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California Pistachio Boom
California's pistachio industry is booming, driven by drought tolerance and high market demand, but faces potential oversupply challenges.
English
United States
Us PoliticsChinaInternational TradeCaliforniaAgricultureDroughtFarmingPistachios
American Pistachio GrowersThe Wonderful Co.Wonderful OrchardsPublic Policy Institute Of CaliforniaRabobank
Zachary FraserRob YraceburuBrad FranklinDavid Magaña
- Which company is the largest pistachio grower in the US?
- The Wonderful Company, known for brands like Halo mandarins and FIJI Water, is the largest pistachio grower in the US, producing 15-20% of the US crop. Their development of a new rootstock increased yields significantly.
- What is the current state of the pistachio industry in California?
- Pistachios are becoming increasingly popular, with California leading the world in exports. The crop generated nearly $3 billion in revenue last year, surpassing Iran as the top exporter.
- What are the concerns regarding the future of the pistachio market?
- There are concerns about oversupply, similar to what happened with almonds, so pistachio growers are working to maintain demand by expanding into new markets, such as India.
- What factors are influencing California farmers' decisions to plant pistachios?
- California farmers are shifting toward perennial crops like pistachios due to higher returns and potential drought resilience, although groundwater limitations remain a factor influencing agricultural decisions.
- Why are pistachios considered a more sustainable crop than almonds in California?
- Pistachios are more drought-tolerant than almonds, requiring less water and relying on wind for pollination. This makes them a more sustainable crop in California's dry climate.