The walnut industry is building momentum as indicators suggest one of the best crops growers have had in recent history. Committed sales are also at record numbers. At Malcolm Media’s Tree & Vine Expo in Turlock and in an interview with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network, California Walnut Board Commission CEO/Executive Director Robert Verloop discusses the state of walnut growers. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
Tag: California Walnut Board and Commission
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2024 California Walnut Crop Forecast Down Significantly
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released the official 2024 California Walnut Industry Objective Measurement Report on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. The 2024 California walnut production is forecasted at 670,000 tons (607,814 MT), down 19% from 2023’s production of 824,000 tons (747,520 MT). The forecast is based on 370,000 bearing acres, down 4% from 2023’s estimated bearing acreage of 385,000 acres.
The September 4th announcement from USDA provides the industry with an objective crop volume estimate. Using scientific methodologies, USDA field staff counted, measured, weighed, and evaluated thousands of walnuts from major growing regions in July and August for use in a statistical acreage model to establish the annual walnut crop estimate.
In addition to the updated acreage and crop estimate, the CA walnut industry is finalizing the close out of the 2023 crop year. While final shipment and inventory figures will be released later this month, preliminary data indicates that the 2023 crop is virtually sold out.
As anticipated, the upcoming 2024 crop is lower than the historic record crop of 2023 and will deliver the high quality that defines California walnuts globally,” said Robert Verloop, Executive Director and CEO of the California Walnut Board and Commission. “The 2024 estimated crop size, while moderate, is similar to the 2019 crop. In addition, due to strong summer demand, we expect the end of season shipment report to show the carry-in volume to be substantially less than last year. Combined, the carry in and new 2024 crop volumes are very manageable, providing improved seller and buyer confidence and stable markets.
“As an industry, based on the favorable crop statistics and overall market conditions, we feel confident about the upcoming crop year. We continue to focus on delivering quality all the way to the consumer, with enhanced handling of walnuts through the supply chain and increasing our demand-building initiatives to drive more sales and excitement for California walnuts. We continue to work to make walnuts more relevant to consumers as a nut for every day eating occasions and partnering with retailers, bringing visibility and excitement to walnuts with expanded offerings of package size options, flavors, and more walnut products. Together as an industry, we are focused on building more consumer demand while delivering high-quality California walnuts around the world.”
About the California Walnut Board and Commission
The California Walnut Board (CWB) and California Walnut Commission (CWC) represent more than 4,600 California walnut growers and nearly 70 handlers, grown in multi-generational farmers’ family orchards. California walnuts, known for their excellent nutritional value and quality, are shipped around the world all year long, with more than 99% of the walnuts grown in the United States being from California. The CWB, established in 1948, promotes usage of walnuts in the United States through publicity and educational programs. The CWB also provides funding for walnut production, food safety and post-harvest research. The CWC, established in 1987, is involved in health research with consuming walnuts as well as domestic and export market development activities.
To explore recipes and learn more about California walnut growers, industry information and health research, visit walnuts.org.
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California Walnut Industry Supports USDA’s Expansion of Food Offerings to Include Walnut-Based Products
The California Walnut Commission (CWC) supports the recent announcements by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the authorization of nuts and seeds to comprise the full meat/meat alternative component of meals in the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Child Nutrition Programs. This follows the recent notice of the addition of nut and seed butters, such as walnut butter, as alternatives to peanut butter and eggs in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
The CWC believes these changes align more closely with U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans and better promote nutrition security. Walnuts are an important component of a healthy diet for Americans and allow for broader access to food choices and nutrition.
This is an important strategic step forward in providing increased access to California walnuts to both underserved and school-aged populations. Robert Verloop, CEO for the CWC stated, “California walnuts are a great tasting, nutrient-dense food which fits with USDA recommendations and provide a wide-range of nutritional benefits, including essential omega-3 alpha linolenic acid (ALA). We are excited for the addition for walnuts and walnut butter to be available for consumers looking for more plant-based options, vegetarian diets and other food preferences.” CWC provided comments to USDA in February 2023 on food products available in the WIC food packages and in March 2023 on the revisions to the Child Nutrition Programs, for the allowance of nuts to be 100% of the meat/meat alternative component of meals.
The California walnut industry applauds USDA for the FNS Child Nutrition and WIC program revisions and looks forward to supporting these food assistance efforts by providing high quality, nutritious and safe walnuts and walnut products for schools and the community participating in the WIC program.
About the California Walnut Board and Commission
The California Walnut Commission (CWC) represents more than 4,600 California walnut growers and nearly 75 handlers, grown in multi-generational farmers’ family orchards. More than 99% of the walnuts grown in the United States are from California, which in 2023 accounted for 1.64 billion pounds of walnuts, shipping into more than 50 countries around the world. The CWB also provides funding for walnut production, food safety and post-harvest research. The CWC, established in 1987, is mainly involved in health research and export market development activities. For more industry information, health research and recipe ideas, visit www.walnuts.org.