California Almond Crop Forecast Slips Slightly
California almond growers are looking at a slightly smaller crop this year, according to a newly released forecast from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The 2026 California Almond Forecast from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service estimates this year’s harvest at 2.7 billion pounds. That’s down 1 percent from last year, while forecasted yield is expected to hold steady at 1,940 pounds per acre.
Almond Board of California President and CEO Clarice Turner says, “According to the polled growers, the industry is expecting a modestly smaller crop in 2026 compared to last year. This is an early estimate, and we will see how the crop progresses over the coming months.”
Turner added that California remains the world’s leading almond supplier despite higher costs, regulatory pressures, and supply-chain challenges.
This year’s estimate is based on grower surveys conducted between April 21 and May 6, with responses collected by mail, phone, and online. It also marks a change in reporting, as this Subjective Forecast will be the only NASS almond report issued for the 2026 crop year.
https://www.almonds.org/about-us/press-room/usda-forecasts-slightly-smaller-almond-crop
