<p>The federal Government has this week issued projections suggesting that the California almond crop could, this year, be close to record breaking. This is good news to the industry, as it does not have any problems in finding buyers for its produce.The estimate of 2,000,700,000 pounds was announced at the Modesto headquarters of the Almond Board of California."I think we need that much or more to satisfy our constantly growing market," said Ron Fisher, owner of Fisher Nut Co. of Modesto. "It's been remarkable."The figures have been based on a survey of 305 growers and a final estimate will be released on July 1st.The news was welcome because last year brought a dip in almond volume. That contributed to a rise in the average price per pound to $2.20, up from $1.99 in 2011 and $1.79 in 2010.Fisher said prices currently range from $2.80 to $3.30, which works well for both growers and processors like himself.</p>