Steve Mohasci: Growing almonds provide little benefit for society

Stanislaus County residents are fortunate that established regional manufactures process agricultural products like fruit, vegetables and wine grapes that provide local jobs. For example, wine production in the county accounts for about 30 percent of California production. About 97 percent of the winegrapes processed here are from outside the county. Also, about 70 percent of the fruit and vegetables processed here are from outside the county.

Analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data from 1990-2013 leads to one conclusion. Almonds generate among the smallest number of direct jobs (farm, crop support and manufacturing). Estimates of direct jobs (based on 100,000 acres) and average wages:

▪ Almonds: 4,525 jobs with average wage of $29,466

▪ Wine grapes: 11,278 jobs with average wage of $37,711.

As the drought continues, our groundwater will be used to sustain almond orchards that provide extremely limited social benefit (jobs, wages). Most crops grown in California provide a reasonable balance between social benefits and private benefits (grower profit). But for almonds, the private benefits totally overwhelm the social benefits. Almonds are extremely profitable because of the limited processing costs (fewer jobs and lower wages) between the farmgate and the consumer.

This story was originally published April 2, 2015 at 12:09 PM with the headline "Steve Mohasci: Growing almonds provide little benefit for society."