The Senate unanimously passed a resolution on Friday presented by Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil to proclaim Feb. 16 as California Almond Day.

California grows nearly 80% of the world's almonds and the state is home to 7,600 almond farms.

“The importance of the almond industry in our state cannot be understated,” explained Alvarado Gil, “as a whole it employs 110,000 Californians and contributes $9.2 billion annually to our economy.” 

Almond consumption continues to rise as the versatile nut gains popularity as a nutritious protein source. Consumers are increasingly turning to almond milk, almond butter and almond flour as a healthy alternative to other protein sources.

“On California Almond Day, we celebrate the almond growers, farmworkers, processors and other industry members, including the bees, who collectively make the almond industry one of the most successful and innovative in the country,”  added Alvarado-Gil.

The bill was coauthored by Senator Ashby, and Assembly Members Juan Alanis and Heath Flora.