Environmental Stewardship Program

Objectives Keep growers informed Promote the industry’s environmental stewardship efforts Advance efforts in sustainability

Accomplishments Crop Year 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 Published four grower newsletters July Volatile Organic Compounds in almond pesticides and impact on air quality; Phase-out of Guthion April Regulator tour, methyl bromide update, ag water waiver program Jan Wrap-up on environmental projects at conference; Watershed coalition update. Oct Test device measures dust from almond harvesting; Almond growers find incentive to replaced polluting diesel pumps.

Accomplishments Crop Year Produced four press releases July Conditional Ag Waivers for Irrigated Lands program’s implications for almond growers. March 3, Almond Environmental Stewardship Tour showcases industry’s commitment to environmentally responsible production practices. Dec. 21, Environmental Stewardship, Maximizing Production Can Go Hand-In-Hand, Says IPM Award Winning Almond Grower. Nov. 8, Almond Dust Busters: Challenges of harvest dust met on several fronts

Accomplishments to Date Published Newsletter Oct 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 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 Industry 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?

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 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

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

Section Breaker Title