cashews being the largest carbon contributor due to low-yield crops.

Which milk alternative should we be drinking?

Kelly Oakes, BBC Future

February 11th

Summary: This article discusses the initial choice to boycott cow’s milk based on animal rights or lactose intolerance shifting to one based on the growing climate crisis. Comparing the impact of soy, oat, rice, and almond milk on the environment, it was found that all of those plant milks fared better than cow’s milk. However, it goes on stress the environmental impact of fertilizer and water used in intensive almond farming. It was suggested that almond trees are being planted closer together, sprayed with more pesticides, and doused with irrigation water.

Relevance to ABC: With the market almonds growing incredibly fast, intensification is a word becoming associated with expanding almond’s production. It is suggested that California sets the benchmark and example for how other countries that produce almonds grow their produce. ABC could offer comments on how it works other international producers to ensure sustainable standards.

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News in a Nutshell – w/e 3rd January 2020

That Was The Year That Was - 2019

The Scottish Farmer, 30th December

Summary: An article reflecting on the key stories from 2019, there is reference to a previous article on researchers at Cranfield University warning that almond ‘milk’ production consumes huge amounts of drinking-quality water, while milk from cows. This came at a time where consumers were increasingly looking to switch to non-dairy milks to ‘save the planet’.

Relevance to ABC: This serves more as a reflection of the progress ABC has made in addressing water consumption of almonds, but also offers a reminder that consumers need as much transparent information and education as possible to support the adoption of a new diet if they believe this is due to ethical/sustainable rationale. It is crucial that ABC’s messaging around sustainability and how almonds can support trending diets (i.e. flexitarian / veganism ) remains consistent.

European Green Deal unveiled by president

Farming Life, 30th December

Summary: At the end of 2019, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, unveiled her greatly anticipated European Green Deal with the goal of making Europe the first climate-neutral continent. However, there are concerns that policies will attempt to reduce pesticide use without any assistance or alternatives. This was echoed by Copa, the European farmers’ organisation, in which they asked how farmers are to be expected to “significantly reduce the use of pesticides and fertilisers” without credible alternatives.

Relevance to ABC: Much like the below article, the need for clear, consistent pesticide messaging is evident as it becomes and increasingly global media topic. With Europe a major importer of almonds, any potential policies may have an effect on future trade if new terms and conditions are introduced.

Overuse of herbicides costing UK economy GBP400 million per year

Phys.org, 23rd December

Summary: Researchers from ZSL's Institute of Zoology, Rothamsted Research and Sheffield University have devised a new model which helps quantify the economic costs of pesticides use. It is suggested than an estimated four million tonnes of pesticide are applied to crops worldwide each year and the researchers have recommended reducing the use of pesticides in the UK, as well as demanded greater support to farmers to encourage reduced use and adoption of alternative management strategies.

Relevance to ABC: Pesticides continue to be a contentious issue, despite the fact they offer some farmers the best value option for crop production. Introducing statutory limits on pesticide use was a solution discussed, and there’s every chance that an EU/UK action for pesticide reduction could set a precedent to be adopted in other countries where almond production takes place (Spain, US, etc.) ABC should continue to shout about the research and development it invests in around organic farming and alternative solutions that support farmers.

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News in a Nutshell – w/e 8th November 2019

Probiotics could potentially stave off common bacterial hive infestation

News-Medical, November 01, 2019

Summary: This article covers a new study that was published in the Nature journal ISME J, demonstrating how probiotics could potentially stave off a common bacterial hive infestation called American Foulbrood. At the end of the article, it’s mentioned that the NSERC, OMAFRA and the Weston Foundation are funding tests on BioPatties Californian hives, citing that this is where the “multi-billion dollar almond industry relies on honey bees”.

Relevance to ABC: While the media title is a trade outlet for medical professionals, the article reiterates California’s dependence on bees, particularly for one of its major exports: almonds. Bacterial hive infestation is one of many diseases that can harm bees and Almond Board of California should have messaging that accounts for how it tackles this particular type of disease during bloom seasons.

Keeping up with kale: how farmers fare when food turns trendy

The Guardian, November 01, 2019

Summary: The article sponsored by Tesco discusses kale’s rising reputation as a “super-food”, how food trends emerge over time and how this ultimately affects UK and international production. Kale is said to have a low environmental impact as it can be grown in different climates and seasonal conditions, thus minimizing the supply chain to supermarkets and limiting their carbon footprint.

