ARTOIS, Calif. (AP) — California has an oil boom under way, but it's not what you might think: The state's farmers are planting olive trees to boost production for the extra virgin olive oil market.
The state's olive oil production will top 1 million gallons for the first time this year.
California growers have invested millions of dollars in the past decade to plant roughly 7.5 million trees on 12,500 acres. They hope to make the state a player in the global market now controlled by Spain, Italy and Greece.
Interest in olive oil has been partly spurred by a chronic drought that requires California farmers to seek crops that use less water. Consumers' interest in fresh foods and heart-healthy oils also has encouraged domestic growers.
