Local growers hit the brakes
-April29,2023-
USDA reports this week that California’s 2022 almond acreage is estimated at 1,630,000 acres, 1.2% lower than the 2021 acreage of 1,650,000.The drop comes in as a result of a 15% decline in new plantings of California’s number one nut tree paralleling lower grower prices in the past few years
California’s almond acreage decreased for the first time in more than a quarter century, notes the Almond Board of California.
Of the total acreage for 2022, 1,350,000 acres were bearing, 2.3% above 2021, and 280,000 acres were non-bearing, down 15.2% from 2021. Preliminary bearing acreage for 2023 is estimated at 1,380,000 acres.
Fresno, Kern, Stanislaus, Merced and Madera were the leading counties. These five counties accounted for 75% of the total bearing acreage.
Fresno/Tulare/Kings slowdown
A closer look at the numbers locally show that Fresno County almond growers went on a planting spree from 2014 to 2018 planting in excess of 14,000 acres yearly over the time.But in 2022 growers hit the brakes – planting just 1,800 acres.
Tulare County growers planted over 3400 acres in 2018 but last year planted just 176 acres of almonds, says the report.A similar trend was seen in Kings County where growers planted about 3500 acres in 2015 but were down to 73 new acres in 2021 and 225 in 2022.
USDA says farmers enjoyed prices in the $3 to $4 range in 2014 and 2015 but dropping to about $1.70 per pound in 2021.Most recently prices are being quoted about $1.50 per pound.
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