Sustainability1 will take center stage at The Almond Conference on Wed., Dec. 7, with a broad look at sustainability and almonds throughout the supply chain.
The luncheon panel discussion will focus on the sustainability nexus of grower/handler, food manufacturer and retailer. Key elements to be discussed include how can the California Almond Sustainability Program (CASP) provide growers a pathway to implementing and documenting sustainable almond growing practices, as well as how can handlers leverage grower participation in CASP to meet certification and verification requirements of buyers and retailers.
Moderated by Jeff Dlott from SureHarvest, the panel will paint a vision of the sustainable supply chain now and in the future. Speakers will address the grower/handler perspective on supply chain requirements, Todd Camp from The Hershey Company will share evolving sourcing expectations of a user of almonds as a food ingredient, and Tess Wilkins of Costco will offer the point of view of a retailer interacting directly with consumers.
Building on the luncheon, the breakout session “Sustainability and Almonds: From Orchard to Shelf” will focus more specifically on how sustainable practices and requirements are reflected along the almond supply chain. Moderators Gabriele Ludwig and Julie Adams of the Almond Board of California will lead speakers on a discussion of what customers want to know when it comes to food production and the environment, and what growers can do to ensure consumer confidence in sustainable almond production.
The session will also look at some of the new CASP participation rates, as well as new tools and updates that will assist almond growers.
1. California Almond Sustainability Program definition: Sustainable almond farming utilizes production practices that are economically viable and are based upon scientific research, common sense and a respect for the environment, neighbors and employees. The result is a plentiful, nutritious, safe food product.
