Variation of Morphological, Agronomic and Chemical Composition Traits of Local Hazelnuts Collected in Northern Spain.

Hazelnut is a traditional crop in northern Spain, where it grows wild as well as being cultivated. A field collection of 41 local and 17 non-local accessions, including 15 well-known cultivars, was established at SERIDA in Villaviciosa, Spain. Here, phenotypic variation was documented for phenological and morphological traits and chemical composition. A large degree of variation for most morphological and phenological traits, except nut maturity date, was revealed. Estimates of broad-sense heritability were high (>0.75) for most of the assessed characters, except for the first male bloom date (0.65), male and female flowering periods (0.40, 0.31), kernel weight (0.69), and kernel percentage (0.33). Local accessions produced smaller nuts and kernels than well-known cultivars but with higher kernel percentage. Limited overlapping between the male and female flowering periods (dychogamy) was observed, except for 'Forcinas 1', 'Forcinas 2', and 'Morell'. The local accessions generally exhibited significantly later male and female flowering compared with the reference cultivars. The local materials showed similar nutritional values to those reported previously for hazelnut. Moreover, the local accessions presented average values similar to the non-local accessions for total fat, ash and carbohydrate contents, as well as energy value, but their protein contents were lower. Their oils were rich in functional compounds, such as unsaturated fatty acids (average: 90.1%), tocopherols (514 mg/kg) and squalene (294.3 mg/kg). A hierarchical clustering on principal components analysis grouped the accessions and differentiated eight local accessions from the rest, including the landrace 'Casina'. This finding provides potential new cultivars, as well as sources of desirable traits, for European hazelnut breeding programs. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2021.659510

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Transcriptomic and Metabolic Analysis of Fruit Development and Identification of Genes Involved in Raffinose and Hydrolysable Tannin Biosynthesis in Walnuts.

Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is an important fruit tree with high nutrition in its nuts. Here, the development of walnut fruits was monitored, and nine biological samples at five developmental stages were collected and analyzed by transcriptomic and metabolic assays. Many phenolic metabolites accumulated in the peel of mature fruits, while lipids, carbohydrates, and amino acids and their derivatives mainly accumulated in the kernel. Fatty acid biosynthesis occurred at 13 weeks after pollination, and photosynthesis might occur in the exocarp of walnuts. By coexpression analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome, genes responsible for some metabolic pathways were predicted. Three genes encoding shikimate dehydrogenases (SDHs) that convert 3-dehydroshikimic acid to gallic acid (GA) and four genes encoding UDP-glycosyltransferase (UGT) that convert GA to β-glucogallin in the biosynthesis of hydrolysable tannins (HTs) were selected for functional confirmation. These three SDH genes were then expressed in Escherichia coli, and their recombinant proteins showed GA formation activity. Moreover, heterologous expression of the three SDH and four UGT genes in poplar hairy roots also showed a significant increase in GA and β-glucogallin accumulation, respectively. Taken together, we have provided an overview of walnut fruit development and uncovered genes involved in HT biosynthesis. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.1c02434

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Biodegradable film for raisins packaging application: evaluation of physico-chemical characteristics and antioxidant potential.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the application of a biodegradable film, based on grape seed flour extract, for raisin packaging. Physico-chemical characteristics (moisture, total soluble solids, total acidity, pH), total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were evaluated during 182 days of storage at 20 °C, compared to a poly(ethylene) film packaging. After 182 days, the use of biodegradable film increased raisin moisture and pH, decreased total soluble solids and total acidity of raisin compared to the use of poly(ethylene) film. The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of raisin packed in the biodegradable film were 60.0 and 51.8% higher, respectively, than in poly(ethylene) film. The results showed that the biodegradable film based on seed flour extract is a potential material for active packaging due its contribution to the maintenance of the antioxidant activity of raisin and can be used for their conservation. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.130538

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New Product Launches: Prunes

Prunes are a delicious dried fruit that comes with a wide range of health benefits. However, they are also quite versatile and there is no shortage of ways to consume them. Companies around the world sell and market these tasty fruits as good for you snack options, juices, purées, and even prune powder. Although the product opportunities don’t end there. Furthermore, consumers use prunes in healthy baking, confectionery, and as well as in savory dishes. The ability to combine prunes with many different foods provides consumers with a wide array of options.

Through more research and development, we can expect there to be new prune products popping up all over the globe, especially as more of the health benefits are recognized. Below are some products that have been launch from various regions of the world.

