California’s almond acreage shrinks for fourth consecutive year

The Almond Board of California says the state’s almond industry is contracting in part due to a year-over-year decrease in planted almond land area.

According to the organization's 2025 annual almond standing-acreage survey, California's total almond acreage is 1,505,997 acres this year, a 1.3 percent decrease from 1,525,638 acres in 2024.

While this decrease may seem modest, it is significant because it marks the fourth consecutive year of declining almond plantings.

Clarice Turner, President and CEO of the Almond Board of California, said this is one of the reasons for the contraction, which, in combination with sustained removals and fewer new plantings, “reflects structural changes in the California almond sector.”

“At the same time, global demand for California almonds remains strong, and the sector is well-positioned to provide a consistent and stable supply of California almonds around the world,” she added.

Productive acreage reached 1,401,097 acres, up from 1,383,332 acres in 2024. Of this total, 19,927 acres are considered potentially abandoned orchards, according to the board.

Non-productive acreage and plantings from 2023, 2024, or 2025 that have not yet entered full production declined to 104,900 acres, down from 142,306 acres a year ago.

Orchard removals in 2025 totaled approximately 49,197 acres. Removals totaled 66,794 acres in 2024 and 82,958 acres in 2023.

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