A traceable and responsible almond
California is the largest almond production area in the world due to its climate favorable to its development. However, this region faces significant ecological risks linked to the loss of biodiversity and the drought which affects its orchards.
We take the ecological and societal impact of our activity seriously and this is why we have decided to commit ourselves in complete transparency, thanks to our partner, to sustainable and responsible almond production.
The Californian almond, its life cycle
Almond trees bloom between February and March . The almond forms, then the flesh of the fruit hardens and forms a protective shell around the kernel: its seed gradually swells.
In August, the green skin that envelops the shell opens, allowing the almond to dry in the sun. For harvesting , mechanical “shakers” knock the ripe fruit off the tree around October . This is the only annual almond harvest until next fall . This is why pollination, irrigation and good crop management are essential throughout the year.
Its rational use of water
Preserving biodiversity
Almond trees bloom between February and March. Our partners take great care to respect safety standards for their bees. They are Bee Friendly certified , the label of farmers committed to the protection of pollinators. Concretely , 5% of orchards are dedicated to welcoming bees in their natural habitat .
Also, plants were planted in the fields to provide habitat for our pollinating friends and improve soil health.
Reducing the carbon footprint
Carbon reduction is at the heart of our partners' concerns: this is possible thanks to innovative technologies .
For example, 14% of our energy today comes from solar panels . 2.7% of the vehicles that circulate on our orchards run on electric or are hybrid.
Reducing waste and pesticides
Our partners minimize waste by maximizing available resources and looking for ways to reuse materials . By pruning trees to improve the soil, we reduce our carbon footprint and the need for synthetic fertilizers. They also reuse almond hulls which are an excellent source of feed for dairy cows and other livestock.
Alternative methods are also put in place . Several owl boxes have been installed, they are a natural fight against rodents. Mats help to naturally limit weeds around almond trees and technology is also used to reduce the use of herbicides using precise and rational application tools.
Employee well-being
Their commitments also apply on a social level: fair remuneration for agricultural labor is implemented . Assistance is also provided in terms of training or education and since the start of the health crisis, safety and hygiene measures have been introduced to protect all employees and their families.
