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 in 2011-2013.
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).
Additional information on the Almond Board’s website.
Upcoming Workshops and Events
Webinars
The assessments can also be completed online! For participants new to the online system, join the Almond Board for a tutorial webinar on the last Thursday of every month for a quick overview of how to navigate the online assessments. Participate by visiting http://almondboard.adobeconnect.com/caspwebinar/. Call in to the webinar using the phone number (888) 721-8686 and participant code 7082918.
Upcoming webinar dates:
July 25th 10:00 a.m.
Workshop benefits
Participation will contribute to telling the Almond Story of how almond growers steward their land. When you attend an in-person 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.
• Learn how to generate a 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 for workshops
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To learn about upcoming workshops, call or email Kendall Barton at 209.343.3245 or kbarton@almondboard.com |
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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March 6, 2013 8:00am-12:30pm Visalia Convention Center 303 E. Acequia Avenue Visalia, CA 93291 |
Workshop included:
• Update on the Sustainability Program
• Pest management: Expert presentations and self-assessment
• CEU Credits
• Lunch
• Prize drawing
Agenda:
8:00am Arrival and Sign-in
8:15am Welcome and Overview
9:00am Self-Assessment Exercise: Pest Management
10:30am Presentation: cost effective weed monitoring
11:00am Presentation: Maximizing on-target spray deposition
11:30am Presentation: NRCS cost-share for conservation practices/technology
12:00pm Lunch and prize drawing
12:30pm Adjourn
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March 4, 2013 8:00am-12:30pm Larry E. Reider Education Center 2000 K Street Bakersfield, CA 93301 |
Workshop Included:
• Update on the Sustainability Program
• Pest management: Expert presentations and self-assessment
• CEU Credits
• Lunch
• Prize drawing
Agenda:
8:00am Arrival and Sign-in
8:15am Welcome and Overview
9:00am Self-Assessment Exercise: Pest Management
10:30am Presentation: cost effective weed monitoring
11:00am Presentation: Maximizing on-target spray deposition
11:30am Presentation: NRCS cost-share for conservation practices/technology
12:00pm Lunch and prize drawing
12:30pm Adjourn
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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 Mar 2013 workshops (pdf)
- 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.
Updated 06-26-13