Third-party study shows the FMO works, importance to industry
In 2016, the American Pecan industry approved a Federal Marketing Order (FMO). The purpose of the marketing order was to implement five critical areas. These included Marketing/Promotion, Research, Grades & Standards, Data & Statistics, and Compliance. The American Pecan Council DOES NOT AND CANNOT DO THE FOLLOWING: set prices, buy/sell product, and set tariffs. Unfortunately,...
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APC Launches its Electronic Reporting Platform
As the Federal Marketing Order for the American Pecan industry, the American Pecan Council (APC) has specific items or job duties it uniquely can and cannot do. One of the critical abilities the FMO provides the industry with is fair access to transparent information for the first time. This data can ultimately be used to...
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A Season of Harvest, Thanksgiving, & Optimism
It’s safe to say that 2020 has been a year unlike any other. From the escalation of a global pandemic and its impacts on our businesses and families to a contentious election season and unrest in many cities, this year has been full of the unexpected. It has required new levels of understanding, adaptability, and...
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Industry Takes First Steps to Voluntary Quality Assurance Program
As mentioned in the American Pecan Council’s article featured in last month’s issue of Pecan South, the industry has moved forward with the creation of a voluntary quality assurance program. We will continue to provide readers with more information in upcoming articles as the program is further developed. In this initial article, we discuss the...
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Your Federal Marketing Order at Work
It has been a year and a half since the American Pecan Council hired a permanent executive director with full-time staff. In that time, we have undergone a thorough Strategic Planning process and have implemented numerous programs that benefit the pecan industry as a whole. The industry’s unified labor is coming to fruition. The encouraging...
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Are You in the Know on Industry Projects?
We always seek to keep the industry informed on the numerous projects being conducted by the American Pecan Council at any given time. Now that conference season is underway, we look forward to connecting and providing you with a detailed report in person, but we hope this article serves to give you a snapshot of...
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It’s a Bird…It’s a Plane…It’s the Supernut!
Realizing Resolution Fatigue 2020 is well underway, and like many people, you may have made plans for a healthier year. Resolutions have long been a part of ringing in a new year—pledges to make this year better than the last with improved habits and lifestyle changes. Living a healthier life is often first on the...
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Sharing the Pecan ThanksEverything Pie with America’s Kitchens
The Creation of the Pecan ThanksEverything Pie This holiday season, the American Pecan Council was on a mission to spotlight the true versatility of pecans. Our goal was to show that pecans work equally well in savory dishes as sweet, and are a crucial ingredient in every part of a seasonal celebration. Many brands are...
Read more2020—An exciting Year Ahead
With the beginning of the American Pecan Council’s (APC) new fiscal year, the industry has several projects moving forward. With the strategic plan in full swing, these projects can be broken down into five specific areas: Marketing; International Marketing; Grades, Standards & Research; Industry Relations; and Unified Industry. 2019 – 2020 promises to be a...
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Social Media–A Tool to Maximize Your Marketing in a Digital Age
As the American Pecan Council continues our mission to drive awareness and demand for pecans nationwide, we know that our journey must adapt to a fast-moving, ever-changing world. Launching any marketing program in the digital age means a careful review of the best tactics to efficiently and effectively stretch assessment dollars. More than anything, this...
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What’s Around the Bend for Industry Data and Analytics
The summer months have been eventful for the American Pecan Council (APC). Committee meetings took place at the end of July, the second Pecan Congress met on Aug. 20, and the APC General Council Meeting followed on Aug. 21. Thank you to those of you who joined us at either or both these events! The...
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A Year in Review
It may sound cliché, but time has a way of marching right on by when you’re busy having fun. This past year has been full of many firsts. The American Pecan Council (APC) was established in 2016, but like any endeavor built from the ground up, it has taken a couple years to establish a...
Read moreThe 101 Series: How the APC Measures Success
The passage of the Federal Marketing Order (FMO) was a tremendous step forward for the American pecan industry and one that has created unprecedented marketing opportunities for all members of our industry. The American Pecan Council is committed to making the most effective use of industry funds as we continue to build momentum for American...
Read moreThe 101 Series: Transaction Models 101
Upon the completion of the American Pecan Council’s Strategic Planning Process, the APC with the help of the Boston Consulting Group identified five main areas of change and opportunity for the pecan industry. Although all five are vital to the success of the industry, one component—“the need to modernize transactions”—continues to receive the most questions....
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APC 101 Series: Marketing Strategy 101
As consumer behavior changes and generations establish their likes and dislikes, industry marketing, education techniques, and technologies must also adapt or be left behind. To understand and thrive in the future market, the industry must understand consumer trends and preferences. Consider the following: traditional TV viewing is down across all major age groups. According to...
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The 101 Series: Unifying the Industry & the Beginning of Change 101
A life and career in agriculture are fraught with uncertainty, going through periods of highs and lows depending on weather patterns, regulatory changes, and trade and market conditions, among other factors. For the pecan industry, 2018 was particularly challenging, as we faced hurricanes, floods, and droughts, not to mention an international trade war and falling...
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APC 101 Series: Strategic Planning
The pecan industry is at a critical stage. Trade pressures, volatile market prices, and natural disasters have created uncertainty for many during a time when the industry has only just recently unified under the Federal Marketing Order. Under our remit through the FMO and as the largest and broadest organization for the pecan industry, the...
Read moreFMO – 101
Since coming on board as the Executive Director of the American Pecan Council, I have received numerous questions as to the abilities of the Federal Marketing Order (FMO). Simply put, what can the FMO do? What is the function? Are we really a government body or an industry body? Can FMOs really do research, domestic...
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A New Year for American Pecans
The coming of the New Year marks a time for renewal and possibility. By now, most of you have finished or are wrapping up harvest operations, and thinking ahead to the growing season. Perhaps you’re planning to expand your orchards, are looking forward to seeing the first fruit from trees planted nearly a decade ago,...
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Listening, Learning & Sharing with Industry
For many, the start of fall signals back-to-school season, the kickoff to football and a much-anticipated cool down – or for those of us in Texas, the promise and hope of cooler temperatures soon. For the pecan industry, it means the final weeks of preparation before harvest. I am hopeful that most of you enjoyed...
Read moreThe American Pecan Council—An Important Tool for an Exciting Time
This is an exciting time for the American pecan industry. With the creation of the American Pecan Council (APC) under the Federal Marketing Order, the American pecan industry added a vital tool to their trade. This Federal Marketing Order provides an opportunity to promote the benefits of pecans, educate consumers, conduct vital research, and provide...
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