Blue Diamond Growers recently announced that its almond grower cooperative was awarded $45 million from the USDA as a part of a climate protection partnership.
Out of 450 proposals submitted, the company's was one of 70 named in the first round of funding. According to the company, almonds are the top perennial specialty crop in the U.S. when measured by value.
“This is a historic opportunity for our 112-year-old cooperative representing nearly half of the almond growers in California," said Mark Jansen, president and CEO of Blue Diamond Growers, in a statement. "These funds will help significantly accelerate and expand the stewardship impact that our multi-generational family farms are already making in orchards throughout the state. On behalf of our nearly 3,000 grower-owners, I applaud the USDA for a vision to commit meaningful investment in furthering climate smart American agricultural production."
The funding will be used to expand cover crop implementation, conservation plantings, and hedgerow installation in the co-op’s orchards. Additional support will be used to improve the orchard recycling practices.
"We are honored by this award, which will fund on-the-ground climate-smart practices to not only sequester carbon to combat climate change, but also enhance the biodiversity of orchards and the soil,” said Dr. Dan Sonke, director of sustainability at Blue Diamond Growers, in a statement. “These regenerative practices enhance the resiliency of our farmers in a changing climate and with global market challenges."
Sonke further emphasized that the co-op’s next steps are to work with grower members, USDA officials, and applicant partners to determine the scope and timing of the funding-related efforts.
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