INDUSTRY NEWS
Renee Morelli , Riverland Almonds ' tecnical and sustainability manager , has found the ABA ' s Almond Hort360 platform a useful tool .
Almond Hort360 : a valuable tool for growers , processors
THE technical and sustainability manager at Riverland Almonds , Renee Morelli , is encouraging growers to take advantage of the Almond Hort360 platform that has been developed by the Almond Board of Australia . “ Benchmarking helps individual growers and the industry more broadly ,” she said . There ’ s now six modules in the sustainability selfassessment portal including :
• Pollination
• Irrigation
• Pesticide
• Workplace Health and Safety
• Managing waste
• Energy and emissions “ It ’ s free , the modules don ’ t take long to do and they are tailored to the almond industry ,” she said . Ms Morelli said Riverland Almonds growers have been receptive to the platform . “ Corporate growers already have sustainability on their minds and smaller family growers see it as an opportunity to save money on inputs like chemicals , energy and water ,” she said . “ But it ’ s also way to for growers to see how their operations stack up beside others .” Ms Morelli said Riverland Almonds is already required to provide sustainability reporting to some of its customers , including large retailers who want to know the world ’ s resources are being looked after , but this push is happening globally . “ Sustainability has become a big focus particularly in the European Union ,” she said .
The ABA ’ s Industry Development Officer – Sustainability , Ella Henson , acknowledged sustainability requirements driven by government regulations , market requirements and consumer expectations can pose challenges for growers , but it is also a source of opportunity . “ This is a valuable tool that will help growers see where they can make improvements ,” Ms Henson said . “ The portal is designed to provide growers with a ‘ 360-degree view ’ of their farm and business operations . “ The modules are principles-based and focus on what growers do on farm rather than on collecting hard data on inputs , yield or quality . “ When it comes to Almond Hort360 there is no pass or fail . “ The best approach is for growers to be honest with themselves as this will enhance their understanding of their business ’ sustainability risks and opportunities .” Almond Hort360 will help growers demonstrate their sustainble farming practices ." The Almond Hort360 platform produces a peer-topeer performance graph so they can see how they compare to the rest of the industry . “ But don ’ t worry , no one can see individual data other than their own .” Another seven modules will be rolled out in coming years . To register or login to the Almond Hort360 platform click here . For further information email Ella Henson : ehenson @ australianalmonds . com . au .
30 In A Nutshell - Spring 2025 Vol 25 Issue 3