Douglas Farm

Beekeepers around the country are preparing to make their migration to California for February's almond pollination.

"By 2012, the ARS expects almond-bearing acreage in California to top 800,000, a sharp increase from the 680,000 acres of almonds farmed in 2004. The increase has helped drive up the price of honeybees from about $50 per hive in 2003 to as much as $170 per hive this year, the agency reports." -1

"California is the world's biggest producer and exporter of almonds, harvesting about 635,000 tonnes [2009] and accounting for 80 per cent of global production." - 2

2010 Season Predictions

"With more Westside almond acreage being pulled out (due to water constraints) and with growers likely to cut back on bee colonies/acre (as some did this year) there may well be a "glut" of bees in 2010 (hate that word glut; there has never been a glut of strong colonies for almonds and there probably never will be).

Some almond growers are already telling their bee suppliers that they better make a significant price reduction next year. At Scientific Ag Co., Bakersfield the thinking is for a $10/colony reduction and telling growers that if they want to cut pollination costs, they are better off cutting back on colonies per acre." -3

Some farmers as seen on 60 minutes have mulched half their orchards due to water issues.  20 years of growth and devolopment gone in 20 minutes. Perhaps the decrease in orchard size will decrease the demand. It becomes a question of water and is the ARS projection correct. Persistant drought may require bees to be given sources of water. It may also cause more acres of Almonds to be mulched.

"A court order restricts water pumped from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to 220,000 acres of almond trees on the western side of the San Joaquin Valley, recession, falling prices for nuts, and the [limited population] of honeybees required for pollination. It all adds up to trouble." -4

However, some environmental media claims the water shortage is just a large corporate farmer ploy to get more water to farm water demanding crops in dry lands. They claim the farmer on 60 minutes actually is not a poor small farmer, but the owner of a multi million dollar farming enterprise. - 5

So, what is the best course of action for California. Who is telling the truth? Is there a wold in sheep's clothing? Clearly growing populations and farming bussines both need water. Plans and resevoirs need to be made to hold enough fresh water to meet all needs in time of drought. The control of the water flow needs to not be controlled by barons or corporate kings, and should be availible to all. Are water substities the answer, can we find a better way? Let's just hope we've learned over the years, and not have an old testimate, biblical water crisis.

Source:

1 - http://www.capitalpress.com/newest/TH-blue-orchard-121109-photos--infobox

2 - http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/article/2009/12/16/141721_horticulture.html

3 - http://californiafarmer.com/story.aspx?s=22848&c=9

4 - http://articles.sfgate.com/2009-03-01/business/17213067_1_almond-board-almond-growers-almond-trees

5 - http://www.alternet.org/media/144992/why_just_about_everything_you_hear_about_california's_water_crisis_is_wrong,_wrong,_wrong/?page=1