It’s a good time to be a nut lover in the Golden State.
Last week, we told you that California-grown walnuts are about to receive a big push in foreign markets like Southeast Asia and the Middle East, thanks to a $7 million grant from the USDA’s Regional Agricultural Promotion Program. This week, we’re happy to announce that the forecast for another California staple — the almond — is an impressive 3 billion pounds. Compared to last year’s number, that’s an increase of 21%. In other words, California almonds are on track to have an extremely good year.
For local almond growers, that year unofficially began during the second week of February, when bloom started. A series of storms may have threatened California’s almond orchards with heavy rainfall and high wind, but the weather cleared up during late February and early March, bringing milder temperatures that helped boost pollination. According to the Ag Information Network of the West, bee hours in 2024 have been significantly higher than last year. Bloom wrapped up during the middle of March, and more than two months later, the almond forecast looks very promising.
Almonds are, of course, the most valuable export crop in California. 100% of America’s almond supply comes from here, as well as 80% of the entire world’s supply. Five counties — Kern, Fresno, Merced, Madera, and Stanislaus — are responsible for the majority of that almond production, thanks to the regions’ dry, sunny climate and bouts of rainfall.
FGS has a long history of supporting growers in this area, and we continue to help make almond production simpler by assisting with irrigation system design, pest management, pesticide application, and even corrugated packing materials. If you need our help, we’re just a phone call away.
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