A Seed That Turns Into A Dream

Ever since I could remember, my grandfather would complain about how he sold his small chunk of land in Bakersfield, California. “We could have retired off that land!” He says every Sunday dinner to my grandma. In a sense, he is right. Bakersfield, among other cities in California is home to the growing industry of almond farming. In fact, the almond industry in California is worth over 11 billion dollars and California produces over 2. 2 billion pounds annually. California's unique Mediterranean climate is ideal for growing the almond. This protein packed nut is only a small part of the $50 billion dollar agriculture industry of California. Many people only think of tech and Hollywood when they envision California but, I think of California almonds. Although just a small brown rigged seed, this nut is a huge part of California.

Almonds, just like the cost of living in California have become increasingly expensive for many reasons. The first reason is the long lasting drought in California. California has had many droughts over its time but, the drought from 2011-2017 was the worst ever recorded. Almond trees uses a substantial amount of water. To raise only a single almond, it takes a gallon of water. Almonds account for roughly 10% of the states water usage- the same consumption of Los Angeles or San Francisco.

A second reason why this small nut has such a large price tag is its newly discovered health benefits. Almonds contain a high level of protein, and are also a great source of magnesium, copper, and vitamin E. Once people began buying more almonds, the price increased. Additionally, consumers use almonds for their oil. Almond oil can be used as a remedy for cancer patients and diabetics to treat sugar levels and manage cancer symptoms.

Lastly, California is the only state in the US where almonds are commercially grown. Although there is over 1. 3 million acres of Almond farms spanning from Bakersfield to Red Bluff, the large water consumption and high demand raises the price drastically. In the past 10 years, almonds have become a pricy commodity.

Almonds begin growth with a single seed. This seed then grows into a tree slowly and within 5-12 years, farmers can expect to harvest. Although it is a long and tedious process, in the long run the patience pays off. This is the same of the California dream. Many people come to the Golden State to achieve the “California Dream”. Once they arrive, their seed or “dream” is planted. Some seeds grow faster and taller than others and some seeds die. It takes years and sometimes decades to achieve the goal and for the tree to fully grow. The dream constantly has to be tweaked and developed similar to the almond tree. One cannot plant the seed and expect immediate results. Similar to dreams, it takes time and patience to achieve the “California Dream”.

In time, almond trees produce other seeds which lead to more almonds. Each new seed produces a different variation of the almond. This is true of dreams as well. When one achieves their California dream, it inspires people to pursue their own. When my sister moved to California and planted her “seed” that inspired me to study in the Golden State and pursue my dream.

Raising Almonds is no walk in the park. Neither is creating your unique “California Dream. ” I have learned first-hand that creating my California Dream is not an easy task. Being just a kid from St. Louis, I studied diligently and built my college resume up over a long time period. When I arrived to Santa Clara i planted my seed hoping it will grow greatly. As my tree or dream progressively grows, I know I will have to continue to nurture and care for my dream.