Environmental Stewardship Program Update October 23, 2007

Newsletter Articles May 2007 Newsletter- -Burn Ban for Almond Orchard Removal in SJV Takes Effect this JuneBurn Ban for Almond Orchard Removal in SJV Takes Effect this June June 2007 Newsletter Almond Growers Urged To Comment on New Soil Fumigant ProposalsAlmond Growers Urged To Comment on New Soil Fumigant Proposals Almond Board Helps Identify Technology Research PrioritiesAlmond Board Helps Identify Technology Research Priorities June workshops will discuss ag engine replacement rulesJune workshops will discuss ag engine replacement rules

Newsletter Articles July/August 2007 Newsletter - - Simple Steps to Reduce Dust at HarvestSimple Steps to Reduce Dust at Harvest Sept/Oct 2007 Newsletter - - Almond Industry Looks at Climate Change RegulationsAlmond Industry Looks at Climate Change Regulations Cost-Share Opportunities Help Almond Growers Reduce Environmental ImpactsCost-Share Opportunities Help Almond Growers Reduce Environmental Impacts

Upcoming Newsletter Articles November Air Quality Regulations in Development for On-Road Diesel Trucks Gabriele Ludwig named to Coalition for Urban/Rural Environmental Stewardship Board of Directors December Articles on environmental topics discussed at annual conference

Press Releases June workshops will discuss ag engine replacement rules -- June 7, 2007 Burn ban for almond orchard removal in SJV takes effect this June - - June 13, 2007 Almond growers urged to comment on new soil fumigant rules - - June 14, 2007

Media Placements Simple steps can reduce almond harvest dust - - Aug. 6, 2007 Western Farm Press Guest Editorial Grower input is critical on proposed new soil fumigant restrictions - - Oct. 12,2007 Western Farm Press

Definitions of Sustainability Ecologically Sound Economically Viable Social Equity

Definition of Sustainability for the Almond Industry: Sustainable almond farming utilizes production practices that are economically viable and are based upon both scientific research and common sense. and a respect for the environment, neighbors and employees. The result is a plentiful, healthy and safe food product.

Levels of Sustainable Efforts 1. A Mission Statement Internal guidance using mission as anchor 2. A Vision Known internally and promoted externally 3. Farm-to-Fork BMP’s Pulls together all BMP’s and GAP’s under one “whole systems” approach 4. Voluntary Self – Evaluation Documentation of self-assessment of BMPs/GAPs 5. Value-Added Marketing Tool Third party certification and marketing advantage

Partnerships and Collaborative Efforts May, 2007 → Roots of Change (ROC) –Promote sustainable food system for CA for 2030 –Develop 4 – 5 initiatives for RFP’s –One initiative is “Celebrate Farming” Holding farms and farming in high esteem Farms contribute significantly to social well-being due to their premier value in agricultural use Encourage youth to seek this inheritable commodity as a meaningful vocation

Partnerships and Collaborative Efforts May, 2007 → Sustainable Production Systems Action Network –Larger commodities –Top regulatory officials –UC ASI –ROC To engage significant acreage in CA toward sustainable practices, thereby enabling DPR to see the greatest impact

Partnerships and Collaborative Efforts May, 2007 → Ecosystem Services –Measuring benefits from sustainable efforts –An accounting approach, called “metrics” First, baseline data of current ecosystem services Next, benefit and costs of alternative practices –Society sees the benefits from growers beyond providing food and fiber –Farmers can measure improvements and perhaps receive incentive benefits

Partnerships and Collaborative Efforts May, 2007 → California Roundtable for Agriculture and the Environment (CRAE) –Working to develop a set of environmental standards –Adoptable by commodity-specific sustainability programs –Involves participation by regulatory agencies Pursuing avenues for regulatory relief based on objective assessment of sustainable efforts

Other Sustainable Efforts State National Market-driven

Where are we going from here Participate in the wide array of efforts underway Complete draft of self-assessment/BMP’s this year –Keep us one step ahead of metrics effort

Where are we going from here Possible PMA II –Build upon PMA I Multiple benefits and kudos Published Seasonal Guide Seasonal Guide has won DPR’s IPM Innovator Award PMA II Thorough analysis of PUR trends Special emphasis on PCA’s in outreach and education Dialogue with chemical suppliers for more reduced risk options

Where are we going from here Conference Seminar –Mary-Ann Warmerdam, DPR –Jonathan Kaplan, NRDC –Cindy Wire, EPA –Keith Warner, U Santa Clara –Michael Dimock, ROC –Cliff Ohmart, Lodi-Woodbridge Thursday, December 6 th 10:15 a.m - noon