New almond promises Independence from bees

The Independence almond — a self-fertile variety needing few bees to produce numerous large nuts — is creating a buzz among almond growers.

Created by Zaiger Genetics Inc., the Independence almond was released in 2008. Dave Wilson Nursery, which holds the patent on the trees, has a producing Independence almond orchard in Modesto.

Rent for a single pollinating bee colony reached as high as $140 a few years ago when colony collapse disorder caused widespread bee disappearances.

With that in mind, growers are planting young Independence variety trees in the fertile fields of east Fresno.

Some new Independence almond groves in the Fresno area now span 100 acres, Tarry said. Although the popular Nonpareil variety tends to draw a slightly higher market price, that trend may be changing.

In some cases, Independence growers received $2.35 a pound for their almonds, about equaling the wholesale price for Nonpareil almonds.

Tarry said he expects Nonpareil almonds to always be around, but the Independence variety could cut into Nonpareil production. “It has its own place,” Tarry said.

Last year, California growers produced about 300,000 acres of Nonpareil almonds. Independence almonds cover between 15,000 and 20,000 acres in the state, Tarry said.

Independence almond growers in the Modesto area have a jump on Independence growers in the Fresno-Modesto areas. Some of the groves are in their fourth year or older.

But groves are also coming of age around Fresno. “We are seeing a lot of interest in the Central Valley,” Tarry said.

Although growers are still learning about the attributes of the Independence variety, it appears to produce well and provide good quality nuts. “We knew it had a lot of potential to set fruit,” Tarry said.

In terms of bees, some growers have opted to have no hives at all. Others have brought in one hive. “It may or may not be necessary,” Tarry said.

Time will tell if having fewer bees or no bees is the best option.

http://www.thebusinessjournal.com/news/agriculture/770-new-almond-promises-independence-from-bees
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