The harvesting of almonds and walnuts includes three processes: shaking, sweeping (and drying), and picking up the nuts in a harvester that separates the almonds from dirt and debris-sometimes creating a large dust plume. The District has been working closely with representatives from the agricultural community to evaluate new harvesting equipment and practices that can effectively reduce dust from harvest activities. This includes working with the Almond Board of California to evaluate new low-dust technology nut harvesters.
Based on the significant dust emission reductions that low-dust harvesting equipment can provide, the District is offering funding for the replacement of older, conventional harvesters or sweepers with new, low-dust technology equipment. This incentive funding can also be packaged with our Tractor Replacement funding to upgrade your tractor used to pull harvesting equipment.
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