Mackey Violich is part of the ownership team at Capay Farms, a 13,000-acre almond and walnut farming operation. As sustainability manager, Violich has explored a variety of innovative solutions like solar, cover crops, composting, carbon credits, electric equipment, whole orchard recycling and more.

“There's a lot of green washing out there. But if you have the data and the numbers to back it up, it makes it easier because it's the whole industry. If we all make a change it's gonna make a big impact, not only in our environment, but as a marketing tool.” - Mackey Violich

In Today’s episode:

• Meet almond grower and sustainability manager Mackey Violich
• Explore the many factors Violich takes into consideration as she approaches her job as sustainability manager for their 13,000 acre orchard operation

ABC Update:

The California Almond Stewardship Platform (CASP) is an important education and marketing tool for the almond industry to tell its stewardship story to consumers. Now over a decade old, CASP has gone through a major update to be even easier to use for growers and more effective for handlers. Almond Board Senior Manager of Field Outreach and Education Tom Devol sat down with Industry Communications Senior Specialist Taylor Hillman to discuss these changes.

“When CASP was first envisioned, it was predominantly an education tool. Over time, there's been a lot more pressure from the market. How are you growing your crops? Are you exhibiting good stewardship? Are you using current practices? So for the handler, they're the ones that get faced with those questions...By completing your grower self-assessment, you're assisting your handler and marketing your product.” - Tom Devol

The Almond Journey Podcast is brought to you by the Almond Board of California. This show explores how growers, handlers, and other stakeholders are making things work in their operations to drive the almond industry forward. Host Tim Hammerich visits with leaders throughout the Central Valley of California and beyond who are finding innovative ways to improve their operations, connect with their communities, and advance the almond industry.

ABC recognizes the diverse makeup of the California almond industry and values contributions offered by its growers, handlers, and allied industry members. However, the opinions, services and products discussed in existing and future podcast episodes are by no means an endorsement or recommendation from ABC. The Almond Journey podcast is not an appropriate venue to express opinions on national, state, local or industry politics. As a Federal Marketing Order, the Almond Board of California is prohibited from lobbying or advocating on legislative issues, as well as setting field and market prices.