Pistachio Growers Education and Training

With the right knowledge, grow a great pistachio company
By Kristina Seleshanko In 1997, 80 million pounds of pistachios were produced in California, and as that number continues to grow, the pistachio industry offers great opportunity to those with pistachio growers education and training. Also, many pistachio growers are nearing retirement age, leaving the field wide open for the next generation.
But it takes more than a mere interest in growing to make a successful career of running pistachio farms. Ideally, your training will include all of the following:
1. A formal education in agriculture, with a focus on growing pistachios
2. Membership in organizations for pistachio growers
3. Ongoing education from periodicals and books designed for your growing pistachio company

Participate in organizations for those growing pistachio nuts

Professional organizations do much more than provide business advice and networking. A good organization also provides learning opportunities in the way of journals, books, CDs and DVDs, workshops and seminars. There are a number of associations appropriate for those selling pistachios. Seek some that are specific to your area of interest.
Try:  The Administrative Committee for Pistachios offers a variety of resources for growers, including manuals, industry events and handling guides. The California Pistachio Board works with California pistachio growers, handlers and distributors on quality issues.

Continue your education through publications for pistachio farms

There are a number of publications for those who grow wholesale and bulk pistachios. Find several publications targeting your field of interest in order to keep up with the latest news, trends and innovations.
Try:  The Western Pistachio Association seeks to educate growers and consumers about the pistachio industry; to see a sample of their newsletter, click on one of the newsletter links in the left-hand menu. "Nut Grower's Guide: The Complete Handbook for Producers and Hobbyists" by Jennifer Wilkinson is the bible of the industry; the book is available through TextbooksRus.com.

Secure a formal education for those wishing to form their own pistachio wholesale company

Whether you want to run a pistachio tree nursery or farm, a good education gives you a firm leg up in this industry. An agriculture major with a business minor is the ideal beginning to a long career in a pistachio nursery or farm.
Try:  Resume Miners offers a list of U.S. colleges offering degrees in agriculture, as does Universities.com.

• While almost all pistachio growers are in California, small pistachio farms may also be found New Mexico, Arizona and western Texas.