The California Almond Stewardship Platform (CASP) led by the Almond Board of California (ABC) has been improved to better meet the needs of industry members. The online CASP system uses aggregated grower data to keep the industry at large informed on sustainable production practices and encourages broader adoption. Senior Manager of ABC’s Field Outreach & Education Team, Tom Devol said the program had gotten a bit complicated over the years. ABC evaluated feedback from growers, which led to some changes being made.
CASP system
The number of questions has been effectively cut in half. Questions are also now grouped together for better long-term experience with the CASP system. By participating in the online system growers can compare their practices to industry averages and automatically meet a variety of regulatory requirements. Tools available through CASP also help growers calculate nitrogen needs and orchard irrigation scheduling. Devol said they recommend that growers update their practices in the CASP system every three years, “because really it’s a continuous improvement program, if you think about it.”
Source: agnetwest.com