Partner Profile – Almond Board of California

The Almond Board of California has been funding almond-related research since the early 1970s. Over the decades, it has conducted research on every aspect of growing almonds, from developing new varieties to building a robust portfolio of investments in pest management, irrigation, crop nutrient management and pollination.

Funded by more than 7,600 California growers, the Board’s activities are overseen and approved by growers and other members of the almond industry. This model ensures the research it funds is valuable and practical for growers, nurseries, pest control advisors, irrigation specialists and processors.

The Almond Board’s global market development activities aim to boost consumer demand worldwide. Over the last 15 years or so, the production research has expanded to include the environmental footprint of almond growing to meet both global market demands and the policy priorities of California, addressing topics like cover crops, carbon footprint, water resources and pollinator habitat, both the honey bees upon which the crop depends and now a habitat for native pollinators too.

Vice President & Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Josette Lewis attributes this trend to growers’ desire to be recognized as environmental stewards and meet consumer demand for sustainable products.

The industry is also pursuing research into emerging pests and plant diseases, as well as irrigation efficiencies and a better understanding of soil quality as part of our water management strategies in a drier climate, Lewis noted. Growers are increasingly interested in research into biopesticides and integrated pest management given new pests and diseases combined with increasingly stricter pesticide regulations in California and important export markets.

The Almond Board began partnering with FFAR about five years ago in a bid to expand collaborative research opportunities that can benefit both orchard and tree nut crops. The Board was especially impressed by the work of FFAR’s Irrigation Consortium and saw the value of that public-private partnership model. The Board initially partnered with FFAR on research promoting soil health and food safety in almond orchards and has since sponsored several FFAR Fellows. It continues to collaborate with FFAR and agricultural industries on research into pest management and water use efficiencies, such as an event with the Western Growers Association in the summer of 2024 to discuss emerging issues and potential partnerships.