In Fresno County, California, the almond production has experienced a 13% increase from the previous year, totaling 2.8 billion pounds. This growth has raised concerns regarding profitability for growers due to a significant drop in the average price per pound of almonds over the last decade, from $4.00 to $1.64.
Scott Hunter of Hunter Farms in Atwater is currently harvesting his almond crop, focusing on nonpareils. He detailed the process from shaking the almonds from the trees to the final stages where nothing is wasted, with by-products such as the hull being used as cattle feed.
With California's almond acreage reaching 1.4 million, the market has become increasingly challenging for growers. Despite recent stability, the industry seeks to maintain fair pricing for its products. Hunter emphasized the global recognition of California almonds for their quality, noting their use in various products worldwide.
Source: ABC 30