Comment from WhoPoo App

California almond farms are using far too much water. On average, producing a single almond kernel (nut) requires approximately 1.1 gallons (about 4.2 liters) of water. That means every pound of almonds requires nearly 1,900–2,100 gallons (7,200–8,000 liters) of water over the entire cultivation cycle, including all associated irrigation uses, evapotranspiration, and operational needs. Why is almond water use so high? The answer lies in the crop’s biology and the climatic demands of California’s Central Valley, the region where almonds are predominantly grown. Almond trees are deep-rooted, require frequent irrigation, and are highly sensitive to water stress—especially during hot, dry summers that characterize the Mediterranean climate of Central California. To deliver the expected yield—approximately 22 pounds of almonds per tree annually—growers must supply water to compensate for otherwise limited precipitation during the key growing season. This high water requirement places the entire industry under the microscope in an era defined by water scarcity and climate change. Please encourage almond farms in wetter areas, such as Ohio, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan, and stop encouraging so much almond propagation in California, which is poorly suited for it. Additionally, where are you on citrus greening solutions so we don't have to import juice? Florida orange groves have collapsed and there is no federal lab funding or involved with citrus greening solutions, including injecting aspirin into orange trees (cheap!) The Donaldson tree also holds a great deal of promise in defeating citrus greening. Why aren't you focusing on these solutions instead of lowering American juice standards? United States Department of Agriculture scientists have discovered a tree that may be resistant to citrus greening. The disease has devastated groves for decades and led to a 90% decline in the industry. Scientists say a farm in Groveland has a sweet orange tree that appears to be unaffected by the disease. It’s a 30-year-old tree called the Donaldson. Scientists say more testing is needed to find out if this can be a viable replacement for traditional orange trees. Where is the testing?