The National Agricultural Statistics Service announced that California is estimated to harvest 1.95 billion pounds of almonds this season making it the third largest crop in history behind 2011’s 2.03 billion pounds and 2013’s 2 billion pounds, despite the severe drought in the state. The estimate was based on an April survey of growers representing 29% of total producing acreage in the state. A second, final estimate entailing nut counts and orchard sampling will be released on June 30. Drip irrigation, soil moisture testing prior to watering, and long-term increased yields due to advanced breeding and grower practices are believed to be factors supporting the output. California produces 80% of the world’s almonds and the results of this survey which is awaited by almond buyers and sellers alike is reassuring to the world market given the extreme weather conditions.
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