By Almond Board of California
Though there are about 70 varieties of almonds grown around the world – from Spain and Australia, to Italy and France – due to the Mediterranean climate of California's Central Valley, the state produces 80 percent of the world's almond supply, selling to 90 different export markets. California also produces about 30 almond varieties of its own, though the vast majority of production (98 percent) is represented by 13 commercially relevant varieties.
With its focus on the orchard of the future, the California almond industry is "always looking for better and more sustainable almond varieties," Sebastian Saa, Ph.D., senior manager for agricultural research at the Almond Board of California (ABC) says. "We're convinced that through research and innovation, we'll find varieties that produce not only more pounds of almonds, but also higher quality with reduced management costs and horticultural inputs in terms of water use, pest management and more. As technology and experience advance, it'll allow us to discover better, more efficient varieties."