Episode 51: Finding Balance in the Orchard with Christine Gemperle

Almond grower and Almond Board of California Director Christine Gemperle discusses how she finds balance between conventional farming approaches and ecological processes. She also shares her early experiences with whole orchard recycling, new irrigation systems, cover crops and habitat for pollinators, including monarch butterflies.

Gemperle and her brother Erich started their almond operation in 1997, which includes 135 acres on two farms: one near Ceres and the other in the Newman area. The brother-sister partners are second generation central valley farmers.

“I don't know that people understand how much food security is dependent on California agriculture. It's so important globally that we be able to continue to farm.” - Christine Gemperle

In Today’s episode:

• Meet Christine Gemperle of Gemperle Orchards
• Discover how Gemperle has incorporated practices such as whole orchard recycling, cover crops and pollinator habitat into her operation
• Understand how new approaches and new irrigation technologies are making California farms more efficient and resilient

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.