Rich Kreps on Pistachios, Policy, and the Path Forward
American pistachio grower and industry leader Rich Kreps joined Ag Meter for a wide-ranging conversation that covered everything from a record pistachio harvest to global demand, water policy, and the future of California agriculture. Kreps, a board member of American Pistachio Growers and consultant with Ultra Gro, offered a candid, ground-level perspective that resonates with farmers across the state.
A Historic Pistachio Year—and Demand Still Growing
The U.S. pistachio industry closed out its largest crop on record, finishing just over 1.5 billion pounds. While early estimates were even higher, Kreps emphasized that strong global marketing has more than kept pace. Demand continues to surge in India, Brazil, South Korea, and Europe, where consumers are responding not only to pistachios’ nutritional value but also to California’s sustainability story.
According to Kreps, pistachio growers are excelling at regenerative practices, soil health, and reduced inputs, with minimal pesticide and herbicide use compared to many row crops. That message is landing overseas, helping demand outpace supply and strengthening pricing for growers.
Tariffs, Trade, and Nutrient-Dense Foods
On tariffs, Kreps pushed back on the fear factor. He argued that when the world needs nutrient-dense foods—like pistachios, almonds, and walnuts—trade barriers matter less. California excels at producing these crops, and as global consumers prioritize nutrition, U.S. pistachios remain competitive regardless of political noise.
Domestic Sales vs. International Explosion
While domestic pistachio consumption appears flat, Kreps explained that the numbers don’t tell the whole story. More pistachios are now sold as kernels rather than in-shell, masking real growth. Internationally, however, the charts are “going through the roof,” driven by both convenience and confidence in California farming practices.
Water Allocations and the Cost of Uncertainty
The conversation turned blunt when discussing California water policy. Despite above-average reservoirs after multiple strong winters, westside growers started the season with allocations as low as 10 percent. Kreps explained that late or uncertain allocations destroy farmers’ ability to plan crops, even when water eventually becomes available.
He also challenged climate narratives, noting that crops sequester carbon, while fallowed ground does not. Delayed water decisions, he said, create misleading optics while farmers still pay for water they never receive.
A Call for Regional Thinking and Common Sense
Kreps urged growers and citizens alike to engage politically—locally and nationally—and to think regionally, especially across the Southwest and the Colorado River watershed. Fragmented state battles, he argued, only weaken agriculture’s voice.
What Pistachio Growers Need to Watch Now
From an agronomic standpoint, Kreps highlighted the importance of managing alternate bearing, especially as newer varieties like Lost Hills and Golden Hills come online. He encouraged growers to rethink fertility programs, focusing on balanced nutrition across 15+ nutrients, not just nitrogen and potassium, to stabilize yields year over year.
He also stressed adaptive management—using soil tests, tissue samples, and water quality data—rather than relying on “what dad and grandpa did.”
Why the Full Interview Matters
From pistachio markets to water storage, power generation, and political accountability, Kreps’ message is clear: California farming matters—to the state, the nation, and the world. His unfiltered insight makes this a must-listen conversation for anyone connected to agriculture.
👉 Listen to the full Ag Meter interview with Rich Kreps to hear the complete discussion.