Water—Conserve and Protect

One of the continuing challenges to almond production is the availability of water to optimize tree health and crop production. California's Central Valley mirrors that of a Mediterranean climate—cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers—which are ideal for almond growth, just as long as the almond trees have access to water. Limited water supplies—with or without drought—are in the state’s future. The Almond Board of California has invested heavily in the area of irrigation strategies that conserve water and optimize production and tree health, as well as in ways to protect ground and surface water quality from potential runoff of grower inputs.

Water quality can also be a food safety concern. Water can be a source or spread existing bacteria, which can contribute to food safety issues for almonds.