Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

Tag: California Walnuts

  • Walnut-Rich Breakfast May Help Boost Brain Power, Research Demonstrates

    As the California walnut industry continues to drive consumers to the category, new research suggests incorporating walnuts into breakfast may improve brain function throughout the day, showcasing yet another benefit of walnuts.

    The study from the University of Reading in the UK found that healthy young adults who ate 50g of walnuts (a generous handful) mixed into muesli and yogurt demonstrated improved reaction time and memory performance compared to those consuming a calorie-matched breakfast without nuts.1

    “This study helps strengthen the case for walnuts as brain food,” said Professor Claire Williams, who led the research at the University’s Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics (CINN). “A handful of walnuts with breakfast could give young adults a mental edge when they need to perform at the top of their game.”

    The study, published in Food & Function, involved 32 healthy adults aged 18-30 who consumed both a walnut-rich breakfast and a calorie-matched breakfast on separate occasions.* Participants completed various cognitive tests while their brain activity was monitored in the six hours following each breakfast.

    “This study adds to our growing body of evidence that walnuts may play a valuable role in supporting cognitive function,” said Robert Verloop, CEO for the California Walnut Commission. “Finding cognitive benefits in young adults is particularly significant as we work to increase walnuts’ appeal in this demographic.”

    The researchers suggest that walnuts’ mix of nutrients – including omega-3 alpha linolenic acid (ALA), protein, and plant compounds – may enhance cognitive performance. Walnuts are the only nut to provide an excellent source of omega-3 ALA** (2.5g/oz), which has been researched to support brain health, heart health and more.2 Walnuts also provide 4 grams of plant-based protein along with a variety of other nutrients in just one handful.3

    This is the first study to examine the immediate effects of walnuts on brain function in young adults throughout a single day. The findings build on previous research showing the cognitive impacts of regular walnut consumption.
    Discover recipes, industry insights and the latest health research on California walnuts at walnuts.org.

    References:
    *This research was funded by the California Walnut Commission. The funder made no contribution during the design or implementation of the study, nor in the interpretation of findings or the decision to publish.

    **One ounce of walnuts offers 18 grams of total fat, 2.5 grams of monounsaturated fat, 13 grams of good polyunsaturated fat.

    1. Bell, L., Dodd, G. F., Jeavons, M., Fisher, D. R., Whyte, A. R., Shukitt-Hale, B., & Williams, C. M. (2025). The impact of a walnut-rich breakfast on cognitive performance and brain activity throughout the day in healthy young adults: a crossover intervention trial. Food & Function, DOI: 10.1039/d4fo04832f.
    2. Sala-Vila A, Fleming J, Kris-Etherton P, Ros E. Impact of alpha-linolenic acid, the vegetable omega-3 fatty acid, on cardiovascular disease and cognition [published ahead of print February 16, 2022]. Advances in Nutrition. doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmac016.
    3. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. fdc.nal.usda.gov.

    About the California Walnut Commission
    The California Walnut Commission (CWC) represents more than 3.700 California walnut growers and approximately 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 CWC, established in 1987, promotes usage of walnuts through domestic and export market development activities as well as supports health research with consuming walnuts. To explore recipes and learn more about California walnut growers, industry information and health research, visit walnuts.org.

  • California Walnut Board Opens Nominations for Board Positions

     

    The California Walnut Board will begin accepting nominations for its governing board, calling on both established growers and handlers, and next-generation farmers to help guide the industry’s strategic transformation.

    Members and alternates will be elected for the next two-year term beginning on September 1, 2025 and ending on August 31, 2027. Walnut growers are eligible to petition the California Walnut Board to have the name of their candidate included on the 2025 nomination ballot.

    Nomination petitions are being sent to growers this month, allowing growers to propose candidates for the upcoming election. In mid-April, ballots listing the eligible candidates for grower positions will be mailed to all walnut growers in California. Growers will vote for two members and two alternates to represent their district as well as one member and one alternate for the statewide position. The nominees who receive the most votes will be presented to the Secretary of Agriculture for appointment consideration.

