Post by August Töpfer & Co. (GmbH & Co.) KG

Breaking News: Almond Board of California Ends Funding for USDA Objective Measurement Report The Almond Board of California has announced it will discontinue funding for the USDA NASS Objective Measurement Report. Important: the NASS Subjective Forecast will continue as usual, ensuring the industry still receives an annual early-season outlook. ABC will work closely with USDA and industry partners to develop forecasting approaches that better reflect today’s production realities. Please find full press release below. If you have any questions or comments please contact your August Töpfer & Co. (GmbH & Co.) KG sales representative and/or Konstantin Mayr and J. Vincent Rieckmann of ATCOs Almond Division. QUOTE Almond Board of California Board of Directors Vote to Discontinue Funding for USDA Objective Measurement Report Modesto, CA – December 9, 2025 – The Almond Board of California (ABC) Board of Directors has voted to cease funding for the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Objective Measurement Report, marking a change in California almond crop estimates going forward. This decision follows extensive consultation with growers, handlers, and other industry stakeholders, as well as a thorough review by the Almond Forecast Task Force, comprised of industry members, who compiled recommendations for the Almond Quality and Food Safety Services (AQFSS) Committee. After further review and discussion, AQFSS provided their recommendation to the Board of Directors. The Board’s goal is to ensure crop estimates remain factual, unbiased, and responsive to the evolving needs of the industry. Since the 1960’s, ABC has contracted with USDA NASS to produce the Objective Measurement Report in July. However, industry feedback has highlighted ongoing challenges in accurately capturing variables such as larger crop sizes, diverse grower practices, and weather events across California’s production regions. While funding for the Objective Measurement Report will end, the California Almond Subjective Forecast, published annually in May by NASS, will continue. ABC remains committed to providing accurate and timely information to support the California almond industry and will continue collaborating with USDA and industry partners to refine crop estimation methods. UNQUOTE