Ohalo unveils self-pollinating almond variety

A company in the US has created what it describes as a self-pollinating almond variety, a potentially groundbreaking development that could revolutionise the way the nuts are grown.

California-based Ohalo Genetics, which uses gene editing to speed up the breeding process in plants, said the breakthrough would remove the need for trees traditionally used to pollinate fruit-bearing plants.

According to the company, the Nonpareil almond variety has long been considered the gold standard in the industry, prized for its superior quality and attracting premium prices.

But it cannot normally self-pollinate, which means its production depends on the addition of trees for pollinators (typically bees), something which Ohalo said adds complexity, increases costs, and introduces related to weather and declining pollinator populations.

Through a process the company refers to as ‘boosted breeding’, it said it had eliminated the genetic trait that inhibits self-pollination in traditional Nonpareil almonds.

And with water scarcity worsening, labour costs rising, and weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable, it said, almond growers and consumers now stand to benefit from its “more reliable, profitable, and sustainable” solution.

“The US almond industry is under increasing pressure to meet growing demand for high quality almonds while growers are challenged to consistently meet their financial needs and consumers are demanding more sustainable practices,” said Dave Friedberg, CEO of Ohalo. “FruitionOne offers a powerful solution enabling higher productivity with fewer resources, benefiting consumers, growers, and the environment.”

After four years of dedicated research and development on a test orchard in California, and with a USDA review under its belt, Ohalo is now ready to roll out the variety, called FruitionOne.

Early orders are expected to be taken in late 2026, with the first commercial deliveries due in early 2027.