    “Two years ago, the industry created a strategic plan designed to move the industry forward, and while we’ve made significant strides, there is more work to be done,” said Robert Verloop, executive director of the California Walnut Board. “We’re seeking leaders who can think beyond their individual operations to collaborate with us for industry success.”

    While all growers and handlers are encouraged to get involved, engaging younger industry members is increasingly important.

    “We’re looking to attract the next generation of industry leadership ready to roll up their sleeves to positively shape the future,” said Verloop. “Their fresh perspectives and energy can help shape the future and drive positive change as multi-generational family farms evolve.”

    Elected board members play a critical role in guiding the industry, offering their unique knowledge and expertise, representing the interests of farmers in their regions and statewide, and providing oversight and governance functions. Importantly, board members will also help drive the industry’s strategic plan developed in 2023, for growers and by growers. The plan outlines an ambitious vision of making California Walnuts craved around the globe and focuses on six priorities, including product quality; global sales and marketing; innovation; sustainability; goal-oriented research; and revitalizing the board and commission.

    Industry members unable to commit to board service can still contribute through committees focused on marketing, production and post-harvest research, issues management and grades and standards.

    For more information, contact Suzanne Wuehler at the California Walnut Board office at (916) 932-7070 or swuehler@walnuts.org.

    About the California Walnut Board
    The California Walnut Board (CWB) represents more than 3,700 California walnut growers and approximately 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.

    To explore recipes and learn more about California walnut growers, industry information and health research, visit walnuts.org.

  • India Will Eliminate Twenty Percent Retaliatory Tariff on US Walnuts

    United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai’s announcement today that India agreed to remove retaliatory tariffs on walnuts, as well as additional US products, is welcome news.  Trade representatives from the United States and India have been working together on a package of trade deliverables announced today during this week’s visit of India’s Prime Minister Modi for meetings with President Biden and a joint session of Congress.

    “The California walnut industry has had a long-standing partnership with the India marketplace which is an integral part of the industry’s overall long term long-term strategic growth and market development plan.” said Pam Graviet, Senior Director of Global Programs for the California Walnut Commission.  “Indian consumers and trade partners continue to recognize the premium quality of California walnuts and the nutritional value and great taste they bring to the Indian diet. Elimination of India’s retaliatory tariffs will benefit Indian consumers and businesses, as well as the California walnut industry,” she added.

    The California walnut industry brought this ongoing issue to the attention of the Biden Administration early in the presidency and appreciate their tenacity and commitment which led to this agreement. We commend USTR Ambassador Katherine Tai and Ambassador Doug McKalip on negotiating this successful outcome for California’s walnut producers and processors. Ambassador McKalip recently visited California and had an occasion to tour walnut and almond orchards and learn firsthand the severe financial impact the 20% retaliatory tariff inflicted on the California walnut industry.

    We also appreciate USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Administrator Daniel Whitley and the FAS personnel who helped the industry through this challenging period.  The Market Access Program (MAP) continues to be a crucial element in enabling us to maintain our relationships in India and seek new market opportunities. We are grateful for efforts by federal, state, local elected officials, regulators, and their staff for diligently keeping this topic on the forefront of trade discussions.

    Robert Verloop, the Chief Executive Officer for the California Walnut Commission said, “the California walnut growers have been severely impacted by a host of unprecedented events over the last few years; including the various trade tariffs, COVID pandemic-induced supply chain and transportation disruptions, global economic downturn, inflationary pressures, high dollar values, the complications brought on by the war in Ukraine and the persistent drought and heat wave that severely impacted our 2023 crop.”

    “Tree nut growers, most of whom are multi-generational family farms, make a long-term investment in their crops.  Walnut orchards can be highly productive for over 30 years; accordingly, the growers make decisions to produce the revered California walnuts with the expectations that we have fair and equitable access to global markets which represent more than 65% of our sales. The removal of this tariff is welcomed by our industry and provides a pathway to strengthening our trade relations with this important market and trading partner” added Verloop.