Oaks Heart’s Dried Pickles – California Prunes (Japan): This tasty treat from Japan consists of California Prunes pickled in a special sugarcane vinegar in order to stimulate one’s appetite. Because of this, it is a great snack that can be consumed as an appetizer. https://sumurie.com/hpgen/HPB/entries/593.html

Sunsweet’s Amaz!n™ Prune Light (USA): This prune juice from Sunsweet gives consumers a new lighter option when shopping for prune juices. It has 100 calories and comes with 40% less sugar. Although it is “light” it still packs 3g of fiber and 5 essential vitamins and minerals. https://www.sunsweet.com/store/amazn-prune-light-64oz

Peasy Life’s Peasy Pods (United Kingdom): Made for babies, this organic purée is frozen into cubes which can easily be heated up, mixed, and enjoyed. Flavors include blueberry, apple, and prune, and banana, oats, coconut, and prune. Peasy Pods markets them as ideal for babies over 6 months. https://peasylife.com/index.html

Prescribed for Life’s Prune 4:1 Powder Extract (USA): Prune 4:1 Powder is a nutritional supplement that is sold by the US company, Prescribed for Life. With the natural health benefits of prunes, they market this supplement as bone and muscle support. https://pforlife.com/prune-dried-plum-4-1-powder-extractdigestion-bone-musclesupport-prunusdomestica.html


Maître Prunille’s Ballotin Dark Chocolate Coated Prunes (France): Maître Prunille’s chocolate-covered prunes are a confectionery item that can be consumed as a snack or given as a gift. The Agen prunes are covered with 70% cocoa dark chocolate, which enhances the fruity flavor of the prunes. https://boutique.maitreprunille.com/pruneaux-enrobes-dechocolat/111pruneauxenrobes-chocolat-noirballotin.html

Tiny Spoons’ Organic Plums and Prunes Purée (India): Made with organic fruits, handpicked with love, from the farms of Europe. Gently cooked and packaged to preserve the nutrients without any additives. Bringing only the goodness of delicious fruits all the way to India, perfect for tiny tummies. https://www.firstcry.com/tiny-spoons/tiny-spoonsorganic-plums-and-prunespuree-pack-of-3-120-gmeach/2090806/productdetail

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Health Benefits of Prunes

Nutrition Research

Throughout the past decade, research on prunes has increased due to their association with bone health and potential preventative measures, as well as their contribution to normal bowel function. In 2012, the European Commission approved the health claim[1] that consuming 100 grams a day of prunes contributes to normal bowel function. Additionally, prunes have been shown to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and their consumption has been associated with improved cardiovascular risk factors[2].
 

Digestive Health

A scientific study[3] published in Clinical Nutrition in 2018 investigated the effect of prunes on stool output, gut transit time and gastrointestinal microbiota.

The study included a total of 120 healthy adults who had a low fiber intake and a stool frequency of 3-6 times per week. Each participant took one of the three following treatments: 80 g/day of prunes (plus 300 ml/day of water); 120 g/day of prunes (plus 300 ml/day of water) or control (300 ml/day water) for 4 weeks. Stool weight was the primary outcome and determined by 7-day stool collection. Secondary outcomes as stool frequency and consistency were also measured, among others.

Results showed that both groups supplemented with prunes increased the stool weight and improved stool frequency when compared with the non-prunes consumer group (control). This is of interest because low stool weight and delayed gastrointestinal transit time are considered risk factors for diseases such as colorectal cancer. There was also a greater increase in Bifidobacteria across the prune-groups. Bifidobacteria are probiotics in the human gut and may contribute towards host health.

Bone Health

A range of studies have demonstrated the link between consuming prunes and the prevention and reverse of bone loss, especially in postmenopausal women[4-7]. In fact, a recent case study[8] published in Bone Reports describes how a woman reversed the 7.6% bone loss at the lumbar spine she experienced as a participant in the control group. After she completed the initial clinical trial and on her own initiative, she began eating 6 prunes daily (in addition to calcium and vitamin D3) for about 16 months while enrolled in a different study at Penn State University that also measured bone mineral density. She experienced a 7.8% improvement in bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine improving her BMD to slightly more than her previous baseline.

A 2019[9] study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food explored how prune consumption related to bone health, particularly bone resorption and vascular function. In total, twenty-seven postmenopausal women took party in the study and were instructed to consume either two or six prunes daily for two weeks. After 2 weeks, the groups were crossed over and proceeded to consume the other number of prunes. It was observed that those intaking six prunes each day experienced a decrease in bone resorption –or bone breakdown.

