According to Nichols Farms President and CEO Jared Lorraine, California has seen a 127% increase in pistachio-bearing acres over the last 10 years. Much of the 1.5 billion pounds expected to be produced this season will be exported to Europe, the Middle East and China, among other destinations.

Even more acres are expected to become bearing acres in the near future. While the abundance of nuts could be exciting for producers, companies like Nichols Farms and Wonderful Pistachios and Almonds are looking at ways to maintain the same level of demand in the coming years.

However, the biggest challenge may be access to water. California has implemented regulations through the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, which requires groundwater sustainability plans for groundwater basins designated as medium and high priorities.

Read more on pistachio production here.

Need to insure your pistachios before the sales close on Dec. 31, 2024? Get in contact with a local ProAg agent to lock in coverage!