Relevance to ABC:

This article very much promotes the consumption of kale, citing the benefit of it being a “hardy and versatile crop that can survive winter frosts and summer heat”. However, other super-foods have been called out in relation to their environmental issues’ association, with almonds, quinoa and avocados mentioned. This reinforces the need for almonds to have coherent message that doesn’t counter-argument its health value – i.e. “almonds are great as a super-food BUT there are other are super-foods that are better for the environment”.

Creating a buzz! Instagram's first BEE influencer is fighting the insect's decline through playful posts mimicking social media clichés

Mail Online, November 06, 2019

Summary: Research from Fondation de France suggests that around 30 per cent of France's bee colonies disappear each year. The French philanthropic network is aiming to raise awareness of the global decline of the insect through playful Instagram posts that mimic social media clichés. Creating the first “bee” social media influencer (called B), the foundation is looking to leverage its following for brand-sponsored-content. Any money earned will be used by Fondation de France to help rebuild bee habitats, and help farmers in moving toward pollinator-friendly techniques. Moreover, ‘B’ will only work with brands that are actively working with biodiversity and are approved by the Foundation de France.

Relevance to ABC: With France a key market for the Almond Board in Europe, this would be a unique influencer to engage in a creative way, particularly as the account has a following of over 120K. If ABC can provide insights and credibility on how it supports biodiversity initiatives, this could be a strong stakeholder/partner to engage.

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News in a Nutshell – w/e 25th October 2019

Trial shows 'superfood' for bees increases crop yield

Farming UK, October 21, 2019

Summary: Bees and other pollinators are critical to the UK's £100 billion food industry, and a new superfood has been produced to help them pollinate crops. A trial found that the crop yields of almonds, blueberries, apples and kiwis were increased by up to 90 percent.

Relevance to ABC: If the new superfood is made available to almond farmers in the US, ABC would be able to educate them on its financial and efficiency benefits. The adoption of the superfood in almond production would also strengthen ABC’s messaging around bee health and support.

A natural pesticide! FDA approves a non-toxic alternative that's spread by BEES and could help prevent catastrophic insect extinction

Mail Online, October 18, 2019

Summary: A newly launched pesticide, CR7, that is derived from a fungal strain has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. The significance of this is due to its less toxic side effects on bees, protecting the declining bee populations from disease.

Relevance to ABC: Pesticides are used on carrots, tomatoes, cherries, broccoli, almonds and onions, with their frequently being negative coverage on how the use of pesticides on crops is affecting almonds. By introducing less-pesticide intensive or safer pesticide applications for bees in almond production, ABC reiterates its sustainability commitments by supporting bee health.

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News in a Nutshell – w/e 18th October 2019

What climate change will do to three major American cities by 2100

Quartz, 18th October 2019

Summary: This article looks at the geographic concerns and climate vulnerabilities that can be expected in America over the coming decades. Discussing California and how it can expect further drought, it mentions that farmers in California will have to draw more and more water from underground sources. It is also said that eventually, the growing of fruits and vegetables will be more difficult in parts of the state, thus driving up the cost of many foods, such as strawberries, almonds, and lemons.

Relevance to ABC: While ABC has messaging around its sustainable planning for the coming decade, industry stakeholders and consumers may be curious to learn how the supply of almonds will be accounted for further down the line in light of more difficult environmental circumstances.

From foreign news to fashion, how our editors see the climate crisis

The Guardian, 17th October 2019

Summary: Tim Lusher, editor of Feast, spoke about the increasing interest in stories relating to food chains and the climate emergency. Stating that almonds and avocados use a huge amount of water, he says that Feast are covering more recipes that are zero-waste.

Relevance to ABC: This could be a title for one of ABC’s zero-waste influencers to engage with for recipes, and Tim Lusher is also someone that should be invited to attend any upcoming ABC events/panel discussions relating to zero-waste messaging.

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News in a Nutshell – w/e 4th October 2019

Plant-destroying lanternflies native to China could spread across the UK, US and Europe and devour crops and trees, study warns

Mail Online, 3rd October 2019

Summary: Lanternflies native to China could spread across the UK, resulting in crops being ruined or consumed. Almonds, apples, blueberries, cherries, peaches, grapes and hops are some of the crops that would be at risk for farmers.