In 2011, researchers published a study[10] in the British Journal of Nutrition to show the effects of prune consumption on bone loss in osteopenic postmenopausal women. The one-hundred and sixty qualified participants were divided into two groups, one consuming 100 grams/day of prunes and the other 100 grams/ day of dried apples. The results of the study showed that the prune group saw significantly improved bone mineral density (BMD) and this was most likely due to the lower rate of bone turnover found in those who consumed prunes.

Additional Health Benefits of Prunes

As mentioned previously, prunes have been associated with reductions in cardiovascular risk[11]. Additionally, a publication from the journal Advances in Nutrition examined the relationship between the consumption of traditional dried fruits, including prunes, and cancer risk in humans[12].

The study concluded that increasing dried fruit consumption to 3-5 or more servings a week may produce beneficial health effects for some cancers, including pancreatic, prostate, stomach, bladder, and colon. The prospective cohort studies determined significant reductions in relative risk of precancerous colorectal polyps, incidence of prostate cancer, and mortality of pancreatic cancer. The study suggests that increased consumption of dried fruits, including prunes, may be important in the prevention of digestive system cancers.


 

References
1. Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 of 16 May 2012.
2. Hong, M. Y., Kern, M., Nakamichi-Lee, M., Abbaspour, N., Ahouraei Far, A., & Hooshmand, S. (2021). Dried Plum Consumption Improves Total Cholesterol and Antioxidant Capacity and Reduces Inflammation in Healthy Postmenopausal Women. Journal of Medicinal Food.
3.Lever, E., Scott, S. M., Louis, P., Emery, P. W., & Whelan, K. (2019). The effect of prunes on stool output, gut transit time and gastrointestinal microbiota: A randomised controlled trial. Clinical Nutrition, 38(1), 165-173.
4. Al-Dashti, Y.A., Holt, R.R., Carson, J.G., Keen, C.L., Hackman, R.M. (2019). Effects of Short-Term Dried Plum (Prune) Intake on Markers of Bone Resorption and Vascular Function in Healthy Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Crossover Trial. Journal of Medicinal Food, doi: 10.1089/jmf.2018.0209.
5. Hooshmand, S., Chai, S. C., Saadat, R. L., Payton, M. E., Brummel-Smith, K., & Arjmandi, B. H. (2011). Comparative effects of dried plum and dried apple on bone in postmenopausal women. British Journal of Nutrition, 106(6), 923.
6. Franklin, M., Bu, S. Y., Lerner, M. R., Lancaster, E. A., Bellmer, D., Marlow, D., ... & Smith, B. J. (2006). Dried plum prevents bone loss in a male osteoporosis model via IGF-I and the RANK pathway. Bone, 39(6), 1331-1342.
7. Rendina, E., Hembree, K. D., Davis, M. R., Marlow, D., Clarke, S. L., Halloran, B. P., ... & Smith, B. J. (2013). Dried plum’s unique capacity to reverse bone loss and alter bone metabolism in postmenopausal osteoporosis model. PloS one, 8(3), e60569.
8. Strock, N. C., Koltun, K. J., Weaver, C., & De Souza, M. J. (2021). Dried plum consumption improves bone mineral density in osteopenic postmenopausal woman: A case report. Bone Reports, 14, 101094.
9. Al-Dashti, Y.A., Holt, R.R., Carson, J.G., Keen, C.L., Hackman, R.M. (2019). Effects of Short-Term Dried Plum (Prune) Intake on Markers of Bone Resorption and Vascular Function in Healthy Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Crossover Trial. Journal of Medicinal Food, doi:
10.1089/jmf.2018.0209. 10. Hooshmand, S., Chai, S. C., Saadat, R. L., Payton, M. E., Brummel-Smith, K., & Arjmandi, B. H. (2011). Comparative effects of dried plum and dried apple on bone in postmenopausal women. British Journal of Nutrition, 106(6), 923.
11. Hong, M. Y., Kern, M., Nakamichi-Lee, M., Abbaspour, N., Ahouraei Far, A., & Hooshmand, S. (2021). Dried Plum Consumption Improves Total Cholesterol and Antioxidant Capacity and Reduces Inflammation in Healthy Postmenopausal Women. Journal of Medicinal Food.
12. Mossine, V. V., Mawhinney, T. P., & Giovannucci, E. L. (2019). Dried Fruit Intake and Cancer: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies. Advances in Nutrition.
13. Foster-Powell, K., Holt, S. H., & Brand-Miller, J. C. (2002). International table of glycemic index and glycemic load values: 2002. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 76(1), 5-56.

