Tree Fruits and Nuts

Abstract

The US tree fruit and nut crop production is centered in California, which serves as a model for tree fruit and nut agriculture worldwide. Over the past 30 years the California tree fruit and nut industry has shifted away from fresh market fruit crops to fruit and nut crops produced for processing as a result of changes in the food retail industry and domestic and international markets. The authors explore the impacts of external markets on competition among growers, opportunities for small growers, orchard management practices, and the availability of research and development programs. External markets, and environmental impacts associated with climate change, are likely to have a significant impact on tree fruit and nut agriculture in California over the next 100 years.