Relevance to ABC: If lanternflies were to affect crop yields, ABC should communicate how farmers can protect their almond blooms from the issue, as well as have messaging in place should this end up having a greater impact almond production.

Something unusual is happening on top of Plymouth's landmarks

Plymouth Live, 30th September 2019

Summary: Bee experts believe that part of the answer to the honeybee population threat from pesticides, parasites and climate change may be to encourage a comeback of our native honeybee, the European dark bee.

Relevance to ABC: This article refers to the UK in particular, however, it is stressed that without bees and their pollination services, we would lose many of our food crops, almonds and avocados in particular. While there is no need to engage with this media stakeholder, alternative pollination strategy may be a hot topic in months to come.

10 things you need to know if you’re drinking almond milk

Which?, 30th September 2019

Summary: Consumer rights campaign group Which? have published a food & drink analysis from Mintel research of almond milk and other plant milks, as they are addressing “the myth that diary is bad for you and an increase in veganism.” It neutrally outlines almond milk facts around water consumption and other nutritional benefits.

Relevance to ABC: It is worth being aware of this particular group, as they are known in the UK for pushing consumer rights and getting the best deal for consumers (e.g. price of products and quality service). In this instance, the tone and focus is neutral towards almonds, beyond the expense of almond milk vs. dairy milk, which is to be expected from this publication. The lens is unlikely to shift towards more critical areas for ABC, but its relevant to monitor as almond milk becomes a more mainstream product for British consumers.

How to make your coffee habit more sustainable

Metro UK, 1st October 2019

Summary: Warnings that coffee could become a ‘luxury item’ should climate change continue have fuelled this article, with coffee production and sustainability also picked up as key topic. Almonds are mentioned neutrally here and no reference to almond-specific environmental impact, as they are simply referenced as a plant-based alternative milk to support coffee consumption.

Relevance to ABC: Despite the positive tone, its worth ABC being aware that almond milk could drag almonds into the spotlight as environmental concerns remain dominant in national UK media outlets.

Plant-based companies should face questions on health, environment

Just Food, 2nd October 2019

Summary: There is a change in tone and scrutiny on health and sustainability as consumer demand for plant-based alternatives to meat and dairy is rising rapidly. We all know about the growing interest among consumers in plant-based products, particularly those foods positioned as alternatives to meat and dairy, for health and environmental concerns. At a conference last week in London the growing interest in the market among conventional food manufacturers and among investors was a hot topic. Here, global investment bank – and major food-industry M&A advisory firm – Houlihan Lokey focused on the European consumer, food and retail sectors. Almonds are specifically mentioned for their high water consumption in one of these event sessions, "California almonds need 1,000 litres of water for one litre of [almond] milk. Dairy needs 4,000..."

Relevance to ABC: It’s important for ABC to be aware of a shift in narrative, particularly in the media, toward environmental scrutiny on plant-based alternatives. The way almonds are specifically called out at this event for its environmental footprint and water use, its clear this is a topic that will only rise on the environmental agenda. Just Food is a publication that’s been included in our stakeholder mapping exercise, and recommended for future engagement opportunities, so once these have been discussed in more detail this could be an engagement/educational avenue to explore for ABC.

Threat to almonds after the floods and torrential rain in Alicante

Euro Weekly, 2nd October 2019

Summary: Spanish farmers, many of whom have seen crops devastated in floods and torrential rains, are facing another threat. A total of 74 municipalities, practically all of them in the province of Alicante, are totally or partially affected by a plague of Xylella fastidiosa. The outbreak of the plague in the Comunitat was declared first declared in 2017. Another plague warning was issued the following year, but now, despites a treatment campaign, another outbreak has been declared. The provincial council has again adopted urgent measures to eradicate the tiny pest and pay farmers compensation. The plague targets almonds, olive and citrus trees, although this particular species is more prevalent in almonds.

Relevance to ABC:

Flagging to ABC as an FYI on almond production threats in Spain.

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News in a Nutshell – w/e 27th September 2019

India-US trade : Is Trump right about India's high tariffs?

BBC News, 23rd September 2019

Summary: Ahead of India’s Prime Minister visit to the US, the topic of trade tariffs between India and the US is expected to be a key issue. Almonds are mentioned as one of the 28 American products whereby India increased tariffs in June. Despite this, US trade with India is reportedly growing, with talks on going with President Trump to resolve current hikes on tariff charges.

