California farms and vineyards are facing a host of problems so far this year, including a drought caused mainly by unusually warm weather patterns in early spring, as reported by the state’s Department of Water Resources. This year’s snow levels in the Northern Sierra and Cascade mountains fell to 0% of their typical June average. These snow packs are needed each year to melt slowly throughout the summer and fall providing crucial water supply to the state.
In June, the national weather service warned millions in California to stay inside due to lethal temperatures around the state including parts of Oregon and Washington.
Almonds are California’s number one crop by acreage, number one agricultural export, second by value, and the number one specialty crop export in the country. Eighty percent of the world‘s almonds come from California with more than 7,000 almond farms across the state. Lately, water restrictions and higher costs are making it difficult for growers.
The story is the same for pistachios. California produces nearly all of the U.S. supply (about 99%) and accounts for over 60% of global pistachio production. 600,000 acres are planted across the Central Valley contributing more than $1.6 billion in annual value to the state’s economy. Fresno, Kern and Tulare counties reported a combined $800 million loss for pistachio production so far this year.
