Bobbie Williams joins the Journey as both a Registered Dietician Nutritionist (RDN) and an almond grower. She contributes her expertise as part of the Almond Board of California’s (ABC) Nutrition Research Committee and the Environmental Stewardship Workgroup. Williams discusses her farming background, the latest in nutrition research, the power of pairing the nutrition story with the sustainability story, and her hopes for where this work can lead in the future for this industry.

“The Nutrition Research Committee has a really strong impact in providing evidence that almonds really are a sustainably grown super nut. ” - Bobbie Williams

In Today’s episode:

• Meet Bobbie Williams who is both a Registered Dietician Nutritionist (RDN) and an almond grower
• Explore the impact on patient care for dieticians in a hospital setting
• Discover the cardiometabolic study demonstrating added benefits to almond consumption
• Learn about the latest consensus paper validating the health benefits of almonds and by reviewing this cardiometabolic infographic supporting their claims

The Almond Journey Podcast is brought to you by the Almond Board of California. This show explores how growers, handlers, and other stakeholders are making things work in their operations to drive the almond industry forward. Host Tim Hammerich visits with leaders throughout the Central Valley of California and beyond who are finding innovative ways to improve their operations, connect with their communities, and advance the almond industry.

ABC recognizes the diverse makeup of the California almond industry and values contributions offered by its growers, handlers, and allied industry members. However, the opinions, services and products discussed in existing and future podcast episodes are by no means an endorsement or recommendation from ABC. The Almond Journey podcast is not an appropriate venue to express opinions on national, state, local or industry politics. As a Federal Marketing Order, the Almond Board of California is prohibited from lobbying or advocating on legislative issues, as well as setting field and market prices.

Mike Sonke joined the Journey to share his perspective as a farmer and grower rep. He also is active with the Almond Board of California (ABC), serving on both the Technical & Regulatory Affairs Committee and the Global Communications Committee. In this interview recorded at the Almond Conference 2024, Sonke shares about his journey into farming, his role with Star Nut, and his thoughts on the industry going forward.

“If you want to change something, the best way to do it is to show up and tell someone that this is what I think. And if more growers did that, you can certainly get your finger in the pie too and change things if that's what you want.” - Mike Sonke

In Today’s episode:

• Meet Mike Sonke, an almond grower, farm manager and grower rep for Star Nut
• Explore Sonke’s journey throughout the industry that has led him to be involved on many levels of the supply chain
• Learn about the most exciting technology Sonke sees developing for the industry
• Discover the top priorities for the Almond Board committees Mike participates in and the impact they have

The Almond Journey Podcast is brought to you by the Almond Board of California. This show explores how growers, handlers, and other stakeholders are making things work in their operations to drive the almond industry forward. Host Tim Hammerich visits with leaders throughout the Central Valley of California and beyond who are finding innovative ways to improve their operations, connect with their communities, and advance the almond industry.

ABC recognizes the diverse makeup of the California almond industry and values contributions offered by its growers, handlers, and allied industry members. However, the opinions, services and products discussed in existing and future podcast episodes are by no means an endorsement or recommendation from ABC. The Almond Journey podcast is not an appropriate venue to express opinions on national, state, local or industry politics. As a Federal Marketing Order, the Almond Board of California is prohibited from lobbying or advocating on legislative issues, as well as setting field and market prices.

Highlights from May's Global Update, from the Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs team at the Almond Board of California, detail the latest in the complex world of tariffs, examining the recent 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs between the U.S. and China, and the potential impacts on the supply chain. Hear about the significant trade deal announced by President Trump on May 8, which promises new market access in the UK for American products. Additionally, learn about the European Parliament's decision to postpone the new due diligence and sustainability reporting requirements application dates.

Finally, get the latest outreach efforts in Turkey and Morocco, where the team participated in the Tuksiad conference and conducted the first Almonds 101 workshop in Casablanca. Discover how Turkey's almond imports have surged from 77 million pounds in 2020 to over 151 million pounds in 2025 and learn about the optimistic outlook for further growth as the port of Mersin expands its capacity. Meanwhile, in Morocco, the workshop provided valuable insights into import procedures and fostered new collaborations with local industry stakeholders.