Effects of Longer-Term Mixed Nut Consumption on Lipoprotein Particle Concentrations in Older Adults with Overweight or Obesity

Background: Recently, we reported that longer-term mixed nut intake significantly reduced serum total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, but these markers may not fully capture lipoprotein-related cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Objectives: This randomized, controlled, single-blinded, crossover trial in older adults with overweight or obesity examined the effects of longer-term mixed nut consumption on lipoprotein particle size, […]

Food Safety Update: January 2025

EU: Bisphenol A Banned in Food Contact Materials In December 2024, the European Commission adopted a ban on the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials, citing its potentially harmful health impact. BPA is a chemical substance used in the manufacture of certain plastics and resins. More information   EU: Plant Protection Products […]

Labeling Update: January 2025

USA: FDA Releases Final Guidance Document on Food Allergens On January 6, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a guidance document intended to answer the industry’s frequently asked questions about food allergens, including food allergen labeling requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The new guidance includes a revised list […]

Marketing Orders: January 2025

USA: Increased Assessment Rate on Walnuts Grown in California The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service has issued a final rule increasing the assessment rate established for 2024-2025 and subsequent marketing years from US$0.011 to US$0.0125 per in-shell pound of California walnuts. More information

Sustainability Update: January 2025

Australia: AU$2 Million in Funding Awarded to Optimize Hazelnut Production Charles Sturt University is leading a five-year AU$2 million research program funded by AgriFutures Australia to optimize hazelnut production in Australia. The research program will support the long-term growth and competitive advantage of the Australian hazelnut industry by developing quality standards and an industry framework, […]

Latest Trade News and Agreements: January 2025

China: Draft Regulation on Overseas Food Producer Registration China has published a notice requesting public comments on a draft regulation that aims to update the Regulations on the Registration and Administration of Overseas Producers of Imported Food (Decree 248), implemented in 2022, by expanding the process by which some countries can submit facility registrations. For […]

Water use dynamics of almond and pistachio crops in the Mediterranean region amid climate change

Almond and pistachio are socio-economically significant tree crops grown in California’s San Joaquin Valley (SJV). Continuing commercial production with efficient irrigation planning under changing climate requires an extensive understanding of their biophysical interactions such as altered phenology, biomass accumulation, transpiration, and other processes. This study examines the phenology and water use (ETc) responses of almonds […]

Intercropping alfalfa during almond orchard establishment reduces winter soil nitrogen and water losses, provides on‐farm revenue

The ecosystem benefits linked to intercropping and diversified agroecosystems is an area with increasing research interest, particularly in sustainable food production and farm resilience to extreme climate variability. Interrow cropping of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in almond [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D. A. Webb] orchards during the 3–4 non-bearing, establishment years has potential to advance sustainable […]