W33: Almond Update

In W33 in the almond landscape, the Californian almond market experienced a robust performance in July, surpassing expectations with shipments totaling 186.7 million pounds (lbs). Domestic and export shipments displayed mixed trends, with domestic shipments declining 7% to 56.5 million lbs compared to the previous month, while export shipments surged by 3.5% to 130.1 million lbs. The market's positive July performance contributed to a favorable season conclusion, holding a carryout below 800 million lbs. For the entire 2022 crop year, almond shipments amounted to 2.56 billion lbs, reflecting a 2.6% decrease from the previous crop year. Domestic shipments declined 6% to 716.4 million lbs, while export shipments dropped by 1% to 1.85 billion lbs.

Almond harvest has begun in Córdoba, Spain, with an expected production of about 5.70 thousand tons, similar to 2022, despite challenges posed by drought and high temperatures. Quality is expected to improve in the Guadalquivir Valley due to received water and rainfall. Plantation areas have expanded by 836 hectares (ha) in Córdoba and 6.23 thousand ha in Andalusia. Nationally, almond kernel production for 2023 is estimated at 120.63 thousand tons, marking a recovery from the previous year's drop. The total productive area has increased by 3.1%, with over 16 thousand ha entering production, partly offsetting the impact of adverse weather and drought. Organic production covers over 100 thousand ha, around 20% of the total area.

The Agriculture Department of northern Samangan province in Afghanistan has reported a significant 60% decrease in almond yield compared to 2022. Factors such as climate change and a cold wave during the previous winter have led to extensive damage to almond trees and a subsequent reduction in harvest. The lack of farmers' interest in almond cultivation has also contributed to the decline. Almond orchards in Samangan province cover 5.12 million ha, and this year's harvest yielded around 1.90 thousand tons of almonds, in stark contrast to the 4.60 thousand tons produced in 2022. The province’s lack of a thriving almond market is causing concerns among growers and traders. Despite the reduced production, almond prices have dropped, and gardeners are urging the government to address the issue and establish a viable market for their product.