California scientists have developed a self-pollinating non-pareil almond!
The new crop could help reduce costs and the industry’s reliance on bees as the country faces a decline in the pollinator population.
While self-pollinating almonds exist for other varieties, non-pareil almonds are highly sought after for their consistent color and sweet taste.
While the development shows promise, long-term testing will be key as almond trees have a lifecycle of approximately 25 years.
California produces 80% of the world’s almonds. In 2023, the state’s crop was valued at nearly $4 billion.
The California almond industry recently secured $13 million in USDA funding to expand its global reach. The money will be spent over the course of five years on promotional activities, new market research, and strategies to boost demand.
Funding is coming from USDA’s Regional Ag Promotion Program, otherwise known as RAPP.
The Almond Board says that this money is only given to organizations that can deliver results and their team has consistently shown that.
