Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1084285
done! The almond community has always been progressive in finding innovative solutions to challenges like food safety and the drought. We can do it again, especially if it contributes to us being able to grow almonds in California. And while the Almond Orchard 2025 Goals will require an investment from the industry, we also believe the payback, to both the bottom line of the growers and in the market, is worth it. Our water goal, for example, is imperative — there is no more pressing issue threatening our ability to grow almonds in California and continue to grow the industry. Water scarcity in California will always be an issue, and implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) is imminent. We have made tremendous improvements through the adoption of micro-irrigation and development of the Almond Irrigation Improvement Continuum but must look to research and technical expertise throughout the industry to continue to get more "crop per drop." Our zero waste goal reflects the industry's need to find value-added uses for almond coproducts. Currently, the Biomass Workgroup is investing in multiple projects, from feeding almond hulls to black soldier fly larvae (used for poultry and fish feed) to placing torrefied almond shells in plastics to make slipsheets and pallets used to ship our product around the globe. Supported by promising research, growers are also experimenting with solutions such as recycling orchard material by grinding it and incorporating it back into the soil. And our pest management goal reflects the increasing pressure on our industry to reduce orchard inputs. To meet regulatory demands, while still producing an economically viable crop, we will focus our dollars and efforts on finding new pest control options and tools for growers to address pest challenges in ways that are safer for the environment, our families and our employees. The Pest Management Workgroup is working to define what this looks like and how to measure success. Finally, our harvest dust goal reflects the complaints we hear from our neighbors and our continued desire to responsibly address dust during harvest. Our Harvest Workgroup is overseeing research projects with the end goal of presenting the industry with new orchard practices and technologies that efficiently reduce dust. Embracing these goals, as individuals and as a larger almond community, gives us common ground and forward momentum as we look to the future. This is how we will continue to take charge of our industry's future and growing story — together — and that means your engagement will make all the difference. With the Almond Orchard 2025 Goals and your active participation, the California almond community will be positioned for success for many years to come. Continued from Page 5 1 http://aic.ucdavis.edu/2014/12/09/almonds- generate-100000-jobs-in-california/ "Embracing these goals, as individuals and as a larger almond community, gives us common ground and forward momentum as we look to the future." – Holly A. King 6 FROM LEADERSHIP