The almond (_Prunus communis_) is supposed to be native to the countries
around the Mediterranean and at present the bulk of the world’s supply
is produced in that region. It resembles the peach somewhat in manner of
growth and character of blossoms and leaves, but the wood is much harder
and the tree is longer-lived under equally favorable conditions. The
fruit, instead of having a thick, fleshy pericarp as in the case of the
peach, has a thin, leathery pericarp or hull, which splits on ripening
and generally opens when dry, exposing the nut inside.
California produces over 98 per cent of the entire American crop and has
done so for many years. During the period from 1900 to 1913 the number
of bearing trees remained approximately the same, new plantings having
replaced old orchards that were being pulled out. The variation in
California production from year to year prior to 1915, as shown in figure
1, is due to seasonal variations rather than to change in acreage.
Imports into the United States from the Mediterranean countries are also
shown in figure 1, the top line representing the total imports, the other
lines, as indicated, showing the proportion of that total originating in
the three principal countries exporting to the United States. Previous to
1912 the records of shelled and unshelled almonds were not kept separate.
Since the records have been segregated, the percentages of shelled
almonds imported each year have been approximately as follows:
Per cent
1912-13 83
1913-14 70
1914-15 71
1915-16 82
1916-17 79
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Average 77
With the 1915 crop the production in California entered upon what appears
to be a long prospective increase. The large acreage of almonds set out
in the last four or five years is the result of greatly improved market
conditions due to the successful work of the California Almond Growers’
Exchange. The first of these new plantings are now coming into bearing,
and each year for many years in the future will continue to see increased
yields. Large acreages are still being planted so that the almond
production in California bids fair to continue to grow.
Within the next few years California growers will, in all probability,
be forced to accept lower prices for their almonds than they are now
receiving. The American markets are fully supplied at present prices,
yet constantly increasing acreage will inevitably result in a greatly
increased tonnage. European almonds are being produced at a lower net
cost and can be laid down on the Atlantic Coast more cheaply than is
possible with the California product. This brings the grower face to face
with the necessity of becoming more thoroughly familiar with the most
economical methods of production and marketing if they are to continue
to make a profit. It is essential, therefore, that a careful study be
made of all the factors concerned in the growth, production and final
disposition of the almond crop.