Environmental Environmental Stewardship Stewardship

ProgramProgram

Objectives

Keep growers informed

Promote the industry’s environmental stewardship efforts

Advance efforts in sustainability

Accomplishments Crop Year 05-06

Established web page

Held four focus groups led by a professional moderator on the meaning of sustainability for almond growers

Organized a successful regulatory tour at Hunter Farms, attended by approximately 20 representatives from California Department of Pesticide Regulation, Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board, California Air Resources Board, San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and State Water Resources Control Board

Accomplishments Crop Year 05-06 Published four grower newsletters

July 2006 - - Volatile Organic Compounds in almond pesticides and impact on air quality; Phase-out of Guthion

April 2006 - - Regulator tour, methyl bromide update, ag water waiver program

Jan. 2006 - - Wrap-up on environmental projects at conference; Watershed coalition update.

Oct. 2005 - - Test device measures dust from almond harvesting; Almond growers find incentive to replaced polluting diesel pumps.

Accomplishments Crop Year 05-06 Produced four press releases

July 2006 - - Conditional Ag Waivers for Irrigated Lands program’s implications for almond growers. March 3, 2006 - -Almond Environmental Stewardship Tour showcases industry’s commitment to environmentally responsible production practices.

Dec. 21, 2005 - - Environmental Stewardship, Maximizing Production Can Go Hand-In-Hand, Says IPM Award Winning Almond Grower.

Nov. 8, 2005 - - Almond Dust Busters: Challenges of harvest dust met on several fronts

Accomplishments to Date

Published Newsletter Oct. 2006

Almond Grower Looks Long-Term with His Orchard Growing Practices

Almond Industry Explores the Definition of Sustainable Agriculture Regulators Show Interest in Sustainability at International

Conference When is it “Conservation” and when is it “Sustainable”

ABC Funds Environmental Research Water Board Sets Deadline for Joining Watershed Coalitions

Next Steps for Environmental Stewardship Program

Three Newsletters: Feb. 2007; April 2007, July 2007

Four Press Releases

February Sustainability/Stewardship Tour

Advancing Efforts in SustainabilityAdvancing Efforts in Sustainability

Developed definition of sustainability for the almond industry

Articulated five different levels of sustainable efforts that could be attained

Incorporating other Almond Board Committees in wider view of sustainability to encompass Production Research, Food Quality & Safety

Participating in allied efforts in sustainability among agricultural entities

Definition of Sustainability for the Almond Definition of Sustainability for the Almond IndustryIndustry

Sustainable almond farming utilizes production practices that are economically viable and are based upon both scientific research and common sense. It is motivated by a respect for the environment, neighbors and employers. The result is a plentiful, healthy and safe food product.

Who is talking about Sustainability?

Who is talking about Sustainability? - USDA

Environment

Economics

Quality of Life

Who is talking about Sustainability? Who is talking about sustainability?

Who is talking about sustainability?

Who is talking about sustainability?

Conference on the Future of Agriculture: Science, Stewardship and Sustainability

Regulatory representatives have a high degree of interest in sustainability

– The Gov. wants environmental improvement, with economic growth, within the concept of sustainability

– Regulators want to regulate on a “whole systems” approach

– Regulators want conservations checklists rather than regulatory hammers

5 Levels of Sustainable Efforts

1. A Mission StatementInternal guidance using mission as anchor

2. A VisionKnown internally and promoted externally

3. Farm-to-Fork BMP’sPulls together all BMP’s and GAP’s under one “whole systems” approach

4. Voluntary Self – EvaluationDocumentation of self-assessment of BMPs/GAPs

5. Value-Added Marketing ToolThird party certification and marketing advantage

Next Steps Environmental Stewardship Project

Continue grower, regulator and public education efforts with the newsletters and press releases about stewardship efforts

Collaboration among three ABC Committees

February Sustainability/Stewardship Tour

Continue pursuit of partnerships and collaborative efforts

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