A farm operation that is moving from California to Arizona to raise almonds and other nuts has raised concern about whether it will deplete water supplies in Mohave County.
Quality Nut Co. owner Bruce Beard told the Kingman Daily Miner the 6,000-acre organic farm won’t be planted all at once.
Mohave County Sup. Buster Johnson said the fully planted farm will use nearly 8 billion gallons of water annually.
He said several companies are choosing Arizona as a logical place to move amid drought-related water restrictions in California and other parts of the world.
Local officials have no control over who can clear vegetation, plant crops and dig wells.
Beard said the farm employs five Kingman residents full-time.
More hires are expected, including many temporary seasonal workers for planting and harvesting.