US pistachio industry officials are optimistic that the American crop can continue to gain market share as signs suggest improved global demand for the crop. The alternate bearing nature of pistachios has tempered its rise in production, though the on-year, off-year cycle appears to be closing somewhat due in part to new varieties and farm management practices.
As more acreage comes online, annual production should soon average above 1 billion pounds. Last year’s US production was just under 885 million pounds across the growing region of California, Arizona, and New Mexico. About 99% of the US crop comes from California.
New California pistachio plantings hit 35,000 in each of the two previous years, according to information provided by the Administrative Committee for Pistachios, a federal marketing order. It takes about seven years for pistachios to become bearing. About one-fourth of current pistachio acres in California are non-bearing.
Source: farmprogress.com