Pistachios: California's Green Gold Revolution

Pistachios have surged in California, becoming the state's sixth-largest agricultural commodity thanks to their hardiness and market demand. The crop earned nearly $3 billion in the state last year, with exports surpassing Iran. Farmers are leveraging lessons from almond production to sustain growth.

In California's fertile heart, pistachio farms are thriving. The state has become the top exporter of the nut, outpacing Iran, with the crop generating nearly $3 billion last year. This growth owes much to pistachios' resilience against the state's erratic weather and water scarcity.

The Wonderful Co., a key player in the pistachio industry, has utilized innovative rootstock to increase yields, contributing to the crop's prominence. Farmers are learning from the challenges faced by almond producers, aiming to sustain pistachio demand amid droughts and market fluctuations.

The pistachio boom in California represents a shift toward perennial crops that offer better returns than seasonal ones. As pistachio acreage expands, farmers are adapting to sustainable water practices to meet the demands of the evolving agricultural landscape.

(With inputs from agencies.)