<p></p><p>As almond trees start blossoming in San Joaquin County, almond farmers said they are concerned about the impact the state's drought will have on the multibillio dollar industry.“It's going to be a challenge to all the growers. Almonds are a crop that require 4-acre feet of water and highly affected if they don't get that water,” said almond grower Dave Phippen.</p> <p>Phippen has been an almond grower in San Joaquin County for decades.He said if trees don't get enough water the almonds will not develop to their potential or the crops could die.“There are places in the state where there is not enough water allocation and some places are receiving zero allocation,” said Phippen.Some almond growers told KCRA 3 they were forced to irrigate early this year, which is costly, but they said it was necessary to keep trees alive. </p><p>“This year it is costly because water is so precious. An acre foot of water is going for more than $1,000. It’s going to be a challenge to all the growers, but I hope they realize the potential of what nature is allowing us here,” Phippen said.People in Ripon are honoring the state's almond industry with the annual Almond Blossom Festival, which is taking place Friday through Sunday. </p><p> </p><br><p></p>