Relevance to ABC: Given the impending visit between both country’s political leaders, it will be interesting to see how conversation on the tariff debate progress.

How environmentally friendly is vegan milk?

The Grocer, 25th September 2019

Summary: As part of a full “vegan milk” round-up, almonds are assessed for their impact on water supply – as “it is by far the thirstiest plant milk.” Almond production is also called out for causing “huge issues in the hot and dry regions in which they’re grown, contributing to drought and soil erosion.” However, a sustainability expert defends almonds against “it’s unfortunate consumer perception which has been tainted.” Readers are encouraged to look at the impact of their vegan milk choice on biodiversity, especially animal welfare, however does conclude that calculating the footprint of different foods is challenging to quantify.

Relevance to ABC: The article provides a full round-up of the environmental benefits and disadvantages of each plant-based alternative to dairy milk. Ultimately the piece concludes that the impact of the lowest-impact animal products still exceeds those of plant-based substitutes, indicating more growth. We do not recommend engaging on this particular piece as this is a full market overview and is balanced in its conclusion of plant-based vs. dairy. We will monitor as this is a highly topical debate that is likely to continue, we will assess this journalist and add to our watchlists to pre-empt future pieces on the topic.

Are Plant Milks More Healthful Than Cow's Milk?

Consumer Reports, 25th September 2019

Summary: More than half of plant-milk buyers in CR’s survey (2018) said they think it’s healthier than cow’s milk. Almond milk, though, had a higher water-usage footprint than soy or cow’s milk, a University of Wisconsin-Madison study found. No matter which type of plant milk you buy, choosing organic will reduce the environmental impact that results from pesticide use.

Relevance to ABC: It’s interesting to monitor report findings that are used as a reference point for media, with the Consumer Report from 2018 looking at milk consumption trends being a prime example of how almonds’ environmental impact are mentioned as part of a wider round up of plant-based milk alternatives.

There's no such thing as vegan food

The Scottish Farmer, 25th September 2019

Summary: Does vegan world consider all animal life to be of equal value? This is one of the questions posed by an Australian farmer, who has accused some plant-based diet converts of ignorance towards the death toll of small animals associated with crop production. According to Scientific American, up to 80 billion domestic honeybees are estimated to have a hand in the Californian almond industry each year, up to half of which die during the management process and the long journeys to and from the large almond orchards,” he stressed. “And that’s the carnage from just one crop.”

Relevance to ABC: Unsurprisingly the tone of this article is highly critical of those who advocate plant-based alternatives, without considering the wider environmental impact to the full life cycle. Bees in particular are referenced as pollinators, such as the European Honeybee, that are claimed to be “the most exploited insect of all.” The tone of the piece highlights that this journalist will be one to add to our watchlists and continually monitor.

Carbon footprint food for thoughts: Dine differently for the planet

Pebble Magazine, 25th September 2019

Summary: The article calls upon readers to ensure they are making the right choice when looking to be “a lot kinder on your carbon footprint” in a coffee shop. Quoted as “Almond milk, for example, has a hefty hit on the environment. They are thirsty little nuts, using more than 6,000 litres to produce one litre of milk, hugely damaging in a drought-ridden place like California where more than three quarters of the world’s almonds are grown.”

Relevance to ABC: As this is a publication that focuses on ethical living and environmental/conservation issues and news, the tone in this article is intentionally provocative to ensure environmental concerns are taken seriously on their platform. As previously flagged by the US team, we’ll monitor in case future articles are relevant but do not recommend engaging given the magazine’s low circulation.

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News in a Nutshell – w/e 20th September 2019

The global race to harness the smell of insect sex in a bid to end the need for pesticides

The Daily Telegraph, 15th September 2019

Summary: With farmers currently trapped in the “conundrum between regulators and consumers” this makes it challenging to find the balance between ethically-produced food and overcoming regulatory bans on pesticide use. The piece goes on to refer to destruction of one third of global food production to insects, including the impact on almonds and broad acre crops.

Relevance to ABC: It’s interesting to monitor how the topic of pesticides and crop impact continues to develop in the news agenda. The conclusion of this piece indicates that the pesticide market is set to see rapid change in the next decade as technological disruption and natural remedies take over the market. This certainly is a topic to continue following.

