In this episode of Industrial Edge, host Lacey Chandler sits down with Christine Gemperle, a second-generation almond farmer and a prominent leader in the California almond industry. Recorded at the 2024 Almond Board Conference, Christine shares her unique journey—from obtaining a Master’s in fisheries biology to managing Gemperle Orchards alongside her brother.

Christine provides a deep dive into the inner workings of the Almond Board of California, explaining how this federal marketing order supports growers through research, food safety standards, and global market expansion. They discuss the economic “perfect storm” the industry has faced since 2018 and how technological advancements like AI and advanced processing equipment are becoming essential tools to mitigate field challenges and perfect the final crop.

Key Topics in This Episode:

• Life as a “Small” Farmer: Managing 135 acres with zero employees and the dynamic of working with family 00:44 
• What is the Almond Board? An explanation of the federal marketing order, assessments, and the critical role of research and global marketing 06:10
• The “Perfect Storm” of 2020: How trade tariffs, COVID-19 supply chain issues, and a record-breaking “super bloom” impacted grower returns 08:45 
• Sustainable Stewardship: The California Almond Stewardship Program (CASP) and the industry’s role in carbon sequestration 03:36 
• AI & Automation in Agriculture: Using technology to “perfect the imperfect crop” and the role of high-tech processing in protecting grower premiums 11:45 
• Future Vision for Quality Control: Christine’s idea for changing how we think about quality and pest management through better sorting technology 15:20

Connect with our guest:

Learn more about Gemperle Orchards.

Discover the research and resources at the Almond Board of California.

Explore turnkey automation at Chandler Automation.

#IndustrialEdge #AlmondIndustry #AgTech #SustainableFarming #AlmondBoard #Agriculture #Automation #FoodProcessing #GemperleOrchards

Video Chapters

00:00 Introduction 

00:41 Meet Christine Gemperle: Farmer & Industry Leader 

03:00 Deciphering the “Badge Tags”: Leadership & Sustainability 

05:30 Working with Family: The Brother-Sister Dynamic 

06:10 What Exactly is the Almond Board? 

08:45 Challenges in the Industry: Tariffs, COVID, and the 2020 Crop 

11:45 Technological Advancements: AI & Efficiency 

13:56 Vision for Future Quality Control & Pest Management 

16:43 Closing Thoughts.