Almond Facts, May-June 2021

But it’s not just a needed message for customers, it’s a strong message for policy makers and stakeholders as well. As we enter the drought this summer and people come to us concerned about how water is used, our CASP participation helps us demonstrate the responsibility our members are taking for how they use their resources. The Gold Level of Blue Diamond ’s CASP Incentive Program is where it all comes together in talking about sustainability. Not only do we have all nine modules of CASP represented but also Bee Friendly Certification and the Cool Farm tool assessment. So we get the full sustainability focus complemented by two areas of critical importance to us — bee health and greenhouse gas emissions — all being tackled by members who reach the Gold Level. And I have to say, based on the calls I’m getting from peers around the country, the food world is taking notice of that fact that Blue Diamond is incentivizing our growers and rapidly building a broader base in CASP. It’s attracting positive attention because not very many companies are doing this in the almond world, and it’s considered the gold standard in the food sustainability spaces. People are waking up to the fact that Blue Diamond has made a significant move and they want to catch up. What future topics are on your radar? The Biden Administration is calling for the creation of a carbon fund for farmers, which some reporters are calling a “regenerative agriculture” or climate-smart agriculture fund. So we know the conversation around regenerative agriculture is going mainstream and has already become the basis for customer conversations. From what I’ve seen so far, Blue Diamond has the elements of a good regenerative agriculture story already underway. I’m excited to use my background and work with the growers on telling our story. Dr. Daniel Sonke observing an orchard irrigation system. NEWS IN A NUTSHELL And I have to say, based on the calls I’m getting from peers around the country, the food world is taking notice of that fact that Blue Diamond is incentivizing our growers and rapidly building a broader base in CASP. 12 A L M O N D F A C T S