Spurred by larger almond and pecan crops, U.S. growers produced 20 percent more nuts in 2007 than they did in 2006, according to a preliminary report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The value of those nuts was up 5 percent from 2006.

The USDA reports that almond producers harvested 1.17 million tons in 2007, up 22 percent from 2006. The crop was valued at $2.32 billion, 3 percent more than the previous year.

Walnut production, at 320,000 tons, was down 8 percent from 2006.

Pistachio growers harvested 205,000 tons, a 72-percent increase from 2006. Much of that is due to pistachio's alternate bearing habit, where they have a large crop one year and a small crop the following year. 2007 was considered an "on" year for pistachios. Pistachios were valued at $549 million, a 22-percent increase from 2006.

Pecan production totaled 174,600 tons, a 69 percent increase from 2006. The crop's value also was up 17 percent to $376 million.