Vegan? Here's Why You Might Not Want A Slice Of Lemon In Your Drink

Huffington Post UK, 20th September 2019

Summary: Following a food writer’s tweet earlier this week, the piece explores why drinks are not served to vegans with lemon in at restaurant chain Pizza Express – prompting an outcry as to why this would be the case.  The reality is that waxed lemons contain shellac, which is a product derived from insects and therefore not vegan. A quote is also included from The Vegan Society who recommend its best to stick to unwaxed fruits as a vegan.

Relevance to ABC: As more of these education pieces appear around veganism, and what is and isn’t suitable, it will be important to follow given potential scrutiny on almonds and their environmental footprint. This journalist, Sophie Gallagher, has been included in our European stakeholder mapping exercise and we will continue to monitor her stories and particularly the tone of her reporting.

Major food stores urge customers not to eat these products in urgent warning

Daily Mirror, 20th September 2019

Summary: Major food stores are recommending customers do not eat a number of products, including Flames Foods (various types of frozen products) as they may contain almonds that are not mentioned on any labels or packaging. A full least of products is provided alongside a health risk warning to those with allergies.

Relevance to ABC: It is necessary to be aware of any health risk that are associated or publicly linked to  almonds, particularly after previous high profile separate cases of deaths resulting from lack of clear product labelling (e.g. yoghurt products and sesame seeds).

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News in a Nutshell – w/e 13th September

Why investors need to care more about veganism than they realise

Investment Week, September 13th 2019

Summary: Traditional food consumption is changing. Although vegan diets have existed for thousands of years, practiced by many societies for religious and health reasons, veganism is now one of the fastest growing trends in the food industry. According to a recent survey conducted by Bernstein, more than one third of millennials in the US value vegan or vegetarian attributes when purchasing food - a whopping 162% increase from 2015.

Relevance to ABC: With veganism one of the fastest growing trends in the food industry, investors will no doubt seek to monetize the current popularity. As almonds play a prominent role in any vegan diet, they will likely receive greater attention and products containing almonds could be subject to price rises.

Are plant-based milks causing harmful nutritional deficiencies in children?

New Food Economy, September 13th 2019

Summary: The dairy industry has been lobbying to crack down on plant-based “imitation milks” since c.2000. This year, they won the support of the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP), the influential professional organization representing more than 66,000 pediatricians. Their main opposition lies in the nutritional deficiencies it can cause in children.

Relevance to ABC: The ‘milk’ in the labeling of dairy-free alternatives has caused confusion amongst parents leading to the purchase of products that they assume contain traditional dairy ingredients when this is not the case and actually has nutritional deficiencies. With almond milk most prominent amongst dairy-free alternatives it could inadvertently receive negative attention because of this.

Pesticides don’t pose acute health risk to honeybees foraging on farmland, two-year study finds

Genetic Literacy Project, September 12th 2019

Summary: Recent declines in honey bee populations cannot be attributed to any one single cause, but are likely the result of accumulated stresses from multiple causes. The complex of the mite Varroa destructor and the viruses they vector continues to be the greatest threat to honey bee health. 

Relevance to ABC: This article continues to highlight the plight of bee populations and the scale of media interest in drawing attention to the problem. Importantly the article does not singularly call out pesticides as the main cause instead citing a number of reasons. This helpfully supports ABC use of pesticides in its growing practices.

Vegan Ben & Jerry’s Cookie Dough ice cream is finally here

Metro, September 10th 2019 Summary: Vegan products keep getting better – the Gregg’s sausage roll, KFC Imposter burger and even Ikea meatballs have gone plant-based. Ben & Jerry’s jumped on the non-dairy bandwagon in 2017 but one popular flavour has been missing. New Cookies on Cookie Dough tub is a smooth caramel non-dairy ice cream made with almonds, vegan cookie dough chunks, chocolatey chunks and a cookie swirl.

Relevance to ABC: Following the release in the US earlier this year, Ben & Jerry’s new vegan ice cream, now launched in the UK, continues the trend of mainstream brands pivoting to take advantage of this trend and unlock new customers. Interestingly, the ice cream is created by B-Corp Rhino Foods and not Ben & Jerry’s directly. It is worth monitoring which further mainstream foods will be adapted for a vegan audience and what role almonds will play in it.

