Blue Diamond farmer, Ben King, Under Secretary Bonnie, and King‘s Ranch Property Manager, Mike Powell
implement conservation practices across his land, which is especially relevant in the current economically challenging environment. This year, cover crops were successfully established in all the King farm’s orchards. “Under Secretary Bonnie’s and the local NRCS partnerships have made it possible for Blue Diamond farmers to install practices like cover crops, hedgerows and conservation cover, that are so beneficial to the wellbeing of pollinators and local wildlife,” said Dr. Dan Sonke. “The Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities funding has made a significant impact for many of our growers. We are grateful for this partnership and look forward to doing even more together and deepening our efforts with them in the coming years.” After the orchard tour, Under Secretary Bonnie joined Blue Diamond ’s Chief Government & Public Affairs Officer, Alicia Rockwell and Vice President of Member Relations, Mel Machado, at the Blue Diamond Almond Innovation Center ® in Sacramento. Mr. Bonnie sampled several of Blue Diamond ’s latest innovations, including Thin Dipped almonds and Almond Breeze ® Almond & Oat Blend, while hearing from Blue Diamond ’s Strategic Growth Accounts
Lead, Bobby McCuan. McCuan shared about Blue Diamond ’s domestic and global reach.
Under Secretary Bonnie discussed the crucial partnership between the USDA and Blue Diamond and wishes to keep an open discussion about how the USDA can further bolster Blue Diamond ’s efforts to continue advancing its farmers’ sustainability practices and creating opportunities for new sources of revenue through the development of climate- smart markets. Mr. Bonnie closed by sharing that he is pleased with Blue Diamond ’s application of the funds by saying, “I appreciate what you [ Blue Diamond ] are doing with the grant to help position American agriculture as a leader in delivering climate solutions.”
Jillian Luna, Communications Manager, Blue Diamond Growers
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JULY–AUGUST 2024
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