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Almond Journey Podcast: MAHA Initiative Impacts on Almonds with FoodMinds

Episode 104

Published 9/17/2026

Andrea Carrothers and Carmen Berry of FoodMinds join the Journey to provide a look back, and ahead, of what’s happening globally in terms of nutrition policy that may affect almonds. FoodMinds partners with the Almond Board of California and their recent report focuses on the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative and as a result the interest in defining the term “ultra processed food.” Explore how this movement could impact the almond industry specifically, and why it’s important to be part of the conversation.

We know almonds are nutrient dense and have a lot of health benefits, and then it's being compared to a product that doesn't have nutrient dense foods. It's hard to compare apples to apples.
Carmen Berry

In Today’s episode: 

  • Meet Andrea Carrothers and Carmen Berry of FoodMinds
  • Explore the impacts of the MAHA movement on the almond industry
  • Discover the significance in having a clear definition for what the label “Ultra Processed Food” means

The Almond Journey Podcast is brought to you by the Almond Board of California. This show explores how growers, handlers, and other stakeholders are making things work in their operations to drive the almond industry forward. Host Tim Hammerich visits with leaders throughout the Central Valley of California and beyond who are finding innovative ways to improve their operations, connect with their communities, and advance the almond industry.

ABC recognizes the diverse makeup of the California almond industry and values contributions offered by its growers, handlers, and allied industry members. However, the opinions, services and products discussed in existing and future podcast episodes are by no means an endorsement or recommendation from ABC. The Almond Journey podcast is not an appropriate venue to express opinions on national, state, local or industry politics. As a Federal Marketing Order, the Almond Board of California is prohibited from lobbying or advocating on legislative issues, as well as setting field and market prices.