Agave growing in Santa Barbara, California.
Agave growing in Santa Barbara, California.

California farmers turn to agave amid drought conditions and climate change

  • by Manola Secaira (NPR)

Quick Summary

  • Growing agave in California's weather extremes
  • A growing market for California agave spirits

  • Most of the United States' fruits and nuts, like avocados and almonds, come from California. But scientists say human-caused climate change means more extreme heat and intensifying periods of drought for the state. That has led some farmers to seek out less-thirsty crops — like agave.

     

  • The succulent has long been grown in Mexico and is the key ingredient in making tequila and mezcal. Agave, though, as a crop is a new idea for the United States. In California, it's more often seen as part of decorative landscaping.

     

  • Guzmán-Delgado is a researcher with the recently formed UC Davis Agave Center. She is looking specifically at how different species of agave grow throughout California.

 

Full article: https://www.npr.org/2024/09/06/nx-s1-5002056/california-farmers-agave-drought-conditions-climate-change