From almonds to wheat, San Joaquin Valley crops have shifted since 2002
… [San Joaquin Valley] acreage devoted to different kinds of crops has undergone a major shift over the past 20 years — the result of myriad factors including changes in commodity prices, market demand for various crops, availability of water, among others. Some of the most dramatic changes have come in tree crops including almonds and pistachios, and in field crops including cotton and wheat. … Researchers with the University of California at Davis noted that drought, uncertain water supplies and rising irrigation costs also contributed to the trend of reduced cotton acreage that dates to the 1980s, as well as the arrival of pesticide-resistant pests like the pink bollworm and sweet potato whitefly.
Related San Joaquin Valley articles:
- NPR: California farmers turn to agave amid drought conditions and climate change
- Capital Public Radio: Drought and climate change make agave an appealing California crop. Now, distillers look to turn it into spirits
- YourCentralValley.com: Local congressman and valley voices discuss water issues
- San Joaquin Valley Sun: During Valley stop, Congressional reps receive an earful from local farmers, water managers
- California Farm Coalition: U.S. House of Representatives Committee Members Hearing