Almond Acreage Up; Cotton Acreage Down

The increase of acres going to permanent crops in California has meant a steady decline in cotton acreage. The California Farm Bureau News reports that almond acreage topped 700,000 for the first time. The popularity of almonds encourages California farmers to plant more. A USDA reported on May 1 that planting of new almond orchards slowed slightly last year, after sharp increases the previous two years. California produces about 80 percent of the world's almonds, and demand has been rising steadily. The first estimate of the 2007 almond crop is due to be issued next week.