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A Convergence of Market Forces

By Donn Zea, Executive Director for the California Prune Board

Donn Zea is the Executive Director of the California Prune Board and Prune Marketing Committee, the state and federal marketing orders for California Prunes. On behalf of California’s premium prune growers and processors, Donn and his team develop and execute strategies that support the growth of California Prune consumption and value through domestic and international marketing strategies, science-based nutrition discovery, crop and sustainability research, and trade and agricultural policy communications.
 

As for California Prunes, we were fortunate to have had such a strong foundation in place as a food that consumers recognized and trusted. When the year ended, total shipments of California Prunes had increased by 14% over the previous year, and the most in the past four years. That trend continues today. We now look to build on this momentum, listening and learning from our trade partners and consumers who have turned to California Prunes during this period, with a goal of earning their continued trust and loyalty.
 
In convergence with this momentous demand are the weather challenges that rocked producers in South America and France earlier this year leading to significantly reduced crops and tighter inventories for at least the coming year. For those who make their living in agriculture, these challenges are all too familiar, and even among competitors, empathy and understanding abound. The shift in global positioning can certainly be seen as historic for the prune industry, and a real hardship for growers and handlers, who are left with limited-or-no inventory as they prepare for the next year. In what would otherwise be a robust market, the global industry has recognized the need for supply between now and the next Southern Hemisphere harvest.

For those who grow and process California Prunes, the increased demand of the past year and a smaller-than-average crop in 2020, helped stabilize inventory, something we manage carefully to accommodate our customers year-round. Premium producers like France and California intentionally carry over inventory as a protection plan and will likely have the capacity to provide the fruit for the gap left by the Southern Hemisphere.

The 2021 California crop is estimating an average-to-slightly-above average in volume and the quality and range of premium sizes are consistent with what our customers have come to expect. While global inventories will be tight, California is in a healthy position.

In May of this year, California hosted colleagues from the global prune industry for the 19th annual International Prune Association (IPA) Congress, held virtually for the first-time in history. Having traditionally attended Congresses in prune regions like South America, Europe, Australia and South Africa, the virtual IPA was a reminder of the value many get from camaraderie among associates, enthusiasm for our business, and local culture which can be aptly shared in-person. Nevertheless, holding the virtual event came at an opportune time and elevated the value of the IPA by bringing clarity to our shared challenges and opportunities.

While the convergence of limited global supply and strong demand commanded much of the attention during the IPA program, there was recognition that weather-related challenges –drought and increasing temperature volatility, in particular– present difficulties for growers in both hemispheres. Practices that offset rising labor costs, limited available water, land, and mounting regulatory costs are more important than ever before. Continued investment in irrigation efficiency, resilient rootstocks, fruit size management and, mechanical innovations in pruning are all integral to our success going forward. These challenges drive California growers and handlers to continue making substantial annual investments in proprietary research, but also partner with leading universities and institutions to provide the industry with tools that help us grow consistently high-quality prunes, profitably and sustainably.

Adding to these challenges, traditional food distribution systems are being tested like never before. Macro issues, including trade policies, tariffs, world politics, exchange rates, and the value of the U.S. dollar continue to be in a state of constant change. These factors –largely beyond our control– do not define our industry.

The diverse makeup and multigenerational families of California Prune growers are the core of the industry bringing craftsmanship to the orchards. Over 100 years of expertise has gone into perfecting the growing and harvesting techniques of California Prunes including our intricate climate-controlled tunnel-drying process to produce that legendary sweetness. Of course, we back all of this up with incomparable industry collaboration to drive market support through promotion and nutrition research.

I could go on, but I think our current Chairman of the California Prune Board, George Sousa, Jr., sums it up best by saying that if you were to list all of the attributes of California Prunes, but didn’t tell people what the product is, everyone would say: “I want to eat that!” We are committed to believing in our product, our industry, and all that we are doing to advance its success for years to come.

As our brand proclaims: California for Prunes. Prunes for Life.

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Industry Highlight: Californian Prunes

Production

California is the largest producer of prunes and the world's second-largest exporter. California Prunes are descendants of the Petit d’Agen variety, brought from France during the Gold Rush in the nineteenth century. Today these prunes are known as Improved French.

The Improved French variety is dark red to purplish with tender, dark amber flesh[1]. This fine-textured prune is medium in size and egg-shaped, with a rich, sweet flavor. Improved French dries with a 3:1 drying ratio on average. Trees are long-lived, vigorous and have an upright growth habit.

