49. Sustainability in the Almond Industry with Tommy Tickenoff

https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts211/v4/da/25/80/da258010-11ee-9727-a100-8cb53d82139f/mza_11779122755792445538.jpg/600x600bb.jpg

Hands in the Soil

Hannah Keitel

52 episodes

2 days ago

Welcome to Hands in the Soil, the podcast that dives deep into all things food, farming, and our intricate connection to the planet. We’re shining the spotlight on all those who work closely with the Earth – from farmers and ranchers, backyard gardeners and forestry workers, to indigenous seed keepers, waterway protectors and more. Together, we'll be uprooting the unseen, and learning from stewards at the frontlines of creating solutions to the existential threats we face in the era of climate change, food scarcity, and exploitation of our finite natural resources.

Food

Arts

RSS

All content for Hands in the Soil is the property of Hannah Keitel and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Food

Arts

https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo/40741462/40741462-1711419421702-a9c54fc742b74.jpg

49. Sustainability in the Almond Industry with Tommy Tickenoff

Hands in the Soil

49 minutes 51 seconds

1 month ago

49. Sustainability in the Almond Industry with Tommy Tickenoff

In this episode of Hands in the Soil, we’re joined by Tommy Tickenoff, co-founder and self-proclaimed “Chief Nut” of Fresh Vintage Farms. Based in California’s Central Valley, Tommy and his wife Tara launched Fresh Vintage Farms in 2019 with a mission to craft premium, cold-pressed nut oils while reducing agricultural waste and redefining what quality looks like in a sustainable food system.

Tommy brings humor and honesty to a nuanced conversation about the almond industry, which is one that’s often misunderstood and criticized for its water usage and impact on pollinators. We unpack the myths surrounding almond farming, explore how growers are adapting to new environmental challenges, and highlight the importance of transparency and consumer education in agriculture.

The discussion also touches on Fresh Vintage Farms’ innovative approach to upcycling and product development, including their small-batch almond oil mayonnaise and other cold-pressed creations made entirely from locally grown nuts. Through it all, Tommy emphasizes that sustainability in farming is a continuous process of learning, improving, and caring for the land.

Tune in to learn more about:

What sustainability means within the almond industry
Common myths and misconceptions about almond farming
How California almond growers have reduced water use and improved efficiency
The crucial role of bees and pollinator health in almond production
The balance between organic certification and practical sustainability
How consumer education builds trust and transparency in the food system
The future of sustainable agriculture in California’s Central Valley

… And so much more!

Tommy’s Resources & Links:

Connect with Hannah:

Instagram: @hannahkeitel