Yesterday, we announced that we’re investing $2.5 million to independent, third party research into next-generation farming practices. This will be distributed across 56 different projects including thirteen water projects, nine honey bee health projects, and ongoing support for the California Almond Sustainability Program (CASP)1.
We are, above everything else, Californians. When it comes to the drought, we share the concerns all residents of our state do about water use. We’ve talked before about how our commitment to sustainability has allowed us to improve water efficiency by 33% per pound of almonds over the last 20 years.2 This investment will help us to continue improving upon that statistic. Honey bees are critical to producing many foods, not just almonds, and we are dedicated to taking care of our hardest workers.
Already, we are seeing support from the community and we thank you:
Responsible stewardship of our environmental resources continues to be of the utmost importance to us as Californians and members of the almond industry. This investment will fuel the next round of innovation to ensure we continue to grow healthy, nutritious food while improving water efficiency and continuing to protect our pollination partners.
1 California Almond Sustainability Program definition: Sustainable almond farming utilizes production practices that are economically viable and are based upon scientific research, common sense and a respect for the environment, neighbors and employees. The result is a plentiful, nutritious, safe food product.
2 University of California. UC Drought Management. Feb. 2010. Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN. FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 66 – Crop yield in response to water. 2012. Almond Board of California. Almond Almanac 1990-94, 2000-14.
