The production of pistachio nuts in the United States received a huge boost in 1973 when the OPEC countries initiated an oil embargo.  Angered by the United States' shipments of arms to Israel during the Yom Kippur War, OPEC reduced supplies of oil to the United States and raised oil prices for its allies.  For more information about this time visit The Daily Past- Oil Embargo.

 

In retaliation, the United States placed a boycott on the importation of nuts from Iran and Iraq, the largest producing countries in the world.  In the years since, the United States trees have grown to full production.

 

In 1976, Iran produced 9.6 million pounds of pistachios, and California produced 1.5 million pounds.  In 2002, Iran reported 661 million pounds, but California had increased production to 302.4 million pounds.  California produces 97.0% of United States crop, Arizona  2.5%, and  New Mexico, Nevada and Texas, the remaining ½%.

 

Nilsen Orchard I was planted from hybrid tree stock in 1981 by Victor and Hazel Nilsen.  Henry Nilsen, Victor's brother, lived in Dragoon and managed the orchard until his retirement in 1997.  In the years following 1973, the Nilsen family purchased two other orchards and Cochise Groves became the largest family-owned pistachio operation in Arizona.

 

Now, Jim and Ruth Graham operate Cochise Groves.  Ruth is one of the Nilsen daughters, and Jim is an Iowa native who farmed corn and soybeans for 25 years.

History