Is your oat milk latte elitist?

Mic, September 12th 2019

Summary: The social significance of alt-milks is a relatively new phenomenon. Until recently, those who avoided cow’s milk mostly did so for gut-related reasons.  But for most people, cow’s milk is safe and very well tolerated, and choosing nut milk is based on preference. And what is preference if not a statement of identity?

Relevance to ABC: The use vegan products could involve a level of virtue signalling and therefore be associated with those more well off. In the article, almond milk is called out as a particular example and could receive negative if steep up-charges (e.g. in a coffee shop) are involved.

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News in a Nutshell – w/e 6th September

A nutritionist claims vegan diets can stunt brain development, but other health experts say plant-based eating is perfectly healthy

Insider, September 6th 2019

Summary: A British nutritionist caused uproar after claiming veganism deprives babies and children of critical “brain-building” nutrients. The nutritionist claimed a lack of choline can cause serious health problems, however other nutritionist have fired back. One suggested that the best dietary sources of choline can be found in many plant-based foods, including almonds.

Relevance to ABC: The debate around vegan / plant-based diets continues to be a hotly disputed topic, particularly from nutritionists with different stances. ABC should be aware of Emma Derbyshire, the nutritionist consultant in question here, as she regularly publishes articles and could be one to engage with in the future to update her on almonds and their nutritional value.

What You Need to Know About Milk Alternatives

Yahoo! Lifestyle, September 5th 2019

Summary: In an age of alternative milk options, it’s important to follow advice and learn from nutrition experts to ensure consumers know the ones that really are as good for your health as they claim. Almond milk is mentioned as a good alternative for lactose intolerance however the downside is that it can cause allergic reactions to these with a tree nut allergy and it’s low in protein – according to expert Yasi Ansari, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Relevance to ABC: This piece is important to highlight given the nutritionist is offering expert opinion on the pros and cons of each milk alternative. It’s necessary for ABC to be aware of potential nutritionists to engage with for future sustainability or almond-education specific activities in the pipeline.

Invasive Asian hornets that kill up to 50 bees a day spotted across England

Country Life, September 5th 2019

Summary: British beekeepers and the National Bee Unit are calling for all reported sightings of invasive Asian hornets, which have been recently detected in England and pose a huge threat to native UK bee populations – by reportedly consuming up to 50 bees a day.

Relevance to ABC: The piece highlights the various pressures on global pollinators, from climate change to pesticide use and habitat destruction, which highlights the media and public’s vested interest in protecting population numbers. We recommend ABC remain mindful of this ongoing interest from environmentalists and media, to ensure that bee messaging remains updated and in line with the news agenda.

A world without pesticides?

Ecologist, September 2nd 2019

Summary: This article attempts to gauge what global food production would look like without pesticides and if that's a possibility for the future, with their use in farming long-debated. It is suggested that the money saved on pesticide used can be reinvested into organic farming solutions, with consumers likely to pay more for organic goods thus increasing profit margins on crop yields.

Relevance to ABC: The fact that people are willing to pay more for organic products because they get peace of mind knowing exactly how their food was grown indicates that farmers may increasingly withdraw from using pesticides. If this is the case, ABC may be required to train almond farmers on new techniques to produce high quality almond yields, particularly in bloom season, to ensure farmers are getting the best return for their work. Messaging can be produced on how ABC educates and collaborates with farmers.

Veganism is touted as a solution to climate change, but is a plant based diet really the answer?

Herald Scotland, September 1st 2019

Summary: While discussing veganism as a solution to climate change, Dominika Piasecka, spokeswoman for the Vegan Society, admitted almond milk is not particularly environmentally friendly. The article refers to the environmental cost of dairy-alternatives, with the use of almonds singled out due to water shortages in California and them being a thirsty produce.

