California Almond Industry Overview

Key Industry Statistics

Growing Places…

•Almonds are California’s number one tree nut crop.

•During the 2008-2009 crop year, approximately six thousand growers located throughout the Central Valley of California produced 1.615 billion pounds of almonds on 680,000 bearing acres.

•2009-2010 crop year is estimated to be 710,000 bearing acres.

•There are approximately 100 Almond Handlers in California.

Bearing Acres - Hectares

37,000

68,800

100,300

132,300

166,300

267,100

Bearing acreage for FY 09/10 is

estimated to be 287,300 hectares

Bearing acreage for FY 09/10 is

estimated to be 287,300 hectares

40,500

80,900

121,400

161,900

202,300

242,800

283,300

Bearing Acres

91,400

170,000

248,000

327,000

411,000

660,000

Bearing acreage for FY 09/10 is

estimated to be 710,000 acres

Bearing acreage for FY 09/10 is

estimated to be 710,000 acres

100,000

200,000

300,000

400,000

500,000

600,000

700,000

CA Almond Production (Metric Tons)

CA Almond Production (Million Lbs)

Source: Almond Board of California

Important California Export

• 80% of worldwide production

• Shipments: 30% U.S.

70% Export• Export to 90+

countries• Top U.S. Specialty

Crop Export• California’s #1

agricultural export (value basis)

Source: USDA, Economic Research Service, Fruit & Tree Nut Situation and Outlook.

Competing Nuts Marketable Production 2008/09

California Almond Shipments

Source: Almond Board of California, Fiscal Year August-July Basis

Historically, exports have accounted for about 70% of shipments, with 30% consumed in the U.S.

Top World Destinations 2008/09

Source: Almond Board of California, Fiscal Year August-July Basis

California Almond Exports by Region

Source: Almond Board of California, FY 2008/09 ending July 31, 2009

Top 10 Export DestinationsMillion Pounds

Source: Almond Board of California, FY 2008/09 ending July 31, 2009

Industry On-Going Commitment, Investment

Nutrition ResearchDiscover and document

health and nutritional benefits

Heart healthNine clinical studies over the last 13 years have shown that almonds can lower cholesterol as part of a diet low in saturated fat

Weight managementRecent studies indicate that almonds may improve satiety and can be eaten without the fear of weight gain

Industry Research

Track and improve production

Environmental research Production research Technical/Functional

research

Consumer ResearchUnderstand consumer attitudes

Market ResearchUnderstanding market

opportunities and threats