FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 16, 2023
CONTACT Press Office [email protected]
Today, the Almond Alliance celebrates February 16, 2023, as “National Almond Day” by encouraging Americans to eat a handful of almonds a day to help themselves and the U.S.A.
“Almonds have become a staple in our diet, whether for snacking, baking, or cooking,” stated Aubrey Bettencourt, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Almond Alliance. “They are a reliable source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber; have essential vitamins and minerals; and support heart health, healthy cholesterol levels, and healthy blood sugar levels.
More than that, almonds are at the heart of our economy in California and our communities in the Central Valley.”
In celebration of this day, which recognizes work done by the acre, not the hour, Congressmen Valadao, Costa, McClintock, and Garamendi entered into the record a Congressional Resolution saluting everyone involved with the growing, harvesting, and bringing to market this amazing food called almonds. In addition, the Almond Alliance will be distributing packs of almonds to Congressional member offices on Thursday, the 16th, to celebrate National Almond Day.
In California, Senators Marie Alvarado-Gil (D-Jackson) and Angelique V. Ashby (D-Sacramento) and Assemblymembers Juan Alanis (R-Modesto) and Heath Flora (R-Ripon) introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 19 to proclaim February 16, 2023, as California Almond Day.
There are currently 7,600 almond farmers in the state of California; over 90% are family farms, and many are operated by third and fourth generations of families.
The almond industry in California employs over 110,000 people and contributes about $9.2 billion to California’s economy. 100% of the almonds grown in the United States, and 80% of the worldwide market of almonds, are grown by almond farmers in California.
Bettencourt continued, “Almond farmers are protectors of our land and environment here in California. They have been for generations. To them, the land is their livelihood to produce this amazing nut. They continue to adjust, be flexible and adapt to changing climate and resources to provide almonds for our country and protect the land for the next generation of almond growers.
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