Almond Leadership Program participant Rory Crowley was interviewed by GrowingProduce.com writer Christina Herrick for an extensive article in which he shares his thoughts on issues facing the California Almond industry and the Leadership Program. In the interview, Crowley commented on his experience so far this year as a Leadership participant. He also talked about California Almond industry issues such as almond byproduct price disruptions, and water regulation and availability.
In the article, Crowley referred to untrue claims by some media outlets about the water consumption of the almond industry.
Water-Use Facts
“Here are the facts: Almonds use no more water than most fruit and nut trees, but, I would argue, we nut growers actually use less compared to other ag industries; furthermore, the industry actually uses 9% of California’s managed agricultural water, and the industry itself only makes up about 13% of California’s irrigated farmland, which, again, if you like logic like I do, 9% equates to less than the industry’s commensurate portion,” he told Herrick.
With short-term involvement in the almond industry but a long-term interest in California Almonds, Crowley decided to enroll in the Almond Leadership Program this year. He’s excited to develop his industry knowledge further through the remainder of the seminars.
“The program is vast in its aim and scope, covering virtually every aspect of the industry, from planting a tree to marketing product,” he said. “Topics range from technical and regulatory affairs, to production and environmental concerns, to almond quality and food safety, etc.; we even take personality profiles for the workplace.”
Investment in the Future
The Almond Board of California’s (ABC’s) Leadership Program is a yearlong experience that allows ABC to invest in the development and success of the agriculture community. The program boosts participants’ leadership skills not only through monthly seminars, but also by providing the opportunity to present a capstone-like project.
“Only being three months in, I have already gained a vast amount of pertinent information that is currently being used to further our vision as nut growers,” Crowley said.
For more information about the Almond Leadership Program, please contact Rebecca Bailey.
