California Almond Stewardship Platform

Defining Almond Sustainability

Sustainability is about ensuring that people, profit, and the planet are all considered while conducting daily business. A definition of sustainability specific to almonds based on this idea was developed with almond growers and handlers in 2005 and subsequently adopted by the Board of Directors of the Almond Board of California. It reads: 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 and safe food product.

Benefits of CASP

Buyers and consumers are driving sustainability by asking for evidence that California almonds are grown and processed with sustainable practices. And growers, huller/shellers, and handlers are responding by assessing management practices through the California Almond Stewardship Platform (CASP).

Through the CASP online portal, SustainableAlmondGrowing.org, growers and processors can complete self-assessment modules and learn about alternative and best management practices.

CASP modules are designed to document your management practices while providing an opportunity to verify that your activities are up-to-date, practical, efficient and sustainable.

Interactive Tools

These tools are designed to streamline both crop input decision-making and regulatory reporting requirements.

Nitrogen calculator
A research-based predictive model, this tool advises how much and when to apply fertilizer nitrogen to meet yield-based demand. All you have to do is enter yield estimates (starting with a pre-bloom and ideally returning to enter a post-bloom yield estimate that will further refine the demand during the growing season), early-season tissues sampling results, and other factors necessary to account for nitrogen credits from other sources like groundwater and cover crops. With that, you'll learn your crop's nitrogen demand for the growing season as well as generate the Irrigation & Nitrogen Management Plan report required by the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program (ILRP).

Mapping tool 
Draw boundaries of your fields and provide APN numbers to create the map report as required by Part D of the ILRP farm evaluation plan.

Irrigation calculator
Generate irrigation run time schedules that advise the amount and timing of irrigations based on local evapotranspiration and information about your individual orchard and irrigation system. Linked to your nearest CIMIS station, this tool automatically integrates current weather information, allowing you to better calculate your orchard's irrigation needs.

Self-Assessment Modules

CASP modules are designed to document your production practices while providing an opportunity to verify that your techniques are up-to-date, practical, efficient and sustainable. Taking the time to complete self-assessments also allows almond growers to tell their story - that is what you actually do to grow almonds efficiently and responsibly.

As your growing practices evolve, come back and update your answers to document changes in your practices. You can also run a report comparing your responses to the collective responses of other growers as modules are completed.

Why participate?

Whether you are new to growing almonds or a seasoned grower, CASP has something for you. Through the CASP online portal, SustainableAlmondGrowing.org, you can complete self-assessment modules, remind yourself about alternative and best practices, and utilize free decision support tools, while at the same time meeting regulatory requirements. All without leaving the office.
 

CASP includes a module specifically for handlers. Handlers may also receive a compilation of data from their growers, who have the option to submit information about their operations anonymously, in aggregate. This information allows handlers to address questions from buyers about how the almonds they are purchasing are grown.
 

 In addition to the nine modules, plus the handler module, SustainableAlmondGrowing.org allows participants to:

• Calculate your crop's nitrogen needs

• Calculate your orchard's irrigation schedules

• Automatically meet regulatory reporting requirements

• Learn about improved orchard management practices

• Show how almond growers farm responsibly and efficiently

How do I participate?

Go to SustainableAlmondGrowing.org:

• If you already have an account, sign in using your credentials, or click on “I forgot” (next to “Username”) and/or click on “I forgot” (next to “Password”) to retrieve them.

• For new users, click on “Create Account” and fill in the form to receive a username and password.

• With your credentials, log in to the site to begin using the tools, filling in the modules, and telling your story.
• This service is free and secure. The data you enter is saved for you to update as needed but never shared. Data from the self-assessment modules is only reported in aggregate to document industry-wide management practices.

As a grower, you can opt in to have data shared anonymously with your hander(s), thus allowing them to share the almond sustainability story with their customers.