Almond Board Environmental Stewardship 2006 Regulator Tour Follow-up Report

Regulator Tour 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. 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.

Feedback “[The Environmental Stewardship Tour] was very enlightening and encouraging. It is valuable to be in the field and see what growers are doing to meet the challenges they face in the orchard, regulatory and otherwise. And I hope that when they are speaking about forming partnerships, the Regional Board will be included in those discussions and those partnerships.” “[The Environmental Stewardship Tour] was very enlightening and encouraging. It is valuable to be in the field and see what growers are doing to meet the challenges they face in the orchard, regulatory and otherwise. And I hope that when they are speaking about forming partnerships, the Regional Board will be included in those discussions and those partnerships.” Pamela Creedon, Executive Director, Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board Pamela Creedon, Executive Director, Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board

Feedback “Thank you for inviting me to the Environmental Stewardship Tour at Hunter Farms. I found the tour to be very informative and worthwhile. As a farmer, it is great to see that your organization has a commitment to the environment. The job that your organization does is extremely important and everybody should be commended for the work they do.” “Thank you for inviting me to the Environmental Stewardship Tour at Hunter Farms. I found the tour to be very informative and worthwhile. As a farmer, it is great to see that your organization has a commitment to the environment. The job that your organization does is extremely important and everybody should be commended for the work they do.” John Pedrozo, Distrist One Supervisor Merced County Board of Supervisors John Pedrozo, Distrist One Supervisor Merced County Board of Supervisors

Feedback “Thanks for an extremely informative day on current almond production and pest management practices. We also appreciated the opportunity to discuss the nature of the Department of Pesticide Regulation's goals and regulatory issues with almond growers, researchers and representatives from other state, local and federal agencies. There is much potential for collaboration to protect our environment while supporting a vibrant economy. Thank you.” “Thanks for an extremely informative day on current almond production and pest management practices. We also appreciated the opportunity to discuss the nature of the Department of Pesticide Regulation's goals and regulatory issues with almond growers, researchers and representatives from other state, local and federal agencies. There is much potential for collaboration to protect our environment while supporting a vibrant economy. Thank you.” Nan Gorder, Ag Program Supervisor Department of Pesticide Regulation Nan Gorder, Ag Program Supervisor Department of Pesticide Regulation

Feedback “I think it’s important for me to come out and spend time with growers and see how they do things. It gives me the perspective that pest management is only one slot, one part of what they do.” “I think it’s important for me to come out and spend time with growers and see how they do things. It gives me the perspective that pest management is only one slot, one part of what they do.” Mark Robertson, Env. Research Scientist Department of Pesticide Regulation Mark Robertson, Env. Research Scientist Department of Pesticide Regulation

Feedback “I thought you did a great job. Keep up the good work and thanks for the invite.” “I thought you did a great job. Keep up the good work and thanks for the invite.” Anita Brown USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service Anita Brown USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service

Regulator Tour Media representatives included Modesto Bee, Merced Sun-Star, Merced County Farm Bureau Newspaper, the Grower and American Fruit Grower. Media representatives included Modesto Bee, Merced Sun-Star, Merced County Farm Bureau Newspaper, the Grower and American Fruit Grower. Placements to date in Bee, Sun-Star and Ag Alert. Placements to date in Bee, Sun-Star and Ag Alert.

Media Analysis PublicationCirculationArticle Theme PublicationCirculationArticle Theme Print: Print: Merced Sun-Star17,400“Farmers Tout Pollution Strides” Merced Sun-Star17,400“Farmers Tout Pollution Strides” Modesto Bee85,700Bloom/Almond Growers Efforts to Control Air/Water Pollution Ag Alert35,700“Almond Producers Highlight Sustainable Farming Practices” Modesto Bee85,700Bloom/Almond Growers Efforts to Control Air/Water Pollution Ag Alert35,700“Almond Producers Highlight Sustainable Farming Practices” Anticipated Stories: Anticipated Stories: The Grower Magazine22,000SmartSprayer Technology Reduces Inputs The Grower Magazine22,000SmartSprayer Technology Reduces Inputs American Fruit Grower34,700Growers Efforts to Clean Up State’s Waterways (April 2006) American Fruit Grower34,700Growers Efforts to Clean Up State’s Waterways (April 2006) TOTAL195,500 TOTAL195,500 Est. Cost Per Thousand:$51 Est. Cost Per Thousand:$51