Almond Growers Are Facing a Pricing Slump for Their 3 Billion Pound 2020 Crop

Almond Growers Are Facing a Pricing Slump for Their 3 Billion Pound 2020 Crop

Patrick Cavanaugh
Patrick Cavanaugh
Part of the problem is the big crop, plus global trade issues and of course COVID disruptions.

Dave Thiel is the general manager of the Cortez Growers Association, in Turlock an almond huller, sheller, and processor.

“The big reason why the price is down where it is now is just because of that 3 billion pound number and that's going to affect the market,” said Thiel. “I think that you're going to see some bounce back how far I really can't say it's going to be moderate and not major on the bounce back just because that's a lot of almonds to get marketed,” noted Thiel.

Blue Diamond Growers feel confident that they can market the almonds. These tariffs, once they're taken care of, that'll be a big boost to the exports. And if we can get finished with this virus, that'll open up some ports and get some product moving.

There's a lot of things pointing to more price stabilization and increasing in prices. Even with that 3 billion pounds.

“I do believe that it's a manageable number and I believe the Almond Board does a great job in what they do and opening markets for grower’s needs here in the valley,” Thiel said.

On the bright side, a lower price may open up new markets. “Right, well, it's much easier to do that when you've got a lower price and then develop your market. And then when the price does come back, hopefully it doesn't go back to a point where particular market is going to substitute using almonds, after we've opened that market up,” noted Thiel.

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