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Record-Breaking 2018 Almond Crop Predicted
almond
A recently released report indicates the 2018 California almond crop estimate is up 7.9 percent from the 2017 crop production of 2.27 billion pounds.

Despite concerns earlier in the year about freezing weather during almond bloom, careful management by California farmers and newer orchards coming into production have resulted in a record-breaking crop, according to the 2018 Almond Objective Measurement Report. This confirms earlier predictions from the 2018 Almond Subjective Forecast released in May.

Published July 5 by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service - Pacific Regional Office (NASS/PRO), the Objective Report is the official industry crop estimate. The report finds that the 2018 crop estimate is up 7.9 percent from the 2017 crop production of 2.27 billion pounds.

“2018 looks to be a milestone year for California almonds with over one million almond-bearing acres now in California,” said Holly King, chair, Almond Board of California (ABC) and Kern County almond grower. “However, it is not just about the number of acres, it’s also about growing more almonds per acre. As we have grown in size, we have continued to find ways to grow almonds more efficiently, using fewer resources and leaving a smaller footprint per nut.”

The California almond community, through ABC, has invested nearly $70 million over more than 40 years to build a foundation of research on improving how almonds are grown, processed and consumed. This culture of continuous improvement brings benefits to local communities and the environment while helping farmers be responsible stewards of the land.

The Objective Report follows the Subjective Forecast, which provides an early estimate of the coming crop after it has set on the trees. The Objective Report collects data later in the growing season, closer to harvest, and is based on an actual count of nuts on the trees. This year’s Objective Report projects an almond crop up 6.5 percent from the May forecast of 2.30 billion pounds.

“California is home to the world’s most efficient almond farmers, who produce more than 80 percent of the world’s supply,” said Richard Waycott, president and CEO, ABC. “The California almond community continues to meet the steadily growing demand for almonds, supporting healthy and diverse diets around the globe.”

Per the Objective Report, the average nut set per tree is 5,677, down 0.6 percent from the 2017 almond crop. The Nonpareil average nut set is 4,924, down 13.9 percent from last year’s set. The average kernel weight for all varieties sampled was 1.54 grams, down 1.9 percent compared to the 2017 average weight of 1.57 grams.

The Almond Board of California promotes almonds through its research-based approach to all aspects of marketing, farming and production on behalf of the more than 6,000 almond farmers and processors in California, many of whom are multi-generational family operations. Established in 1950 and based in Modesto, the Almond Board of California is a non-profit organization that administers a farmer-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture. For more information on the Almond Board of California or almonds, visit Almonds.com.