CULTIVATING SUSTAINABILITY
our sites. Renewable energy options today go beyond things like solar panels, now they include options like investments in Renewable Energy Credits or Virtual Power Purchase Agreements. As you might expect, these types of projects often have longer payback periods than we’d like, especially in the current almond market, so we’re continuing research to uncover ways to bring that into reach. Thanks to Geoff Pyka, Environmental Manager, and Kate Capurso, Sustainability Manager, for their hard work in launching that effort. Geoff also has invested years of working with folks like Cindy Woodruff, Operations Coordinator, and Anthony Putman, Sanitation Technician Lead, who voluntarily spearhead sustainability efforts at our Turlock and Salida facilities, respectively. Their teams have been instrumental in creating projects which increase recycling and reduce waste for the company. In fact, several materials, such as hull bits, shell fragments, and blanched skins, either used to cost us money to dispose of or were simply given away. These materials are now sold to companies that recycle them or put them to beneficial use. We are always excited to find ways to drive sustainability while also increasing our returns to our members, so we are thankful for their leadership. Annual Meeting We are planning to update you on these and other topics at the annual meeting on November 15, 2023. Details will be communicated through various media. Please plan to attend the event. I hope to meet many of you there.
Ben Goudie, Director of Member Relations, in Conservation Planting, Sacramento Valley, 2022
participation numbers for crop year 2022 are still being tallied. However, the team is confident that they have exceeded that goal. Final numbers will be shared at our annual meeting, but we look forward to telling customers and other key stakeholders that most of our acres take part in our sustainable agriculture program. Manufacturing Sustainability While we’ve been launching programs for orchards, we also are seeking sustainability opportunities in our manufacturing sites. We recently partnered with a large international energy consulting firm to educate our sustainability and manufacturing teams about different options for supplying or crediting renewable energy to
Dr. Dan Sonke, Director of Sustainability, Blue Diamond Growers
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ALMOND FACTS
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