Almond Living Magazine

The Latest News on Almonds and Water

Here in California we?re in the midst of a historic drought, so all of us are thinking more than usual about how we can be most efficient with our water use. The water required to grow almonds, an important crop in California, has become part of the discussion. Here?s the latest news.

Almonds Use 13% of California's Irrigated Farmland, But Just 9% of California's Agricultural Water

As we?ve discussed here on the blog before, there is a myth circulating about California almonds -- that growing them requires 10 percent of California?s total developed water. Alarming, right?

Los Angeles Times Op-Ed: “Why almond growers aren’t the water enemy”

Recently there has been a broad mischaracterization about agriculture in the state: the claim that California farmers have not shared in the sacrifice caused by this drought. As Brad Gleason, an almond grower, notes in his recent op-ed published by the Los Angeles Times, farmers are an adaptable group, relying on an intimate knowledge of the land and an innate desire to innovate, which in the almond industry, has led to a 33% increase in water efficiency over the past two decades.1

Almonds and Water: Just the Facts

Here in California we’re in the midst of a historic drought, so all of us are thinking about how we can be most efficient with our water use. We’ve used this blog and other parts of the website to share a variety of stories and information about how almond growers are working to be part of the solution, but we thought it might be helpful if we compile a list of links in one easy-to-find place. We’ll try to keep this updated as we continue to add new content to the website.

Reflecting on Ag and Almonds in California

Today, March 18, is National Ag Day, when producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, and governmental agencies across America gather to recognize and celebrate all that agriculture contributes to American life. Here in California, we also celebrate California Ag Day at the same time, in recognition of our state’s central role in American agriculture.

Esquire Magazine Covers Multi-generational Farmers in the Central Valley

Esquire is a publication known for red-carpet fashion, but this week the magazine traded tuxedos and wingtips for plaid shirts and work boots with a fascinating look at the ins and outs of growing California almonds. Esquire recently met the Bays family – a multi-generational clan of farmers like so many California almond growers – and saw firsthand the hard work, long hours, and constantly-evolving technology that go into producing our favorite delicious snack