Latest Trade News and Agreements: June 2023
China-Ecuador Sign Free Trade Agreement On May 10-11, 2023, Ecuador and China signed a new Free Trade Agreement. It includes fruits and nuts. Ecuador becomes the fourth country in the region to sign a treaty with China, after Chile, Peru and Costa Rica. More information UK: Agreement to Join the Asia-Pacific Trade Bloc CPTPP In […]
Sustainability Update: June 2023
SBTN Launches First Science-Based Targets for Nature The Science Based Targets Network (SBTN), a worldwide alliance consisting of over 80 environmental non-profit organizations and mission-driven entities, has recently unveiled the initial set of corporate science-based targets for nature. This first release from SBTN aims to empower companies to evaluate their environmental footprints and establish targets, […]
INC Shares 2022/2023 Annual Report
The INC is pleased to share the 2022/2023 Annual Report. This year’s report provides a look at the key highlights from the past year’s activity until April 2023, with sections on Who We Are, What We Do, Industry Funding, Marketing and Communication, and Technical Projects. This year’s report also gives an overview of the INC’s […]
Marketing Orders: May 2023
USA: Almonds Grown in California, Marketing Order Published on April 27, 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking feedback on proposed changes to Marketing Order No. 981, which governs the handling of almonds grown in California. The suggested modifications aim to improve the program’s administration by updating certain provisions, simplifying or aligning language with […]
Food Safety Update: May 2023
Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods, Maximum Level for Total Aflatoxins in Ready-to-Eat Peanuts The 16th Session of the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods (CCCF16) took place from April 18 to 21, 2023. The draft report has been published. The CCCF agreed: (i) to re-convene the EWG, chaired by India and co-chaired by Senegal, […]
Labeling Update: May 2023
USA: FDA Extends Comment Period for Guidance on Plant-Based ‘Milk’ Labels The U.S. Food and Drug Administrator (FDA) has extended the time for the public to give their comments on the draft guidance for labels on plant-based ‘milk’ alternatives. The draft guidance, called “Labeling of Plant-Based Milk Alternatives and Voluntary Nutrient Statements; Draft Guidance for […]
Sustainability Update: May 2023
EU: Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence During the first reading of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (CSDD) proposal, the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), Legal Affairs Committee (JURI), agreed on new rules to integrate human rights and environmental impact into companies’ governance. The indicative plenary vote for the CSDD is scheduled for May 31, 2023. […]
Latest Trade News and Agreements: May 2023
Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement On May 31, 2023, the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement will come into effect, providing Australian farmers with enhanced access to a significant market, and enabling them to expand their customer base. The FTA also grants UK consumers the opportunity to purchase high-quality, sustainable Australian produce alongside their existing domestically produced options. […]
INC Outreach Visit to China
INC co-founder spoke at two major events and toured multiple industrial facilities The INC traveled to China last month for an outreach visit that included a high-profile presence at two important industry events and tours of multiple industrial facilities. The trip served to consolidate ties with China’s nut and dried fruit industry and cement the […]
Marketing Orders
USA: Assessment Rate, California Prunes This rule implements a recommendation from the Prune Marketing Committee to increase the assessment rate established for the 2022-23 crop year. This final rule increases the assessment rate from $0.28 per ton of assessed dried prunes, the rate that was established for the 2020-21 and subsequent crop years, to $0.33 […]