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Our Approach To Research

In addition to providing a safe and stable supply of almonds, California's community of more than 7,600 almond farmers is committed to using sustainable agricultural practices that are practical, economically viable and based on scientific research and a respect for the environment, neighbors and employees.

 

The success of the California almond community relies upon many people in many different roles. From almond farmers and processors, to equipment manufacturers and environmentalists, all contribute to a sustainable future for California almonds. Working in partnerships fuels the industry to move forward.

Almond Board of California Research Partners

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Innovation through research.

Since 1973, the California almond community, through Almond Board of California, has supported $89 million in research to improve farming practices while minimizing environmental impacts, identifying health benefits from almond consumption, ensure food quality and safety, and identify new uses of orchard biomass. This has built a foundation of continuous improvement that positions almonds as an economically, environmentally, and socially responsible crop for California.

Researchers from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory setup trial to better understand groundwater recharge potential.

By partnering with the University of California, USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, Environmental Defense Fund and others, the California almond community is exploring new technologies and out-of-the-box solutions that address farming needs today while helping to build the almond orchard of the future. The Almond Board’s Strategic Ag Innovation Committee sets strategic direction for this research, supported by working groups that specialize in distinct areas of almond farming and processing. Together, these advisory groups prioritize and evaluate research projects to meet the needs of the California almond community while benefiting local communities and the environment.

Researcher from USDA Albany look at creating almond beer using the sugars from almond beer.

Culture of continuous improvement.

To support on-farm improvements, Almond Board of California translates research findings into actionable and field-ready recommendations shared with farmers and processors through a variety of educational resources, field workshops and best practices.

In addition to topical resources, almond farmers and processors participate in the California Almond Sustainability Program. Established in 2009 and tailor-made to educate industry members about sustainable farming practices while facilitating continuous improvement, more than 2,300 almond growers have completed assessments, representing 22% of California’s productive almond acreage. Through self-assessments, participants learn about best practices across the spectrum of almond farming topics and share information to help tell the story of how California almonds are grown.

Additional resources:
Innovation Through Research Factsheet
Our Heritage of Sustainability Infographic
Culture of Continuous Improvement Factsheet