CALIFORNIA BUSINESS MINUTE
CA Nuts
11-19-10
Hi, I am Tim Johnson and welcome to the California Business Minute.
Global demand for almonds and walnuts -- two of California's major nut crops --
is expected to grow this year according to a federal report by the U.S. Dept of
Agriculture.
The report shows that global almond production for 2010-11 is forecast to swell
by 12% to more than 1.9 billion pounds. And exports will grow by 9% with much of
the demand coming from the emerging markets of China, India and the United Arab
Emirates.
California produces nearly all of the U.S. almond supply, with leading producers
including Fresno, Kern and Stanislaus counties. This year, almond growers are
expected to produce 1.65 billion pounds of almonds, an increase of 17% from last
year.
Like almonds, walnut exports are also trending upward. USDA officials expect a 12%
increase in walnut exports for 2010-11.
The U.S., which is led by California, accounts for 60% of the global market. And
California supplies nearly the entire U.S. crop. This year, the state's walnut crop
is forecast to be a record: 510,000 tons, 17% larger than 2009's crop of 437,000
and more than double the crop production in 2000. Leading walnut growers include
San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tulare counties.
I am Tim Johnson and this has been the California Business Minute.
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