Usually, growers must wait four to six years after planting a prune tree before seeing their labor bring fruit—literally! Even yet, it takes eight to twelve years for a tree to reach a full production capacity of 150-300 pounds (68-136 kg) of raw fruit per year[2]. An orchard will produce around three decades' worth of prunes at that stage.

Prune orchards in California today cover around 16,600 hectares (about 41,000 acres) concentrated in the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys[3]. The Sacramento Valley, in northcentral California, produces about 90% of the crop[4]. Tulare, Fresno and Madera counties in the San Joaquin Valley also produce prunes.

As reported by the California Prune Board, the California Prune industry generates more than $717 million in annual economic impact each year, which flows into the state economy and supports more than 7,000 full-time equivalent jobs.


Trade

California prunes are a particularly important category for U.S. dried fruit exports, ranking third after dried cranberries and raisins. The U.S. accounts for 18% of the world prune exports. Since 2016, the country has exported an average of 34,100 MT of prunes per year, the main destinations being Eastern Asia and Western Europe. Japan is the largest market, reaching 29 million $U.S. in 2020, which accounts for 24% of the U.S. export value[5].

Consumption

The U.S. is the world’s largest consumer of prunes, with domestic consumption of 47,800 MT per year on average6. In a recent trend research conducted by the INC in partnership with Ogilvy, consumer trends in both mature and emerging markets showed an increasing interest in energy-boosting foods and gut health, into which prunes fit perfectly.

Based on the results of the analysis, the U.S. is the largest market for digestive health. The concept of digestive health is no longer related to mostly over-the-counter products, as it traditionally was; it is now shifting to a more organic diet focused on microbiomes and probiotics –a more preventive approach. Due to an aging society, health issues arise, which means that consumers opt for more natural products as a preventative solution to staying healthy. Besides, the focus is not only on digestive health but also on the gut-brain axis and its impact not only on physical health but also mental wellbeing.

The shift toward health and wellbeing as a holistic approach focused on whole ingredients is ideal for prunes to thrive and grow.

References:
1. Prunus Cultivar: French Improved Prune. Foundation Plant Services - University of California, Davis. https://fps.ucdavis.edu/treedetails.cfm?v=670&hidepics=yes (accessed June 2021)
2. https://californiaprunes.org/growing-harvesting/ (accessed June 2021)
3. https://www.californiaprunes.net/about-us/the-california-difference/ (accessed June 2021)
4. USDA NASS, 2017 Census. Quickstats. Available online at: https://quickstats.nass.usda.gov/ (accessed June 2021)
5. U.S. Census Bureau, Economic Indicators Division, U.S. Import and Export Merchandise trade statistics.
6. INC Statistical Yearbook, 2020/2021

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Almond 2021/2022 Crop Forecast 

Almonds USA

According to the Almond Board of California June 2021 Position Report, published on July 9, receipts through June 30 added up to 3.1 billion lbs. (1.4 million metric tons). Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 uncertainties, tariffs and global logistics issues, demand performance has been the highlight this season. Overall shipments through June 30 amounted to 2.7 B lbs. (1.2 MM MT), up by 22% from 2019/20, with significant international shipments of 1.9 B lbs. (876,000 MT), increased by 30%. A phenomenal growth was observed in all regions. Asia-Pacific led the increment (42%), being India and China the two fastest-growing markets. Up by 31%, the Middle East/Africa continues to be very strong. Increment in Europe (20%) is led by strong snacking and domestic demand.
 
As per the USDA NASS 2021 California Almond Objective Measurement Report (released July 12), the objective crop forecast stands at 2.8 B lbs. (1.3 MM MT), 13% down from May’s subjective forecast and based on 1.3 MM bearing acres (538,200 hectares). Although bloom conditions were excellent, the lack of spring rainfall and record high temperatures in June resulted in lower than initially expected output.

Almonds Australia

The 2021 harvest was completed after a slow start in the eastern growing region because of rain. Based on hulling and shelling results, quality and kernel yield are better than last year. The first six months shipments are expected to be well above last year’s slow start to the marketing year, provided shipping containers are available.
 
Regarding the outlook for the 2022 crop, chill hours are adequate with bloom to commence in July. Water storages continue to fill with good recent rain events. Nursery sales indicate that new plantings have significantly slowed down, to around 1,000 hectares in 2020. This slowing is likely to continue due to lack of water security and reduced grower returns from a stronger Australian dollar and lower world prices.
 
