California's Pistachio Farming Market: 95% of U.S. Production

California produces 95% of U.S. pistachios—over 400 million pounds annually from 150,000+ acres, up from 1.5 million pounds in 1976. The 'Kerman' female cultivar dominates. Ideal Mediterranean climate and soil drive this explosive growth, with projections exceeding 1 billion pounds by 2020.

Pistachios offer satiety, heart-healthy fats, and culinary versatility (baklava, ice cream, mortadella, etc.). But the crop demands patience (7–10 years to volume) and expert management—specialized needs, disease vulnerability, and custom orders require professional oversight.

California remains the world's second-largest producer, with almonds, grapes, and citrus as complementary crops. Infrastructure and expertise make its pistachio sector globally competitive.