Today’s AgNet News Hour featured an in-depth conversation with pistachio grower and crop advisor Rich Kreps, highlighting how global events, domestic policy, and on-the-ground growing conditions are shaping the outlook for California’s pistachio industry. Kreps, widely known in the industry as “Mr. Pistachio,” pointed to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East as a key factor influencing the market. With Iran ranking as the world’s second-largest pistachio producer, any disruption in that region could significantly benefit California growers. “Iran is the second-largest producer of pistachios, so it will help the American market—especially California,” Kreps said. “That’s just the reality of global supply.” While last year delivered a record-breaking crop in both volume and quality, early signs suggest another strong year could be ahead. Kreps noted that newer pistachio varieties like Golden Hills are helping stabilize production by reducing the dramatic swings of alternate ...