Despite the large Californian crop and market disruptions related to COVID-19, exports of 76,710 MT were very similar to the previous year (up 0.2% from 2019). In 2019, 73% of the crop was shipped in the first 6 months, from March to August, while in 2020, only 50% of the crop was shipped within the first six months. This resulted in a larger than normal overlap of the southern hemisphere crop being marketed at a similar time to the northern hemisphere crop. Domestic demand was up 7%, led by the pandemic lockdown.

Almonds Spain

The final 2020/21 crop is estimated at over 115, 000 MT based on 587,000 ha. Carry out is larger than last year, due to the decrease in domestic demand caused by the lack of tourists entering and consuming within the country. It is estimated that an average of 80 million (pre-pandemic) visitors a year consume around 10-15,000 MT of almonds. Total shipment demand in 2020/21 amounted to 96,633 MT, up 16% from 2019/20, from which 57% were international shipments and the remaining 43% were domestic sales.
 
Although bearing hectares in 2021/22 (607,600 ha) increased by 4% from last year, the crop is expected to be 6% down, as a very severe frost in mid-March affected the production.
 
Based on a yearly cultivation of around 15 million trees and 100,000 non-bearing hectares, Spanish almond production is projected to reach 185,000 by 2025. Although around 85% of the planted area in Spain is rainfed, the 15% planted under irrigation is already producing 50% of the total crop.

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Pistachio 2021/2022 Crop Forecast

Pistachios USA

Next crop weather conditions were favorable, with enough chill hours from November to February and a good bloom period, so expectations are that the 2021/22 is going to be a large off year. There is a relatively large carry-over into 2021/22, which is going to help to stabilize supply.
 
Although there are some ongoing water issues in California, water availability is expected to be sufficient for this season. Besides, sustainable farming is on the rise, more and more growers are using agronomical practices to improve water penetration. There is also increased use of cover crops and compost, which leads to reduce water needs. Pistachio quality has also improved in recent years, primarily, due to farmers harvesting early and shaking twice, undergoing winter sanitation and utilizing mating disruption pest control.
 
There are new plantings going in every year, at an approximate rate of 5-7% increase per year. And some of these new plantings entering into production will reflect in the 2021 crop. It is anticipated that the industry will continue to grow, the demand has been strong, and at least in the near term, it will meet the growing supply. Some of the pandemic-related habits, that led to around a 10% consumption increase in the snacking category, are expected to continue in the long term. Additionally, the kernel market has grown dramatically during this last year. The biggest challenge for the California pistachio industry is the ongoing tariffs into the Chinese market and the trade barriers that have put the US product at disadvantage.

Pistachios Iran

As reported by the Iran Pistachio Association, the current crop is expected to be around 150,000 metric tons (in-shell basis) due to severe frost and heat damages. Preliminary, the 2021/22 crop will be composed of 36% Ahmad Aghaei, 32% Fandoghi, 17% Jumbo and 15% is Akbari. The small percentage of Akbari is due to the frost damage, that impacted more this particular cultivar than the others.
 
Out of the 31 states in Iran, 27 of them cultivate pistachio, with some new plantings. All together they add up to 340,000 ha of bearing pistachio orchards. Although productivity is very variable, from 100 to 4,000 kg/ha, the geographical diversity is likely to reduce production fluctuations and the Iranian crop is expected to reach around 200,000 MT on average during the next 4-5 years. New plantings consist mostly of long varieties (AA and Akbari), so this kind of cultivar is foreseen to dominate the production.

Pistachios Turkey

For the 2021/22 season, a strong off-year is expected, weather conditions were adequate, with average rainfall, but with lower-than-average chilling hours and really exhausted trees from last year's record crop. Based on 540,000 bearing acres (218,000 hectares), the new crop is forecasted to yield about 500 pounds per acre (560 kg/ha), which is very low, and around 89,000 MT in-shell.
 
In Turkey, new plantings have been increasing over the previous ten years. Around 380,000 acres (153,000 ha) of the total planted area are yet not bearing. Growing regions are expanding towards the South East of the country, and new plantings are under irrigation and applying modern agronomical practices, which will noticeably improve yield per unit land area compared to the national average.

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COVID-19 Update: July 21, 2021

The latest WHO COVID-19 Weekly Epidemiological Update estimates that the cumulative number of cases reported globally could exceed 200 million in the next three weeks. Last week, Western Pacific Region recorded the largest increase in case incidence as compared to the previous week, followed by the European Region (30% and 21%, respectively). The number of deaths increased in the South-East Asia and the Western Pacific Regions by 12% and 10%, respectively.
After a sustained decline in COVID-19 cases and deaths, the WHO is alerting that the Delta variant’s spread, along with increased social mobility and inconsistent use of public health measures, is driving an increase in both case numbers and deaths. Delta is present in more than 124 countries (13 new countries) and WHO expects it to be the dominant COVID-19 strain circulating worldwide very soon.
 
WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reiterated his concern that inequity has created a two-track pandemic. The WHO goal is to vaccinate at least 10% of the population of every country by September, at least 40% by the end of 2021, and at least 70% by mid-2022.
 
Deaths in Africa have risen steeply for the past weeks. Hospital admissions are increasing rapidly while countries face shortages in oxygen and intensive care beds. “This is a clear warning sign that hospitals in the most impacted countries are reaching a breaking point,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. With less than 2% of the population vaccinated, Africa is experiencing its worst surge of cases since the pandemic began.
 
Asian countries are also battling their worse surge of COVID-19 infections. Vietnam, Thailand and South Korea have all imposed new lockdown restrictions. Only a small part of the population is vaccinated due to the shortage of vaccines. In Thailand, only about 15% of people have had at least one shot, and in Vietnam only about 4% have. In Indonesia, about 14% of its population has at least one dose. Indonesia has become the new COVID-19 epicenter in Asia, surpassing India and Brazil in daily case numbers as the Delta variant drives up infections. 
 
The effectiveness of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine against the Delta variant has been reported by the company. Although the vaccine showed a small drop in potency against the Delta variant, it is more effective than against the Beta variant.

UN

The COVID pandemic has had a negative impact on health and well-being; employment, businesses, incomes, education; and human rights. Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) and Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Group, said that the pandemic has reversed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) progress during the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. She remarked that there can be no pandemic recovery without “international solidarity and cooperation”.
 
On July 14, the WHO and the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, reported that the pandemic has caused a major backsliding in childhood vaccinations, with South East Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean most affected. As a consequence, the number of children not receiving vital first vaccine doses has increased.

Australia

The Australian state of Victoria entered snap lockdown from July 15 until July 20, after detecting 18 positive cases. This is its fifth lockdown since the pandemic began. However, the lockdown was extended beyond July 20 despite a slight drop in new infections. New South Wales is also in a five-week lockdown, which will last until the end of the month. Only around 10% of Australia's adult population is fully vaccinated.

China

Dr. Adhanom urged China to be more cooperative with the WHO's second phase of the investigation into the origins of COVID-19. The first phase of WHO's investigation ended in February.
 
China has administered more than 1.4 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines. The government has increased COVID-19 controls on the border with Myanmar, in the southwestern province of Yunnan, amid Delta variant fears.

EU

The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control predicts a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases, with nearly five times last week's level by August 1. The number of hospitalizations and deaths is expected to increase at a much slower pace.
 
The EU Digital COVID Certificate is available for European citizens with the aim of facilitating safe and free movement in the EU during the pandemic as it exempts holders from restrictions such as quarantine. In addition, the European Commission (EC) updated the list of countries for which travel restrictions should be lifted: Rwanda and Thailand were removed from the list and Ukraine was added to the list.
 
The EC continues to support the recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and its consequences with financing. In the last days, the EC has adopted a positive assessment of the recovery and resilience plan (under the Recovery and Resilience Facility) for Slovenia (€2.5 billion), Lithuania (€2.2 billion), Cyprus (€1.2 billion) and Czechia (€7 billion). In addition, under the State aid, Italy will receive financing to support self-employed and healthcare professionals in the context of coronavirus outbreak, Germany to reimburse travelers in case of insolvency of package travel organizers, and Spain to support companies affected. Alitalia, a major network airline operating in Italy, will be also compensated for the damages suffered with €39.7 million.
 
Team Europe, one of the leading donors of the COVAX Facility, and the Republic of Senegal have agreed to build a manufacturing plant to produce vaccines against COVID-19 and other endemic diseases. The new manufacturing plant should reduce Africa's 99% dependence on vaccine imports and strengthen future pandemic resilience on the continent. Construction of the new plant is expected to start later this year, with 25 million vaccine doses being produced each month by the end of 2022. 

Belgium

Belgium set new rules for travelers returning from “high-risk” areas who are not fully vaccinated. They will be required to take a PCR test on the first and seventh day after arrival. However, the day-one test is not necessary if the person took a PCR test in the 72 hours preceding their arrival. If the result is positive, they will be required to quarantine for 10 days.

