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Almond growers are all about embracing the most sustainable practices available and this trial is yet another example of that commitment ...
It will also assess any co-benefits such as improved irrigation use efficiency and soil healthy and potential negative impacts such as increased pressure from soil pathogens and potential for nitrogen draw down . Data will be collected in a manner that will allow it to be used to inform the Australian Life Cycle Assessment and as data input into approved carbon market methodology . Mr Bennett said the trial was an exciting new chapter for his orchard and the industry . He admits he watches closely what is being done in California and is always keen to try new improved ways of growing at home . “ There is no doubt that we have an obligation to grow as sustainably as possible and while there is always room for improvement , I think some critics of our industry might underestimate our existing credentials ," he said . " We all want sustainable business models and if that means doing things differently , then I think our industry has a great record for embracing change and innovation .” ABA CEO Tim Jackson said the Bennett trial will add scientific rigor to the benefits whole orchard recycling in Australian conditions . He said it will help with orchard redevelopment programs and help quantify expectations around carbon farming , changes in soil health , irrigation use efficiency and productivity improvements . He said the recycling results on Californian soils have been widely embraced and are contributing to longer term aspirations for the industry to
become at least carbon neutral . “ Almond growers are all about embracing the most sustainable practices available and this trial is yet another example of that commitment ,” he said . “ The global expectation around improving the sustainability of how you do business is not lost on our industry . " A commitment to firstly measuring the achievements across the industry so far and tackling areas of improvement is gathering momentum farm by farm , processor by processor .” The ABA has been consulting widely to across the industry and beyond in order to develop tools to support , educate and guide stakeholders of all sizes who are committed to being part of the Australian Sustainable Almonds Program .
industry . australianalmonds . com . au
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