What is it all about?

This investment is supporting the almond industry to further develop Almond Hort360, an online grower self-assessment benchmarking tool that provides growers with a resource to support improved sustainable production and on-farm business practises while capturing industry data which can inform future research and development activities.

The online tool is designed to give a 360-degree degree view of farm business operations and will consist of a series of self-assessment modules on different topics. Module development with be prioritised based on industry needs and modules will reflect key sustainability issues.

Each module with be made up of a series of multiple-choice questions. Questions will be aligned with a risk assessment, and best sustainable management practices (BMP) and/or other relevant resources will be provided to assist growers in reducing risk and adopting sustainable practices. Almond Hort360 will be developed by Almond Board of Australia staff under consultation with growers and other experts as needed.

Modules covered by Almond Hort360 will include:

• Pollination
• Irrigation
• Integrated pest and disease management (IPDM)
• Work health and safety (WHS)
• Energy and Climate 
• Biosecurity
• Waste
• Biodiversity
• Soil
• Nutrients
• Better business
•  Air quality.

The tool will assist almond growers to identify potential risks, capitalise on business opportunities and highlight unnecessary farm expenses and practices.