The February 9 edition of the AgNet News Hour kicked off a powerful week of conversations focused on pistachios, water, and California agriculture’s future as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill welcomed Richard Kreps, a longtime California pistachio grower and industry leader. With the World Ag Expo just days away, Kreps delivered a no-nonsense assessment of where agriculture stands — and where policy continues to fall short.
Kreps opened by reflecting on the record-setting pistachio crop California growers just delivered. While early projections suggested a crop nearing two billion pounds, final numbers came in just over 1.5 billion pounds, still the largest harvest in industry history. Strong international marketing efforts in regions like India, Brazil, South Korea, and Europe helped move volume, with global demand continuing to outpace supply — a positive sign for pricing and long-term stability.
Trade was a key topic throughout the interview. Kreps explained that pistachios, almonds, and walnuts are among the most nutrient-dense foods California produces, giving them leverage in global markets. While tariffs often dominate headlines, Kreps argued that when consumers worldwide want high-quality, healthy food, barriers tend to fall. “Nutrition matters,” he said, adding that California’s permanent crops offer something few regions can match.
The conversation quickly turned to water, where Kreps was especially blunt. He criticized decades of mismanagement that have left farmers dealing with unpredictable allocations despite full reservoirs. He noted that California has doubled its population without building major new water storage, while sending massive volumes of rain and snowmelt straight to the ocean. “We have enough water,” Kreps said. “We just refuse to store it.”
Kreps also addressed the frustration growers feel when allocations are announced too late to plan crops. Even when water is eventually released, he said, timing often makes it unusable for planting decisions. That uncertainty forces growers to fallow land, rely on groundwater, or abandon opportunities — all while still paying for water they never receive.
From an agronomic perspective, Kreps urged pistachio growers to rethink traditional nutrition strategies as bloom approaches. With newer varieties reducing extreme alternate bearing, he emphasized balancing fertility year-round rather than cutting back during lighter years. Proper nutrient management, water quality monitoring, and tissue sampling, he said, are now essential for consistent yields and long-term orchard health.
Despite the challenges, Kreps struck an optimistic tone. He believes California agriculture still holds unmatched advantages in climate, soils, and expertise — but only if policymakers embrace common sense. “Farmers are the best environmentalists,” he said. “We just need the freedom to do our jobs.”
Papagni and McGill closed the episode by noting that voices like Richard Kreps matter now more than ever, especially as agriculture heads into a pivotal year for water, policy, and public awareness.
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