Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1218525
AROUND THE WORLD 16 in recommended hive stocking rates and changes in beekeeping business models. The strategic direction coming out of these discussions will impact SAIC's research priorities and provide input to ABC's Board of Directors as they plan long-term strategy for ABC. Water use efficiency — Irrigation, Nutrients and Soil Health Workgroup SAIC will take a fresh look at how the industry should manage water in the future with their eyes set on the Almond Orchard 2025 Goal of reducing the amount of water needed to grow a pound of almonds by 20%. ABC staff are also working with researchers and strategic partners to create a plan that defines the potential to expand the water supply through groundwater recharge. Together, these topics will inform SAIC's discussion of the water research priorities for production and environmental outcomes. Harvest methods — Harvest Workgroup The committee will revisit its plan for off-ground harvest, discussing the results from grower-hosted experiments held this summer to determine mechanical drying's potential benefits on almond quality as well as the progression and capabilities of innovative harvest equipment. Sustainable growing — Sustainability Workgroup As almond quality and sustainable practices continue to distinguish California almonds in the international market, ABC staff and the Sustainability Workgroup will tap into the wealth of data compiled from 10 years of grower participation in the California Almond Sustainability Program (CASP), which will also be used to track industry progress towards achieving the 2025 Goals. The group will also consider how developments among Consumer Packaged Goods companies and consumer markets should shape research priorities for the next several years. Industry members interested to learn more about SAIC, ABC workgroups and ongoing research efforts are encouraged to visit Almonds.com/Events for a full list of upcoming workgroup and SAIC meetings, some of which are held via webinar. In addition, each ABC-funded research project produces a midyear summary, poster and full report, all of which are available to the industry at rd.almondboard.com. At the Almond Board's 2019 Crack Out Day, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources farm advisor Roger Duncan provided an agronomist's perspective on the ideal almond to produce, describing all the factors growers should consider before choosing what varieties to plant. Duncan is a member of ABC's Orchard, Tree and Rootstock Workgroup. STRATEGIC AG INNOVATION COMMITTEE Founded: 1973 Investment to date: $48.5M Projects funded: 438 SUSTAINABILITY IRRIGATION, NUTRIENTS & SOIL HEALTH PEST MANAGEMENT WORKGROUPS HARVEST ORCHARD, TREE & ROOTSTOCK POLLINATION & BEE HEALTH