Almond volume in California forecast to decline

Due to the drought in California, the industry expects yields to decline. This drop in the volume produced could lead to an increase in prices.

 

According to a recent report issued by USDA, the US Department of Agriculture, the almond harvest in California is expected to reach just 2.8 billion pounds (1.3 billion kg) while initial estimates were 3.2 billion pounds (1.5 billion kg). This drop in production can be explained by the temperature records and the low availability of water.

 

Growing almonds needs water and California is facing a major drought. According to the ranking compiled by the U.S. Drought Monitor, 88% of the state of California is in 'extreme drought', particularly the Central Valley region. In August the reservoirs for the water supply to the farms were very little filled (30% and 24%).

 

This expected drop in yield could cause prices to rise. But other factors, such as the size and appearance of the almonds, could mitigate the rise, according to industry professionals.

 

 

California in 1995 had 418,000 acres (169,158 hectares) of almond trees, global demand has pushed the area up to 1.3 million acres (526,091 hectares). But drought and water scarcity could quickly halt this area expansion.