California Almonds

14 Pages·2010·0.94 MB·English

Sustainability – The Almond Version
Gabriele Ludwig, Ph.D.
Associate Director, Environmental Affairs
Almond Board of California
December 16, 2009
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About the Almond Board of California
Grower-enacted “Federal Marketing Order” established in 1950
• Represents growers and handlers (processors)
Under the supervision of USDA
Voluntary 10 member Board of Directors (5 growers, 5 handlers)
• 16 committees and ~140 volunteer members
Funded by $.03/lb assessment
Provides:
• Generic global marketing of almonds
• Sets grade standards
• Funds research in production, environmental issues, nutrition, and food safety/quality
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Definitions of Sustainability
4-5th generation almond
growers
= long-term perspective
Ecologically
Economically
Sound
Viable
Social Equity
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Sustainability: The Almond Version
The Almond Board through the Environmental Committee has been exploring
the concept and what it means for almond growing for over 5 years.
The definition of sustainable almond farming, developed through focus groups
with almond farmers is:
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, healthy and safe
food product.
4
Why Consider Sustainability?
Rapidly changing regulations affecting resources and costs
•
Water availability
•
AB32 (Greenhouse Gas) - Energy
•
Irrigated Lands, etc – Water quality
•
PM10, Ozone, etc - Air
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Why Consider Sustainability?
Rapidly changing
marketplace
•
Major purchasers of
(food companies,
retailers, food service)
are asking about
sustainability of
suppliers
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7
Why Consider Sustainability?
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Social License
Definition: The privilege of operating with minimal
formalized restrictions (legislation, regulation, or market
requirements) based on maintaining public trust by doing
what’s right.
Public Trust: A belief that activities are consistent with
social expectations and the values of the community and
other stakeholders.
Source: Charlie Arnot (Center for Food Integrity)
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The Social License To Operate
Flexible Rigid
Responsive Bureaucratic
Lower Cost Higher Cost
Social License Social Control
• Ethics • Regulation
• Values Tipping
• Legislation
Point
• Expectations
• Litigation
•Self-Regulation
Single triggering event • Compliance
Cumulative impact
High Trust
Low Trust
Complete
Prohibition
Autonomy
Source: Charlie Arnot (Center for Food Integrity)
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