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Environmental Environmental Stewardship Stewardship
ProgramProgram
Objectives
Keep growers informed
Promote the industry’s environmental stewardship efforts
Advance efforts in sustainability
Accomplishments Crop Year 05-06
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 05-06 Published four grower newsletters
July 2006 - - Volatile Organic Compounds in almond pesticides and impact on air quality; Phase-out of Guthion
April 2006 - - Regulator tour, methyl bromide update, ag water waiver program
Jan. 2006 - - Wrap-up on environmental projects at conference; Watershed coalition update.
Oct. 2005 - - Test device measures dust from almond harvesting; Almond growers find incentive to replaced polluting diesel pumps.
Accomplishments Crop Year 05-06 Produced four press releases
July 2006 - - Conditional Ag Waivers for Irrigated Lands program’s implications for almond growers. March 3, 2006 - -Almond Environmental Stewardship Tour showcases industry’s commitment to environmentally responsible production practices.
Dec. 21, 2005 - - Environmental Stewardship, Maximizing Production Can Go Hand-In-Hand, Says IPM Award Winning Almond Grower.
Nov. 8, 2005 - - Almond Dust Busters: Challenges of harvest dust met on several fronts
Accomplishments to Date
Published Newsletter Oct. 2006
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 SustainabilityAdvancing 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 Definition of Sustainability for the Almond IndustryIndustry
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?
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 StatementInternal guidance using mission as anchor
2. A VisionKnown internally and promoted externally
3. Farm-to-Fork BMP’sPulls together all BMP’s and GAP’s under one “whole systems” approach
4. Voluntary Self – EvaluationDocumentation of self-assessment of BMPs/GAPs
5. Value-Added Marketing ToolThird 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