Almond Industry Research and Almond Innovation

Research & Innovation

Growing Up Sustainable

California’s community of more than 7,600 almond farmers is committed to using sustainable agricultural practices¹ that are economically viable and based on scientific research, common sense and a respect for the environment, neighbours and employees.

Sustainability for California almonds connects with all aspects of the almond lifecycle, inside the orchard and beyond. In addition to growing a healthy food that people love, California almond farmers are working to grow almonds in better, safer and healthier ways, protecting our communities and the environment.

Almond Board of California Research Partners

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Innovation through research.

The California almond community is on a sustainability journey, raising the bar on farming and processing practices along the way. Since 1973, the California almond community, through the Almond Board of California, has supported $89 million in research to build a foundation of knowledge on almonds’ impact on human health, ensure food quality and safety and increase farming efficiencies whilst minimising environmental impacts.

By partnering with the University of California, USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, Environmental Defense Fund and others, the California almond community is exploring new technologies and out-of-the-box solutions that address farming needs today whilst helping to build the almond orchard of the future. The Almond Board’s Strategic Ag Innovation Committee sets strategic direction for this research, supported by working groups that specialise in distinct areas of almond farming and processing. Together, these groups solicit and evaluate research projects to meet the needs of the California almond community whilst benefiting local communities and the environment.

Culture of continuous improvement.

To support on-farm improvements, the Almond Board of California translates research findings into actionable and field-ready recommendations shared with farmers and processors through a variety of educational resources, field workshops and best practices.

In addition to topical resources, almond farmers and processors participate in the California Almond Sustainability Program. Established in 2009 and tailor-made to educate participants about sustainable farming practices whilst facilitating continuous improvement, 22% of California’s productive almond acreage has been assessed to date. Through self-assessments, participants learn about best practices across the spectrum of almond farming topics and share information to help tell the story of how California almonds are grown.

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Growing Good (the almond community annual report)

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California Almond Sustainability Program (CASP)

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Our Heritage of Sustainability

Sustainable almond farming utilises production practices that are economically viable, and are based upon scientific research, common sense and a respect for the environment, neighbours and employees. The result is a plentiful, nutritious, safe food product.