Frank Lopez – The Fresno Business Journal
July 19, 2024
What we do:
Nichols Farms is a fully integrated grower, packer and distributor of traditional
and organic nuts. We have a steady domestic business and ship pistachios to 60
countries. We have a fantastic team of 400 people — 100 have been here 10-plus
years. Our historical track record and experience has enabled us to envision
and plan for a bright future for our family, our employees and our customers.
What are your roots in the Central Valley?
I’m a 4th generation Central Valley native. I was born and raised in Visalia, and
my wife and I are currently raising our daughter in the Valley. I love it and plan
on spending the rest of my life here.
Tell us a bit of the history of Nichols Farms.
My grandfather, Graydon “Nic” Nichols, started Nichols Farms in 1960. Back
then we farmed sugar beets, cotton and alfalfa. In an effort to get away from
government subsidized crops, Nic planted almonds in 1981 and pistachios in
1983. Seven years later my father, Chuck Nichols, thought it would be “fun” to
process the family’s pistachios and started the processing business.
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