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“We’re in Survival Mode”

Central Valley farmer had 600 acres of his almond orchard removed and shredded and now plans to replace the almonds with a crop the requires less water.
Central Valley farmer had 600 acres of his almond orchard removed and shredded and now plans to replace the almonds with a crop the requires less water. Photo: Justin Sullivan (Getty Images)

California accounts for around 80% of the nation’s almond supply. These nuts are a famously thirsty crop, and are thus first in line to go for many producers facing an extensive drought. Almond farmer Tom Butler told the Wall Street Journalhe’d made the tough call this season to divert his water supply to his younger trees, while tearing up the old ones.

“It’s not a decision any farmer wants to make,” Butler told the Journal. “We’re in survival mode.”

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