Relevance to ABC: The article mentioned that it takes five litres of water to grow a single almond and that it takes between 350 and 6,000 litres of water to produce one litre of almond milk. This may be someone to engage with on ABC water consumption messaging as this is a negative piece of coverage. Also mentioned is the air miles contribution to carbon emissions, and then also the Tetrapaks in which most nut milk is sold – how they are scarcely recyclable

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News in a Nutshell – w/e 30th August 2019

Nutritionist Warns Vegan Diet Could Cause 'Deficiency' In Key Brain Nutrient

LADBible, August 30, 2019

Summary: A nutritionist has said people who follow plant-based diets may not be getting as much of a key brain nutrient as others who eat dairy and meat. Choline is an important nutrient that helps transfer signals between nerve cells. While it is present in some plant-based foods, it is highest in dairy foods and meat. However, The British Dietetic Association has said, with planning, it is possible to obtain enough from a vegan diet, with choline present in plant-based foods including roasted soya nuts, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and brussels sprouts, baked beans, mushrooms, quinoa and peanuts.

Relevance to ABC: The argument often used against switching to vegan diets is that there is a nutritional deficiency. While almonds are not explicitly mentioned here, nuts generally are being championed as the solution – for choline in particular – by key stakeholders such as the British Dietetic Association.

Big Lifestyle Changes Are 'Needed To Cut Emissions' – Here Are 3 Ways To Get Started

HuffPost UK, August 29, 2019

Summary: With increasing numbers of people switching to vegan diets, there have been warnings made relating to the overeating products that have a large carbon footprint, particularly avocados. Nuts, peas, and beans have been mentioned as the best sources of proteins when it comes to environmental impact.

Relevance to ABC: Almonds and avocadoes are often categorised together when discussing veganism and foods that are less environmentally-friendly. With increasing media coverage of deforestation in light of the Amazon fires, conversation seems to be around carbon emissions in supply chains, and ABC may need messaging in place should attention switch from water usage as their main environmental contribution.

Why have 500m bees died in Brazil in the past three months?

The Guardian, August 29, 2019

Summary: The parallels between Brazil’s Amazon crisis and its bee die-offs are many. Just as the relaxation of forestry rules has led to more fires, so have loosened pesticide restrictions exposed more bees to lethal doses. Nearly 300 new products have been fast-tracked for approval since the beginning of the year, including known bee-killers banned or strictly regulated in other countries. And just as burning a rainforest impacts a lot more than trees, so does the loss of bees stretch far past the walls of the hive.

Relevance to ABC: Further to the US team’s flag this week, this article really highlights the global impact of bee populations on crops and the scale of media interest in protecting bee species. The article also importantly calls out certain crop yields and specifically almonds that depend on and drive bee supply and demand. The rise of bee health and protection is necessary for ABC to understand and ensure all bee transportation messaging is updated and aligned to the latest trends covered by the news agenda. The author of this piece has written a book about the necessity of bees, however this is his first article published in The Guardian so we will add him to our watchlist in case of required engagement in the future.

Eye on France: To bee or not to bee

Yahoo! News, August 28, 2019

Summary: Over the past three decades, since the introduction of the family of insecticides known as neonicotinoids, Europe's flying insect population has declined by three-quarters. Earlier this summer, according to the Science pages of Le Monde, the European Union decided to do absolutely nothing about a situation which scientists and ecologists have been describing as potentially catastrophic, not just for the bees, birds and bats, but also for us humans, who depend on the pollination work the insects do for most of the food we eat.

Relevance to ABC: Le Monde’s verdict is without appeal and this highlights the growing media focus on warnings from researchers and industry experts across EMEA. The protection of bee populations is a priority for science journalists in European and UK titles, which is further support for keeping ABC’s bee messaging and awareness of topical debates around this area up-to-date.

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News in a Nutshell – w/e 23rd August 2019

Why 500 million bees have died in Brazil in three months

BBC News, August 20, 2019

Summary: More than 500 million bees have died in Brazil in the last three months. In the state of Rio Grande do Sul, 400 million dead bees were found - with beekeepers in four states reporting the mass deaths. Researchers have blamed the use of pesticides - chemical substances which are used to kill pests.

Relevance to ABC: Bees and pesticides as a trending media topic show no signs off fading, with the relationship between pesticide use and bee deaths very much a global issue. This particular article compares Brazil’s bee death statistics with other key international markets for food chains: US, Russia and South Africa just some of the countries that had pesticide restriction debates in recent months.

Who Speaks for the Bees? An Environmental Art Dinner Raises the Question

Vogue, August 20, 2019

Summary: Next time you pour almond milk in your coffee, spare a thought for the bees. Almonds are one of America’s largest monocrops, providing more than 80% of the world’s supply. Like onions, apples, avocados, cucumber, lemons, and watermelon, almond crops require wild honeybees to pollinate them, and because the naturally occurring honeybee population doesn’t come close to meeting the demand, millions of hives are shipped across the country each year to make up the massive gap. Monocultures, which grow huge expanses of only one crop year after year, have been directly linked to bee die-off as well as the spread of bee diseases.

