Grapes replaced by almonds in California

Drought has been blamed for the decision by Californian wineries to rip out 8,000 hectares of vines to be replaced by almonds. Farmers have been forced to switch to higher yielding crops such as almonds and other nut and tree fruits. The state faces a third year of drought. Grape growing regions in central California are struggling as they face “collapsing” wells and aquifers, with the government reducing initial water allocations for 2014 and no water-delivery solution in sight.