In 2009, the The Almond Board of California invested in a “self-assessment” program for documenting the practices used by California Almond growers that are sustainable, economical, environmentally friendly, and present almond growers as good neighbors. Sure Harvest and CAFF are project partners with the Almond Board on a series of “California Almond Sustainability Program” workshops for 2011 and 2012.
Who should attend: Almond ranch owners and managers who can best answer questions about everyday ranch management, and who have never done an assessment or have not assessed their practices for the newer modules – energy efficiency, air quality and pest management. Owners who are not day-to-day managers are also welcome to attend to learn about the program (and can bring a ranch manager or other personnel to fill out the assessment).
Upcoming Workshops
Additional information on the Almond Board’s website.
| March 5, 2012 | • Granzella’s Banquet Facility, 557 7th St., Williams, CA |
| March 13, 2012 | • Barnwood Restaurant, 338 East Main Street, Ripon, CA 95366 |
Participation will contribute to telling the Almond Story of how almond growers steward their land. When you attend a workshop, you can expect opportunities to:
• Learn about and discuss sustainable almond farming practices with farm advisors.
• Participate in self-assessments of your farming practices.
• Receive a confidential report of your growing practices compared to other participants.
• Reflect on your operation to see if additional efficiencies can be achieved.
• Contribute facts to tell the Almond Sustainability Story to buyers, regulators, and stakeholders.
• Receive CEU credits for participation
Through your participation at workshops, you help us tell “Your Story” about the ongoing stewardship efforts of the almond farming community.
To register
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Please contact Debye Hunter, Almond Board of California dhunter@almondboard.com phone: 209.343.3230 fax: 209.549.8267Please include a name, address, phone number, and email for each attendee. |
Participant Feedback
• “One on one interaction with advisor. No question was too trivial or unimportant. I am very new to growing and need all the input and information I can get my hands on to make my operation successful. To be able to get it quickly and free is a plus.” –Janice, Grower, WHEATLAND
• “Small, with a valuable exchange of ideas. I enjoyed it.” –Robert, Grower, COLUSA
• “I think it’s a good program to come to; you learn a lot, you start going through the modules and see things you’ve maybe forgotten about.” – Ryan, Grower, CHICO
• “I think it’s important to be active and involved and passionate about what you’re doing.” – Jenny, Grower, CHICO
• “I was interested in how sustainability relates to the almond industry, and I was pretty impressed with what I saw.” – Norm, Grower, WASCO
Previous Workshops
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Monday, February 13, 2012 8:00am-1:00pm Arbuckle Golf Club 5918 Hillgate Road Arbuckle, CA 95912 |
Workshop Included:
•Presentation by Franz Niederholzer, UCCE Farm Advisor
• Complimentary refreshments and lunch
• Free customized report based on your input
• Door prizes and giveaways
Agenda:
8:00am Arrival and Sign-in
8:30am Welcome, Overview, Brief Q&A
9:00am Self-Assessment Exercise
11:30am Presentation, Q&A Lunch, and prize drawing
1:00pm Adjourn
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Tuesday, February 7, 2012 8:00am-1:00pm Latif’s Restaurant 111 North Golden State Boulevard Turlock, CA 95380 |
Workshop Included:
• Presentation by Roger Duncan, UCCE Farm Advisor
• Complimentary refreshments and lunch
• Free customized report
• Door prizes and giveaways
Agenda:
8:00am Arrival and Sign-in
8:30am Welcome, Overview, Brief Q&A
9:00am Self-Assessment Exercise
11:30am Presentation, Q&A, Lunch and prize drawing
1:00pm Adjourn
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Tuesday, November 29, 2011 9:00a.m. to 3:00p.m Heidrick Ag History Center 1962 Hays Lane Woodland, CA 95776 |
Workshop Included:
• Complimentary refreshments and lunch
• Free customized report
• Presentation by Carolyn DeBuse , UCCE Farm Advisor
• Door prizes and giveaways
• Exploration time in the museum (optional)
Agenda:
9:00am Arrival and Sign-in
9:30am Welcome, Overview, Brief Q&A
10:00am Self-Assessment Exercise: Irrigation & Nutrient Management Modules
11:00am Presentation: “Practical Irrigation Scheduling & Technology” by Carolyn DeBuse
12:00pm Lunch and Continue Self-Assessment Exercise: Energy, Air, & Pest Management Modules
2:00pm Refreshments and Prize Drawings
3:00pm Adjourn
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Friday, November 18, 2011 9:00a.m. to 3:00p.m New Earth Market 1475 Tharp Road Yuba City, CA 95993 |
Workshop Included:
• Complimentary refreshments and lunch
• Free customized report
• Presentation by David Doll, UCCE Farm Advisor
• Door prizes and giveaways
• Complimentary happy hour
Agenda:
9:00am Arrival and Sign-in
9:30am Welcome, Overview, Brief Q&A
10:00am Self-Assessment Exercise: Irrigation & Nutrient Management Modules
11:00am Presentation: “Practical Irrigation Scheduling & Technology” by David Doll
12:00pm Lunch and Continue Self-Assessment Exercise: Energy, Air, & Pest Management Modules
2:00pm Refreshments and Prize Drawings
3:00pm Adjourn
Other resources and information:
- General Information about Almond Sustainability Modules
- Invitation for Feb 2012 workshops (pdf)
- Invitation for November 2011 workshops (pdf)
- “Save the Date” Flier for November 2011 workshops (pdf)
- “Sustainably Speaking — Consumers Are Asking for Sustainability” (article from the Jan 2012 Outlook, the Almond Board’s newsletter)
More information about the “California Almond Sustainability Program” can be found on the Almond Board’s website.