The Almond Controversy continues. I received this email yesterday.
Hello all,
We wanted to immediately share breaking news with you concerning the USDA's decision to reject the six-month extension, requested by the California Almond Board (CAB), of the implementation for the new "pasteurization" requirement for raw almonds.
We had hoped to use the delay to help organize an aggressive campaign. The CAB request for delay had nothing to do with the outcry of consumers regarding this questionable "technological fix." It was an attempt to accommodate the industry since it was perceived that adequate processing capacity was not in place to meet the September 1 deadline. We are concerned that the decision not to grant the delay might competitively impact some players in the market.
It is more important than ever to immediately engage your customers and members to fight this top-down decision that will negatively impact domestic growers, other members of the industry and consumers.
This couldn't come at a more awkward time. In addition to a bumper crop of almonds, industry insiders tell us that some players are now stocking up on European-grown almonds, attracted by low pricing and the guarantee of non-pasteurized availability, in spite of a recognition of their lower quality.
Please visit the Cornucopia website ( www.cornucopia.org) and click on the "Authentic Almond Project" navigation button for full campaign materials.
If you have questions or tactical ideas at this juncture please let us know. The only way we will win this battle is to engage as many consumers to stand with growers and handlers as possible.
Best regards,
Will Fantle
"Almond pasteurization to go into effect Sept. 1"
Associated Press
"USDA denies request to delay almond rule"
By Juliana Barbassa