How We Grow

2020 March/April How We Grow

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A L M O N D O R C H A R D 2 0 2 5 G O A L S ZERO WASTE 15 SAIC Sets Research Priorities for 2020 and Beyond Did you know that in 2019 the Almond Board of California (ABC) invested $5.9 million in 85 independent research projects exploring next-generation farming practices? Did you know that since 1982, the industry has committed $8.1 million to 221 different water research projects spanning irrigation efficiency and groundwater recharge? Or that the Almond Board has funded 79 research projects — totaling $3.5 million — since 1977 to explore optimum ways to utilize almond coproducts? If your answer was "no" to any of these questions, now is the time to tune in — your industry leaders are making exciting strides in research and innovation on your behalf. Almond Board-funded agricultural and environmental research is overseen by the industry for the industry. Among these industry leaders are members of the Strategic Ag Innovation Committee (SAIC), which sets direction and provides oversight of the more than $6.5 million budget allocated for annual production and environmental research in the 2019/2020 crop year. Since 1973, with direction from committees like SAIC, the Almond Board has invested $48.5 million in research. SAIC's work is supported by seven workgroups made up of industry stakeholders whose technical depth and experience bring key insights in areas such as pollination, soil health and pest management. Based on research priorities set by SAIC, the workgroups review research proposals and track progress within their respective focus areas, while also providing recommendations to SAIC that aim to ensure ABC-funded research is relevant, practical and forward-thinking. This year, SAIC is working with ABC staff and its technical workgroups to develop several medium-term research strategies that will shape the almond orchard of the future and drive the industry toward achieving its Almond Orchard 2025 Goals. Each research strategy, listed below, will be supported by its correlating workgroup (also listed). Rootstocks and varieties — Orchard, Tree and Rootstock Workgroup The goal of ABC's breeding strategy is to accelerate development of improved self-compatible varieties and rootstocks to increase productivity among the range of soils found in California and to further develop resistance to persistent soil-borne pests and diseases. Another key aim is to revise the systems for testing and selecting improved varieties, shortening the time it takes to deliver new varieties by engaging both public breeders, growers and nurseries. Pest management — Pest Management Workgroup For years, ABC-funded research has delivered tools to growers and PCAs to help manage the long list of pests and diseases that impact almonds, from IPM solutions for Navel Orangeworm to unbiased testing of the efficacy and use of commercial pest management products. Still, the tools of today may not be sufficient for the orchard of tomorrow due to the evolution of pests' resistance or to the loss of chemical tools because of changes in regulation and market thresholds. As such, the Pest Management Workgroup, made up of experienced PCAs, growers and farm advisors, is prioritizing the discovery of environmentally friendly alternatives to the most at-risk pest management tools and looking at gaps in the tools available. These technical insights will be developed into a strategic pest management research plan that focuses industry dollars on the most critical pest needs. Pollination — Pollination and Bee Health Workgroup While the cost of pollination services continues to rise, the link between almond production and bee health is also coming under greater scrutiny. Seeing these trends, ABC's Pollination Workgroup, together with leading bee researchers, held several discussions to project the future of almond pollination. Among factors under discussion are the potential for a reduction RESEARCH UPDATE Mating disruption, which can be used to combat Navel Orangeworm, is one of the environmentally friendly alternatives that is gaining traction within the industry.

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