Almond Living Magazine

Almonds: A “three-for-one”

Millions of people love the almond for its great taste and nutrition. Fewer people know that almond farmers actually produce three crops in one. While the kernel is the most recognizable product of the almond tree, almond farmers don't let anything go to waste. This handy infographic explains what the hulls and shells are, and how almond growers make use...

How Little Bees Win When Leaders Come Together

Almond orchards have transitioned from delicate white blooms to vibrant green leaves. Honey bees, busy of course, have moved on to do their job in berries, cherries, citrus, melons, and the more than 90 different blossoming crops around California and the rest of North America that rely on them for pollination. However, even when they’ve left to pollinate other crops...

Almonds and Water 101

Today, the California Water Resources Control Board is expected to adopt regulations implementing Governor Brown’s orders to cut water usage. The restrictions are historic and serious, and it’s no surprise they’ve sparked significant debate about water use in the state. While this round of cuts focus mostly on residential users, it’s important to note that farmers have already seen severe...

Karen Ross, Secretary of Food & Agriculture Weighs in on the Drought

A few days ago, the Modesto Bee ran an op-ed penned by Karen Ross, California’s Secretary of Food & Agriculture, raising concerns about the tone and accusations being made about agricultural water use during the drought. We commend Ross for publically voicing her support for farmers across the state, many of whom are fighting for their livelihoods right now and...

Seven Ways Almonds Provide Value for Californians

If you’ve been following the media conversation about California’s drought recently, you’ve probably seen discussion about how much water agriculture – and almonds specifically – use. One thing you don’t see as much of, though, is discussion about what value almonds provide in return for that water, which is not more than the amount needed to grow many other crops.

2014 NASS Almond Acreage Survey

Today, the National Agricultural Statistical Survey from the USDA reported an increase in almond acreage. From the outside looking in, increasing acreage may seem counterintuitive to the current drought challenges facing our state. There are, however, a couple of facts that are key to understanding this report and what it means for our state's most precious resource. It is important...