    Ms. Graviet stated, “California walnuts are perfectly aligned to meet the global demands for more healthy, nutritious, and great tasting plant-based foods.  The removal of the retaliatory tariff in India will enable our growers to help meet these demands in India.  We thank our Indian trade partners and retailers for their ongoing support and commitment to California walnuts and look forward to building greater distribution and consumption of our walnuts.”

  • Pacific Nut Producer November Issue

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    Pacific Nut Producer November Issue

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    Contents of the November Issue:

    Almond Industry Growth Stunted by Trade Issues
    How We Got Here & What to Expect in the Near Future
    The Irrigation Corner
    Cost-Saving Tips for Drip/Micro Irrigation Systems
    Study Reveals Pistachios are an Antioxidant Powerhouse
    Pistachios Rival Other Antioxidant-Containing Foods
    November Orchard Tasks
    Almonds, Hazelnuts, Pecans, Pistachios, Walnuts

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  • Pacific Nut Producer October Issue

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    Pacific Nut Producer October Issue

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    Contents of the October Issue:

    Mark Hutson Farms a Canvas of Possibilities
    Takes Water Future into his Own Hands with On-Farm Recharge
    The Irrigation Corner
    Salt Removal from Drip/Micro Irrigated Orchard Soils
    A New Era of UCCE Farm Advisors
    UC Ramping Up California Tree Nut Extension Efforts
    October Orchard Tasks
    Almonds, Hazelnuts, Pecans, Pistachios, Walnuts

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  • Pacific Nut Producer August Issue

    Pacific Nut Producer August Issue

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    Contents of the August Issue:

    Hawaii Macadamia Orchard Management Practices
    Insights from Agronomist Walter Parada
    Unlimited Potential in India Almond Export Market
    Almond Appeal for Skin Health, Nourished Hair & Weight Management
    When Do you Shake Almonds?
    Troubleshooting Considerations for Harvest this Year
    August Orchard Tasks
    Almonds, Hazelnuts, Pecans, Pistachios

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  • Pacific Nut Producer July Issue

    Pacific Nut Producer July Issue

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    Contents of the July Issue:

    Kropf Family Helps Pave Way to Bulk Handling of Hazelnuts
    Hazelnuts Support Multigenerational Farming Families
    Mapping Out 2022 Water Supply Challenges & Solutions
    Experts Look to On-Farm Recharge
    Considerations for Navel Orangeworm Spray Applications
    Stay Ahead of the Most Formidable Pest of the Tree Nut Industry
    July Orchard Tasks
    Almonds, Hazelnuts, Pecans, Pistachios

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  • Pacific Nut Producer May Issue

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    Pacific Nut Producer May Issue

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    Contents of the May Issue:

    Preparing Your Almond Crop for Stockpiling
    Managing Moisture Content is Key & Begins in the Orchard
    Sky’s Not the Limit for the American Pistachio Industry
    Growers Unite at Industry Conference
    Pistachio Crop Predictions & Drought Mitigation
    Pistachio Day Presents Industry Updates
    May Orchard Tasks
    Almonds, Hazelnuts, Pecans, Pistachios, Walnuts

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  • Pacific Nut Producer April Issue

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    Contents of the April Issue:

    Nut Growers Hear Latest
    Challenges, Opportunities Considered at Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo
    Mummy Sprays to Augment Sanitation in Almonds
    Timing, Considerations & Clarifications for NOW
    40th Anniversary Almond Alliance Convention
    Almond Industry to Gather in Huntington Beach, May 2-5th
    April Orchard Tasks
    Almonds, Hazelnuts, Pecans, Pistachios, Walnuts

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  • Pacific Nut Producer March Issue

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    Pacific Nut Producer March Issue

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    Contents of the March Issue:

    Fourth Generation Farmer Addresses Water Issues
    Innovation is Key to Advancing Almonds
    Tom Rogers Honored as Hazelnut Grower of the Year
    Cathy Bisset to Lead as New President of the Nut Growers Society
    March Orchard Tasks
    Almonds, Hazelnuts, Pecans, Pistachios, Walnuts

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