Healthy Soils Week Kicks Off with Almond Orchard Showcase

The Almond Board of California (ABC) set the tone for Healthy Soils Week with an engaging event on Monday, December 2, in Solano County. Against the backdrop of freshly chipped almond wood, California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross and almond grower and ABC Board Member Brandon Rebeiro shared insights on the benefits of whole orchard recycling, a practice gaining traction in soil quality and sustainable farming circles.

The event, hosted at Rebeiro’s orchard in Dixon, California, brought together about 25 attendees, including growers, government agency representatives, and Fowler Brothers Farming who administered the practice on the orchard. Discussions flourished among participants, reflecting a shared commitment to practices that enrich soil health while addressing broader environmental concerns.

Whole Orchard Recycling: A Circular Solution

Whole orchard recycling involves grinding down retired almond trees and reincorporating the resulting wood chips into the soil. For Rebeiro, this method represents a shift from traditional practices, such as burning which is still allowed in Solano County, to a more sustainable approach.

“As I look out in this orchard and see these big piles of chips, I just see free fertilizer,” said Rebeiro. “It’s about getting nutrients back into the soil, improving water retention, and boosting yields. In fact, we’ve seen a 20% reduction in water use, thanks to the increased water-holding capacity this organic matter provides.”

Rebeiro noted that the long-term yield data — bolstered by over a decade of research funded by the Almond Board — showed significant improvements when recycling chips versus hauling them away. “Growers need to see a yield benefit to adopt a practice, and the data makes a compelling case,” he added.

The Solano County Farm Bureau also played a crucial role by administering grant funding, made available through the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Healthy Soils program, that helped offset the cost of the recycling process. “In today’s challenging almond pricing environment, that support is critical,” Rebeiro emphasized.

Healthy Soils as a Climate Solution

California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross highlighted the broader implications of practices like whole orchard recycling, connecting them to global efforts in biodiversity and climate resilience.

“Up to 60% of the world’s biodiversity is literally beneath our feet,” Ross said. “Healthy soils are vital not only for productivity but also for their ability to sequester carbon. This practice exemplifies a circular economy, taking carbon from the trees and returning it to the soil to feed microbial activity, improve nutrient cycling, and increase biodiversity.”

Ross stressed the importance of storytelling in promoting sustainable practices. “Consumers today are curious about where their food comes from and how it’s grown. Sharing stories like this builds transparency and trust, not just with the public but also with regulators.”

She also praised the Almond Board for its leadership in advancing sustainability, noting how its early research in practices like Whole Orchard Recycling laid the groundwork for state-funded demonstration projects and USDA conservation standards. “It takes leadership to drive transformative investments like these,” Ross said.

A Collaborative Path Forward

The event underscored the collaborative spirit among growers, government agencies, and stewardship advocates. The candid conversations between participants reflected the complexity of farming decisions and the trade-offs involved in adopting new practices.

“This is what farming is about,” said Ross. “It’s about feeding us while feeding our soil, and every decision growers make has ripple effects for our environment and communities.”

To learn more about whole orchard recycling, check out the Almond Board’s Whole Orchard Recycling Guide. Interested growers can also get visit Almonds.com/Incentives to see what assistance funding is available for the practice.