Why Are Pecans So Expensive?

[jay]

There is supposed to be a variety of pecan that grows well in the north.  Has anyone seen such a tree in the Youngstown area?  This might be a good crop for those in the urban farming movement.

[jay]

From CNN

China is one driving force behind the pop in pecan prices. The Chinese diet is high in nuts, and the country's demand for American pecans took off in 2007

[jay]

I was in two different grocery stores this week.  I noticed that the produce departments had walnuts, filberts and almonds in shell (selling for $1.99/lb).  No pecans were to be found.  Some say pecans are selling for $14.00/lb.

So where are the pecans and why are they so expensive?