The Almond Board of California (ABC) will invest $4.7 million to develop next generation farming and sustainability practices designed to benefit the nut industry and consumers.

Gabriele Ludwig, ABC’s director of sustainability and environmental affairs, says the commitment “helps ensure that almond farmers and the industry as a whole have the tools to implement sustainable production practices that result in a plentiful, nutritious and safe food product for consumers the world over to enjoy.”

ABC’s financial investment will fund 82 independent, third-party research projects.

Additional funds for the projects will come from the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s 2016 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, and the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program.

Targeted research areas will include a triple focus - irrigation efficiency, honeybee health, and air quality.

Almond Board Chief Executive Officer Richard Waycott says, “By continually investing in research, we challenge ourselves to do more and continue to pave the way for almonds to be an economically, environmentally, and social responsible crop for California.”