Retailers Request Sustainable Practices

When visiting with leading food companies around the world to encourage the use of California Almonds in their products, Almond Board of California staff members have noticed a rising trend: More and more frequently ABC is asked about the sustainability aspects of almond growing in California.

Major retailers have expressed an increasing interest in sourcing from suppliers that are "sustainable." Wal-Mart, known for its "always low prices," has been a driver in asking suppliers to track energy and water use. The company says it will ask more of its suppliers in the near future. Safeway just announced its membership in a sustainability consortium. Those watching this trend say it is increasing even in the current economic climate.

Few of these companies (or society in general) understand the complex biological systems of agriculture. So, it is in the almond industry's best interest to document its sustainability in a way that is based on sound information and is truly sustainable for the business of almond farming. ABC has developed the California Almond Sustainability Program to document the California Almond story.

Click here to learn more about how to get involved.