The California almond crop is projected to remain steady during the 2026 season, with a total volume of 2.7 billion pounds, down one percent from the previous year. Yield is forecasted to remain steady at 1,940 pounds per acre, unchanged from 2025.
The 2026 season forecast published by the US Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA-NASS) was made based on subjective grower data compiled between April 24 and May 7 from around 500 participants selected at random.
“This is an early estimate, and we will see how the crop progresses over the coming months,” said Almond Board of California (ABC) President and CEO Clarice Turner.
In a press release published by ABC, the executive emphasized that even with a slightly tighter supply, the Golden State remains the world’s leading supplier of the fruit, a status California growers will defend despite higher costs, regulatory pressures, and supply chain challenges.
Bearing acreage in California decreased one percent by 15,227 acres from the previous year to 1,385,870 million bearing acres.