BMP
ALMOND360: BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Best management practices( BMPs) outline the most effective and practical ways to achieve a specific goal and have a key role to play in boosting productivity, strengthening environmental sustainability and reducing risks in almond orchards.
To support almond growers in implementing BMPs on farm, the ABA developed Almond360, an online BMP portal which allows almond growers to assess their operations across a range of areas and benchmark themselves against others in the industry.
Almond360 is an almond industry-specific adaptation of Growcom’ s Hort360 platform and has been developed in consultation with key industry stakeholders.
GROWER BENEFITS
Almond360 is designed to help almond growers identify risks and opportunities within their businesses.
Responding to these risks and opportunities may help to:
• Improve business management
• Gain efficiencies
• Identify where costs can be reduced
• Have a more positive impact on the environment and local communities.
“ The value I got out of( Almond360) was that I could identify the key drivers within our own business of where we needed to improve”,
ROB COX, AMARETTO ALMONDS
MODULES
Almond360 is made up of a series of selfassessment modules on different topics. All modules are based on industry BMPs and are peer-reviewed by growers and other industry experts. There are currently 11 modules available, including:
Biodiversity
Increased biodiversity in almond orchards can help to improve air and water quality, build fertile, well-structured soils through the action of fungi, worms and bacteria, support beneficial birds and insects that aid pest and disease control, and reduce salinity.
Biosecurity
Preventing pest incursions is a more cost-effective control option and contributes to the long-term sustainability, marketability and profitability of the Australian almond industry.
Energy and Emissions
“ It really is something that is fast and relatively easy. If you aren’ t as efficient as you could be, there could be an opportunity to save money”,
MELINA MUELLER, WALKER FLAT ALMONDS
Increasing the energy efficiency of farm operations can help reduce costs, prevent interruptions to energy supply, optimise productivity, increase resilience in a changing climate, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Irrigation
Water is an important resource for almond production. Appropriate irrigation design, management, maintenance, and the use of scheduling technology can improve water use efficiency.
Managing Waste
Effective on-farm waste management protects soil, water and air quality, supports worker health and safety, and helps maintain community expectations( social licence to operate).
Nutrient
Almond trees require a balanced supply of nutrients and fertilisers to optimise the quality and yield of the current crop while supporting tree health and yield potential for the next season.
Pesticide
Applying the right amount of the right pesticide at the right time is a key principle in successfully controlling pests and protecting the orchard environment.
People and Place
The way a business operates can have an impact on both its employees and the broader community. Identify opportunities for your business to have a positive impact.
Pollination
European honeybees( Apis mellifera) play an important role in almond production. Working closely with beekeepers to provide a safe environment during blossom supports bee health and the long-term sustainability of both industries.
Soil
Healthy soils support optimal plant growth by performing key functions such as storing and supplying water and nutrients, supporting biological activity, maintaining structure, and preventing erosion.
Workplace Health and Safety
Creating a safe work environment and fostering a safety culture are important to the long-term sustainability of almond businesses. At the end of the day, we want everyone to get home safely.
A further two modules, Better Business and Integrated Pest and Disease Management, are under development.
REGISTER FOR ALMOND360 TODAY
Almond360 is free to use for all almond growers. On average, growers take 10-30 minutes to complete a module.
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