France

On July 12, France announced that health workers must get COVID-19 jabs. In September, those workers not vaccinated could be sanctioned for non-compliance. Furthermore, anyone wanting access to the most public places (cinemas, theaters, museums, long-distance trains, shopping centers, hospitals…) will need to show proof of vaccination or a negative test. These measures aim to boost vaccination rates and fight against the new Delta variant.

Germany

Germany reclassified the Netherlands and Greece, two of the most popular vacation destinations, as coronavirus risk areas. People returning from these spots are expected to provide a negative test if they are not vaccinated or recently recovered from COVID-19.

Italy

With more than 62 million doses administered, over half of Italy is now fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Spain

Amid an explosion of new COVID-19 cases, especially among young people, a new nightly curfew has been imposed in some areas. In addition, the Balearic and Canary Islands are no longer classed as safe travel areas for UK tourists. The Netherlands also moved Spain to its amber list of destinations.

India

According to a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 86% of vaccinated Indians (among 677 participants) who got COVID-19 were infected by the Delta variant. However, the death rate among vaccinated individuals was found to be very low. Out of these 677 positive participants, 71 were vaccinated with Covaxin, 604 with Covishield, and two with the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine. 

Japan

Five days before the start of the Olympic Games, two positive cases for coronavirus have been detected in the athletes’ village. The two South African footballers, as well as 21 close contacts (players and officials) are confined to their rooms. In addition, a US gymnast also tested positive and a team member has been identified as a close contact. Both athletes have been transferred to a hotel to quarantine. In addition, six athletes and two staff members from Team GB's athletics team are self-isolating after being identified as close contacts of an individual who tested positive after they arrived in Tokyo on July 16. 

In Japan, just over 29% of the country's population has been vaccinated with at least one dose and about 18% is fully vaccinated.

South Africa

Amid the third wave of COVID-19 driven by the Delta variant, South Africa has reported records in new daily infections surpassing the highest in previous waves. In addition, some hospitals are at full capacity and have had to cancel elective surgeries to free up beds. Vaccinations are facing delays after pharmacy lootings. Only over 4.2 million of the country’s 59 million people have been immunized. The government is targeting administering a quarter of million jabs per day.

Turkey

Turkey started a new normalization phase on July 1, eliminating practically all virus-related restrictions, owing to a national decline in infections and an expedited vaccination effort –over 62.74% of the adult population has received at least one vaccine dose. The country continues its intensive vaccination campaign as all residents 18 and over are eligible for vaccine shots.

UK

The UK tightened rules for travelers from France who will have to quarantine for 10 days even if they have been fully vaccinated. This new rule, announced on July 16, entered into force on Monday, July 19. The restriction comes amid UK fears that the Beta variant, firstly identified in South Africa, could spread from France.
 
The UK is not yet recognizing EU COVID vaccine certificates. According to EUROACTIV, there are talks ongoing at a technical level with the UK, which are ”progressing well and going in the right direction”, a Commission spokesperson told EURACTIV.
 
On July 19, England removed most of its COVID-19 restrictions. Among others, the use of face masks is no longer compulsory and there are no limits on how many people can meet or attend events. As more than 68% of UK adults are fully vaccinated, it is expected that serious illness and deaths from COVID-19 will be at a lower level than in earlier peaks.
 
In Scotland, although the restrictions will be eased, the mandatory use of face coverings will remain in place for "some time", First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said.

USA

COVID-19 cases and deaths are rising again after months of decline, driven by the fast-spreading Delta variant, lagging vaccination rates and Fourth of July gatherings. Cases of COVID-19 have tripled over the past three weeks, and hospitalizations and deaths are rising among unvaccinated people.
 
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 55.8% of Americans have received at least one COVID-19 shot. About 48.3% of the total population has been fully vaccinated. The latest report highlights differences in the COVID-19 cumulative death rate and vaccination between urban and rural areas. The cumulative death rate in rural areas is higher than in urban areas, whereas vaccination coverage was lower in rural counties compared to urban counties.
 
The United States is reviewing whether it can lift restrictions that ban most-non US citizens from traveling to the US from much of Europe. The ban was imposed in March 2020.
 
 
The information above is a review of actions the INC has compiled from government sources, international organizations and press media. This news article is not intended to be exhaustive and it does not reflect the opinions of the INC. While the publishers believe that all information contained in this publication was correct at the time of publishing, they can accept no liability for any inaccuracies that may appear or loss suffered directly or indirectly by any reader as a result of any advertisement, editorial, photographs or other materials published in this news article.

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