Based on the USDA almond acreage report, last year, California had an estimated 1.6 million acres planted in almonds. That’s is an area, larger than surface area of the state of Delaware. The five biggest almond counties in California are Fresno, 167,794 acres; Kern, 158,680 acres; Stanislaus, 120,933 acres; Merced, 116,989 acres; and Madera, 99,573 acres. San Joaquin County is sixth with 46,771 acres that are all planted in the Escalon, Manteca, Ripon, and Tracy areas.
Although a value has yet to be placed on the 2020 crop, the 2019 production was valued at $6.094 billion.
The USDA report reflects a continued increase in California’s almond acreage in 2020. Bearing acres, or orchards that have matured enough to produce a crop, are estimated at 1.25 million acres, up 5.9 percent from 2019. Nonpareil continued to be the leading variety, followed by Monterey, Butte, Carmel, and Padre.
On July 12, the USDA will release the 2021 Objective Report. This report collects data later in the growing season, closer to harvest, and is based on an actual count of nuts on the trees.
Source: mantecabulletin.com