Relevance to ABC: Given the detailed focus in this piece on the health of bees and the potential consumption/collapse impact on bee populations, this is worth being aware of. Whilst the focus is unlikely to result in further probing on the topic, it’s necessary for ABC to understand how media attention on health and environmental well-being is becoming more mainstream in fashion/lifestyle publications.

Former soap actor Max La Manna is on a mission to save the planet

Metro Online, August 21, 2019

Summary: Max La Manna is an influencer with 86.5k Instagram followers and is described to have a “passion for vegan living”. He was previously an actor on “Days of Our Lives” and is focusing on promoting zero waste in the UK

Relevance to ABC: Max provides planet-saving tips and shares vegan recipes with almonds and avocadoes heavily feature. The article addresses how he can be perceived as hypocritical due to almond’s high water consumption. Max would make for a good influencer partnership for messaging around zero waste at future consume events and media engagement.

European Regulators Issue Warning on Danger of Chlorpyrifos Prior to Release of Full Review

Beyond Pesticides, August 22, 2019

Summary: In early August, experts from European Union (EU) member states and staff members of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) announced their conclusion that chlorpyrifos fails to meet criteria for renewed approval for use, potentially moving the EU a step closer to an outright ban. Chlorpyrifos is a widely used organophosphate pesticide used on approximately 60 different crops, and most intensively on almonds, cotton, citrus fruits, grapes, corn, broccoli, sugar beets, peaches, and nectarines.

Relevance to ABC: Almonds are a crop that this particular type of pesticide is used on, meaning there is a risk that pressure could be felt from industry stakeholders that could require future messaging development. 12 plaintiff organizations have already been advocating for the registration cancellation of the compound used in agriculture, and with links to impairment of children’s learning, change in brain function, and altered thyroid levels, this is an extremely negative product for ABC to be associated with.

New natural pesticide alternative in development

Farming UK, August 22, 2019

Summary: A natural, sustainable alternative to pesticides which targets specific pests without harming pollinators is currently in development. Estimated global crop loss to pests – including insects, plant viruses and fungi – is around $100 billion every year, equating to a 40 percent loss in global agricultural production. But there is a significant need for innovative approaches to crop protection, driven by the need for greater food production, pest expansion linked to climate change and the push for more sustainable farming practices.

Relevance to ABC: Innovation in crop protection, being driven by food production needs, is relevant context for how food consumption trends and demands are driving technological innovation in the agriculture sector. With the wider environmental nod to establishing more sustainable farming practices, it is useful for ABC to remain abreast of these developments and industry conversations in real time.

Costa and Starbucks among coffee chains urged to drop plant milk surcharge

Sky News, August 22, 2019

Summary: Coffee chains have been urged to stop "taxing climate-conscious consumers" by dropping surcharges on plant-based milks. The group behind Veganuary, which encourages people to go vegan during the first month of the year, has made the plea to high street cafes like Costa and Starbucks to mark World Plant Milk Day. It says most shops charge between 20p and 50p extra for various plant milks, including soya, oat, almond and coconut, despite a recent study finding that a quarter of Britons were now drinking such dairy alternatives.

Relevance to ABC: The rise and ongoing interest in plant-based alternatives continues this week, which is relevant context to see how demands for almond milk in particular may grow. This piece calls for a drop in surcharges, which again shows how the industry is making progress towards diary alternatives becoming engrained in our day-to-day consumption like never before.

The future of food: Why farming is moving indoors

BBC News, August 23, 2019

Summary: Indoor farming can answer many of the questions being asked by today's consumers about the provenance, sustainability and health of the food they eat, according to Jeffery Landau, director of business development at Agritecture Consulting. While the industry is still young and trying to work out the right business models and direction, vertical farming has the potential to transform global food production as we know it.

Relevance to ABC: Farming progress and the move towards more alternative or experimental methods offer useful insights for ABC as they continue to grow. Identifying indoor farming methods as a future consideration offers an indication of the global food production trends to watch that may affect the future of almond bloom seasons.