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Central California Almond Growers Association adds new huller, sheller line to double processing throughput.

Todd Fitchette, Associate Editor

April 7, 2020

12 Slides

A multi-million capital project to improve processing efficiencies at the world's largest almond huller and sheller will double throughput at its large central California location.

New hulling and shelling equipment will be installed in time for the 2020 harvest season as the large grower cooperative prepares to accept over 160 million pounds of almonds by 2022.

Michael Kelley, president and CEO of the Central California Almond Growers Association, says the project is needed to keep pace with internal growth among existing members. Membership in the cooperative was closed recently because of the hulling and shelling capacities.

Now in its 57th season, CCAGA is coming off another record year as over 136 million pounds of almonds were hulled and shelled last season.

California produces about 2.5 billion pounds of almonds annually and is predicted to hit 3 billion pounds in the next few seasons.

About the Author(s)

Todd Fitchette

Associate Editor, Western Farm Press

Todd Fitchette, associate editor with Western Farm Press, spent much of his journalism career covering agriculture in California and the western United States. Aside from reporting about issues related to farm production, environmental regulations and legislative matters, he has extensive experience covering the dairy industry, western water issues and politics. His journalistic experience includes local daily and weekly newspapers, where he was recognized early in his career as an award-winning news photographer.

Fitchette is US Army veteran and a graduate of California State University, Chico. 

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