Most growers and buyers were expecting an almond crop of 2 billion to 2.1 billion pounds this year, however the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimate set the crop yield at 1.85 billion pounds – 7.5% lower than the subjective estimate released in May of 1.89 billion pounds. Given the current demand, the relatively low crop will prove difficult to satisfy the market. Upon release of the crop estimate the price for 2013 crop almonds jumped .30 cents per pound for small Nonpareil and .50 cents per pound for larger California varieties. If the price continues to increase significantly, substitution of other nuts may be seen.
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