<p>Demand for almonds at home and abroad has contributed to high prices this year. The likelihood that this year's almond crop in California will be lighter than expected has made those prices climb higher. USDA estimates predicted an almond crop in California of 2.1 million pounds, but with harvesting finishing up, the state's growers believe they won't reach that mark.</p> <p>“Most guys I've talked to say they're down about 10 percent in volume from what they thought they would get,” said Brian Wright of Del Mar Farms. “It's obvious we won't come in at 2.1 billion pounds. Most of the industry thinks the crop will be closer to 1.75 billion or 1.85 billion pounds.” He cited the state's drought and the alternate-bearing nature of almond trees, where trees yield large crops every other year, as reasons for why this year's harvest will likely not bring in as much as was expected. That, combined with already strong demand, has made for high prices.</p> <p>“Prices are at historical highs,” said Wright. “A combination of fewer-than-expected supplies, the threat of another drought year and an increase in consumption have all contributed to high prices.” While prices for a pound of nonpareil almonds last year ranged from about $2.50 to $3.25, this year's prices got as high as $4.90 per pound.</p> <p> </p>