Almonds, Water, and California’s Agricultural Identity

To most people, almonds are a snack, a milk alternative, or perhaps the key ingredient in a favorite pastry. But in California, almonds—often pronounced “a-mons” by growers in the northern part of the state—are far more than that. They are a defining feature of the state’s agricultural identity.

California produces nearly 80% of the world’s almonds, and the groves now stretch across more than a million acres of the Central Valley. This expansion has fueled jobs, exports, and economic vitality for decades. Yet it has also sparked debates—especially around water.

Almond trees require a significant amount of water to thrive, and the numbers are eye-catching: it takes roughly a gallon of water to grow a single almond. Critics often point to this demand as unsustainable in a state where drought is a constant concern. Supporters counter that almonds are a high-value crop, bringing billions into the California economy and sustaining rural communities. Both perspectives highlight the tension between economic benefit and environmental responsibility.

Growers themselves are far from ignoring the issue. In recent years, almond farmers have invested heavily in water-saving innovations such as micro-irrigation systems, soil-moisture sensors, and careful orchard management to reduce waste. Many have also become more transparent about water use, acknowledging the controversy while working toward sustainability. These efforts don’t eliminate the challenges, but they do reflect an industry trying to evolve in the face of environmental realities.

Another important factor is the permanence of almond groves. Unlike annual crops that can be rotated or fallowed in dry years, almond trees are long-term investments, taking years to mature before producing full yields. Once planted, they tie growers to the land and its water supply for decades, making drought cycles and shifting water policies even more consequential.

At the same time, almonds have become central to global trade. Countries around the world—from India to Spain—are major buyers, and California’s almond exports help drive not only farm incomes but also shipping, processing, and related industries across the state. In this sense, the debate about almonds is not only about water but also about California’s vital role in feeding and supplying the world.

The almond story is, in many ways, the story of California agriculture itself: ambitious, resourceful, and continually adapting to environmental pressures. Whether you call them “almonds” or “a-mons,” these little nuts represent both the promise and the challenge of farming in a state where water is gold.