Tanya Gemperle-Goncalves of Gemperle Farms has taken a particular interest in finding ways to improve their almond operation over time. She joined the Journey to share some of her experiments including cover crops, compost, whole orchard recycling and more.

“There are these practices that we want to implement, and what I'm trying to figure out is where can I reduce the risk? Where can I reduce the amount of effort on our part and make it as practical on our farm and as efficient as possible?” - Tanya Gemperle-Goncalves

In Today’s episode:

• Meet Tanya Gemperle-Goncalves of Gemperle Farms
• Explore how Gemperle-Goncalves defines sustainability and the role it plays on their operation
• Discover the progression of implementing new technologies and practices at Gemperle Farms

ABC Update:

Many almond growers have navigated the challenges of adopting new practices such as cover crops and have added flowering cover crops and monarch habitat around their ranches. A few years ago, the US Fish and Wildlife Service made the decision that it is warranted for the monarch butterfly to be listed as an endangered species. While this hasn’t officially happened yet, the timeline for doing so is by the end of 2023.

An endangered listing for any pollinator creates concern for almond growers who have planted pollinator habitat in and around their orchards. Almond Board of California Chief Scientific Officer Josette Lewis talks about those concerns for growers and protections being put into place with Industry Communications Senior Specialist Taylor Hillman.

“We've seen a really great response in terms of the number of farmers who've registered as bee friendly farms who are putting in flowering cover crops and have worked with organizations like Monarch Joint Venture to specifically put in Monarch habitat around their ranches. And so for those growers, we wanna make sure that they are protected if the monarch is listed as an endangered species.” - Josette Lewis

For more information regarding butterfly habitats visit the growers tools page at the ABC website or email the field outreach team at [email protected] with any questions.

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.