California Pistachios, Water Policy, & the Politics of Drought: Richard Kreps Sounds the Alarm

California’s agricultural heart, the Central Valley, is once again center stage in a debate that could define the future of farming in the Golden State. At the center of the conversation? Pistachios, water policy, and a candid assessment from longtime grower and industry voice Richard Kreps.

On the February 9 edition of AgNet News Hour, Kreps delivered a refreshingly blunt critique of state water policy, and a passionate plea for “common sense” in how California manages its most precious resource.

A Record Crop Built on Shaky Foundations

Kreps was quick to celebrate a milestone: California pistachio growers just wrapped what may be one of the largest harvests in industry history, topping 1.5 billion pounds. That’s a boon for farmers and global markets alike, with strong demand in India, Brazil, South Korea, and Europe helping balance supply pressures. But beneath the numbers lies a structural problem: growers are producing record crops without reliable water certainty.

Water Isn’t the Problem, Policy Is

Here’s the crux of Kreps’ argument:

• California has enough water, but we lack the infrastructure to store it. Decades have passed without major new reservoirs, even as population and agricultural demand have soared.

  
  

• Rivers flush to the Pacific instead of being captured for farming and dry-season resilience, a point that frustrates many Ag advocates.

  
  

• Growers often learn late in the season whether they’ll receive water, making crop planning a gamble rather than a strategy.

It’s a message that resonates with broader tensions in California: water policy that frequently favors environmental allocations and urban interests, even as farm communities scramble for clarity and access.

Pistachios in a Drier Future

Water scarcity isn’t just theoretical. Studies show that nearly 25% of California pistachio acreage depends on groundwater, which is increasingly regulated under the state’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). Meanwhile, other parts of the state are facing groundwater fee battles and regulatory challenges that make long-term planning even tougher for growers.

The Bigger Picture: Trade, Policy, & Ag’s Role

Kreps didn’t just talk about water; he tied it to California’s role on the global agricultural stage. Permanent crops like pistachios, almonds, and walnuts are some of the most exported and nutrition-dense foods from the U.S., and trade relationships matter when global demand rises.

And while federal voices are increasingly supportive of agricultural water solutions, Kreps made it clear that California’s political class still has work to do to understand and champion farm priorities at home.

Why This Matters

For consumers and policymakers alike, the conversation around pistachios is really a conversation about how we value water, food security, and rural economies. If the state wants to continue leading in agriculture and support jobs, exports, and sustainable land use, then the water dilemma can’t be ignored. Whether you snack on pistachios or not, California’s water story is something every resident and every stakeholder should be paying attention to.

Sources

AgNet West: Richard Kreps Says Pistachios, Water, and Common Sense Must Lead California Forward — https://agnetwest.com/richard-kreps-california-pistachios-water-policy/ 

AgNet West: Call to Prioritize California Farming Amid Environmental Controversy — https://agnetwest.com/call-prioritize-california-farming-amid-environmental-controversy/  FreshPlaza: California pistachio growers expect record 2025 crop — https://www.freshplaza.com/north-america/article/9757310/california-pistachio-growers-expect-record-2025-crop/ 

West Coast Nut: Pistachio Industry Zeroes in On Water Supply Issues — https://wcngg.com/2022/12/04/pistachio-industry-zeroes-in-on-water-supply-issues/ 

SJV Water News: Kern pistachio farmer ordered to pay $30 million in back fees — https://sjvwater.org/kern-pistachio-farmer-ordered-to-pay-30-million-in-back-fees-to-high-desert-groundwater-agency/