Almond
almond: A small tree (Prunus dulcis) grown for its edible nuts, or an edible nut produced by this tree. Growing almonds provides farmers with valuable crops for culinary and commercial purposes.
Agricultural Terms and Helpful Expert Insight
Agriculture and Rural Affairs Department: The department of the devolved Welsh Assembly government which deals with farming, the environment, animal welfare, and rural development in Wales. Abbr ARAD. Farmers in Wales benefit from the resources and support provided by ARAD to improve their practices and sustainability.
alpine plants: Plants which grow on high mountains. Alpine vegetation grows above the treeline. Understanding alpine plants helps farmers manage biodiversity and grazing resources in high-altitude areas.
Agricultural Development Programme: A plan to improve the agricultural productivity of a community through training and modernization of equipment. Abbr ADP. Participating in development programs helps farmers adopt new technologies and practices to enhance their productivity.
acid grassland: A type of vegetation that typically grows on soils that drain freely and are low in mineral nutrients, and may also occur on post-industrial sites. Farmers managing acid grassland need to understand its unique properties to maintain soil health and biodiversity.
accommodation land: Land available for short-term tenancy. This provides farmers with flexible land use options to meet their changing agricultural needs.
African swine fever: A virus disease which is highly contagious among pigs. Animals suffer fever and high temperature followed by death. In Europe, it occurs in parts of Spain. Managing and preventing African swine fever is crucial for pig farmers to protect their herds.
anabolic steroids: Hormones which encourage growth and muscle building. Understanding anabolic steroids helps farmers manage livestock growth and health.
activated sludge: Solid sewage containing active microorganisms and air, mixed with untreated sewage to speed up the purification process. Using activated sludge can help farmers manage waste and improve soil fertility.
Agriculture Acts: Acts of Parliament, introduced to update legislation affecting agricultural policy. Keeping up with Agriculture Acts helps farmers stay informed about legal changes and requirements.
agricultural waste: Waste matter produced on a farm, e.g., plastic containers for pesticides. Managing agricultural waste is important for farmers to reduce environmental impact and comply with regulations.
advanced register: A book which records breeding performance of outstanding livestock. Keeping an advanced register helps farmers track and improve their breeding programs.
agricultural depopulation: The fact of people leaving farms to live and work elsewhere. Managing agricultural depopulation is important for maintaining rural communities and farm productivity.
agricultural economist: A person who studies the economics of the agricultural industry. Insights from agricultural economists can guide farmers in making profitable and sustainable business decisions.
amniotic fluid: The fluid that surrounds and protects a fetus. Understanding amniotic fluid helps farmers manage livestock reproduction and health.
air layering: A method of propagation where a stem is partially cut, then surrounded with damp moss, which is tied securely to the stem. Roots will grow from the cut at the point where it is in contact with the moss. Using air layering helps farmers propagate plants efficiently.
almond oil: An oil from almond seed used for toilet preparations and for flavoring. Producing almond oil provides farmers with additional income streams and product diversification.