Though the constant uncertainty of drought or no-drought weighs on Californians’ minds, agave farmers, unlike soybean or wheat agronomists, don’t have to fear dry spells as they can capitalize on the lack of rain.
“Come to think of it, I do not know the last time it rained recently,” Kate Radivoyevitch, a San Diego resident, told FOX Business. “I want to say it was a month ago.”
Radivoyevitch moved from Ohio to California at the end of 2022, just as tremendous rain was emerging across the Bear State, freeing half of California from drought.
“When I first moved here, we got so much rain and everyone was shocked,” she said. “I was told how badly the state needed it.”
The truest drawback to harvesting the blue-green plant is that it takes five to seven years to fully mature.
“The interest far exceeds the ability at this point,” said Reynolds.
But because of the catapulted fascination with agave spirits, Reynolds said that farmers in California are transitioning some of their land for growing agave, especially in the Central Valley where water is a huge limiting factor.
And though California is the epitome of a gold, silver or imitation añejo mine, it’s not the only area in North America fielding the plants. Hawaii is also well-suited for harvesting agave and distilling its own spirits.
“Hawaii has seen success growing and distilling,” said Reynolds. “They’re doing a great job.”
TEQUILA’S DIRTY SECRET: IT’S CAUSING A MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM IN MEXICO
Agave farms around California are rapidly growing as the state is ideal for harvesting the plant. (Tequila Herradura)
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