CULTIVATING SUSTAINABILITY
Adapting and Advancing: Supporting Growers Through Change After a successful summer application period for our Blue Diamond Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) Grant, we found ourselves facing unexpected challenges. New paperwork requirements and the federal government shutdown meant we were unable to proceed with providing enrolled growers with seed material and incentive funding to implement practices outlined in the AMP Grant. This posed a major setback, not only for our cooperative but for the many growers who were eager to implement pollinator habitat.
Looking ahead, we remain optimistic about our grant. Now that the federal government has reopened, we plan to re-engage with the USDA and NRCS to reestablish a pathway for supporting growers through the AMP Grant. Our goal is to, once again, provide incentives for cover crops, conservation cover, hedgerows, and offer whole orchard recycling, practices that continue to support sustainable orchard management for generations to come.
Recognizing the importance of maintaining momentum, especially for those enrolled in our Orchard Stewardship Incentive Program (OSIP), we knew we needed to act quickly. Many growers participating in OSIP aim to achieve the highest recognition level, Triple Diamond, which requires the establishment of pollinator habitat. This requirement can be met through the implementation of cover crops. In a matter of weeks, our team pivoted. We sourced an alternative funding opportunity and established a partnership with a customer committed to advancing sustainability and pollinator health. In less than thirty days, we developed a new application, reviewed and approved submissions, finalized contracts, and distributed seed materials to participating growers. The results were impressive; more than 10,000 orchard acres were able to implement cover crops through this new funding initiative. This rapid response not only helped growers meet their stewardship goals but also ensured that valuable conservation practices continued despite the AMP Grant delay.
Jasdeep ”Jaz” Bains, Ag Stewardship Manager Blue Diamond Growers
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ALMOND FACTS
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