Intercropping Systems: An Opportunity for Environment Conservation within Nut Production

Global population growth and intensive agriculture have both contributed negatively to the environment. As a result, there is increasing interest in the use of sustainable alternatives is increasing to promote better use of natural resources and create an equilibrium between agriculture and the environment. Intercropping, the simultaneous cultivation of multiple crops, aims to optimize land […]

Exploring the bioactive potential of dried fruit by-products: a focus on hazelnut, peanut, and almond teguments and shells

Dried fruits are renowned for their nutritional value, particularly their seeds. However, their skins, shells, and hulls also hold significant nutritional and commercial potential, yet remain largely unexplored for their bioactive compounds. This study examines the teguments and shells of three types of dried fruits – hazelnut, peanut, and two almond varieties. Ethanol extracts from […]

Insights into the cashew production system in Guinea-Bissau: implications for agroecosystem sustainability

Introduction: West Africa, particularly Guinea-Bissau, heavily relies on cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale L.) production, which significantly impacts the countries’ economies. Cashew exhibits remarkable adaptability to impoverished and arid soils. Understanding producers’ socio-economic characteristics is crucial due to their potential influence on crop productivity and household income. Methods: This study aims to characterize the socio-economic, productive, […]

Labeling Update: July 2024

USA: Hawaii Adopts New Labeling Requirements for Macadamias On July 3, 2024, the Governor of Hawaii signed a bill that increases transparency in macadamia nut labeling by requiring products containing nuts grown outside Hawaii to disclose this fact on the label. The bill also prohibits misleading “Hawaii-grown” claims and envisages stringent enforcement measures and penalties […]

Food Safety Update: July 2024

Australia: New BMSB Pre-Border Biosecurity Treatment Provider Scheme The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has introduced AusTreat, a new pre-border biosecurity treatment provider scheme. AusTreat replaces the Offshore Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) Treatment Providers Scheme and sets the conditions for the regulation of pre-border biosecurity treatment providers. AusTreat is not pest- or […]

Latest Trade News and Agreements: July 2024

Brazil: Opportunities for US Tree Nut Exporters A recent USDA GAIN report provides a comprehensive analysis of the tree nut market in Brazil, highlighting significant opportunities for US exporters. With a growing consumer focus on health and lifestyle, the demand for nutritious nuts is rising in Brazil. The report details current market conditions, challenges, regulatory […]

Sustainability Update: July 2024

USA: California to Vote on Climate-Resilience Funding On July 3, 2024, California’s acting governor signed SB 867, the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024, clearing the way for the bill to be put before voters on the November ballot. The bill envisages investments totaling US$10 billion in […]

Protocol: A Novel Approach to Assess Several Environmental Impacts of Diets on Differences of Nut Intake

Objectives: Many dietary guidelines encourage nut intake. However, the role of nuts in environmentally sustainable diets has been questioned due to their water-intensive agricultural demands. Nuts are condensed sources of protein and fats, making them a reasonable replacement for protein and fat-rich animal foods, thus potentially influencing a diet’s environmental sustainability. The proposed study aims […]

Effects of energy-restricted diets with or without nuts on weight, body composition and glycaemic control in adults: a scoping review

Energy-restricted (ER) diets promote weight loss and improve body composition and glycaemic control. Nut consumption also improves these parameters. However, less is known about the combined benefit of these two strategies. This scoping review implemented a systematic search of Medline, Embase and Scopus to identify randomised controlled trials evaluating the effect of ER diets with […]

Comprehensive Review Compiles Myriad Health Benefits of Almonds

Almond consumption may improve cardiovascular disease risk factors, gut microbiome and much more A study published recently in Nutrients provides a systematic and updated perspective on the benefits of almond consumption for cardiovascular health and the gut microbiome. The authors conducted a comprehensive review of studies investigating the effects of almond consumption on cardiovascular disease […]