The program will also work to identify almond-specific methods for quantifying the greenhouse gas (GHG) impacts of implementing climate-smart practices and will explore market-based mechanisms to reward growers for their stewardship work. The USDA Partnerships for Climate- Smart Commodities Grant Program further extends Blue Diamond ’s current Orchard Stewardship Incentive Program (OSIP). OSIP currently has more than 50% of Blue Diamond acreage enrolled, the largest amount of almond acreage in the world participating in a sustainability program, with over 15% of Blue Diamond ’s acreage being Bee Friendly Farming (B.F.F.) certified. “Not only does this program benefit growers, but food companies and retailers as well,” continued Sonke. “Customers can partner with Blue Diamond to support the use of climate-smart practices which benefit the climate, soil health and orchard biodiversity, and thereby procure almonds with a measured GHG reduction quantification that helps meet their own climate and sustainability targets.” With planning and grower communication underway now, Blue Diamond Growers will largely begin to implement the grant-related practices across California beginning in October, after this year’s harvest. For more information on Blue Diamond Grower ’s sustainability efforts, please visit bluediamond.com/sustainability .
Hybrid Rootstocks Our well-branched roots will be the anchor to your orchard success.
Bright's Hybrid 5® (USPP #18782) • Vigorous & drought tolerant • Nematode resistant Krymsk® 86 (USPP #16272) • Superior anchorage • Adapted to heavy & wet soils
ORDER NOW FOR 2024 & 2025 Bareroot and Potted
(800) 675-6075 FowlerNurseries.com Newcastle, CA
Blue Diamond Growers does not endorse or verify statements made by advertisers within this publication.
35
SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2023
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker