On a day that marked both National Almond Day and National Innovation Day, it was only fitting that the Almond Board of California celebrated the occasion with a $4.7 million commitment to 82 independent, third-party research projects exploring next-generation farming and sustainability practices. “This 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,” said Almond Board Director of Sustainability and Environmental Affairs Gabriele Ludwig. Commitments of this magnitude are not new to the almond industry, according to Ludwig, who said that the Almond Board has funded $60 million in research for over 40 years.