US almonds, walnuts and grapes depend on draining groundwater that isn't coming back

Half of the groundwater used to grow America's favorite fruits, nuts, veggies, seeds and greens is drawn from aquifers faster than they can refill, according to a new study. Irrigating 75% of produce and specialty crops with groundwater between 2008 and 2020 helped spare farms from the immediate impacts of droughts, but dependence on draining aquifers could set up producers for future water supply strife.