Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

Tag: Walnuts

  • Leading Entomologist and PCA: How to Control Navel Orangeworm and Aflatoxin

    How can almond, pistachio, and walnut growers control navel orangeworm and reduce aflatoxin risk? UC Cooperative Extension entomologist Houston Wilson joins pistachio and almond grower and pest control adviser (PCA) Joe Coelho and Arielle O’Connor of the Arizona Cotton Research & Protection Council to discuss practical strategies for preventing infestations, limiting crop damage, and reducing the effects of aflatoxin.

    Presented by title sponsor Liphatech and premier sponsor the Arizona Cotton Research & Protection Council.

    Learn more about postharvest fumigation at https://liphatech.com/

  • California Walnut Commission Voices Support for ASCF

    The California Walnut Commission issued a statement voicing its support for the Assistance for Specialty Crops Farmers (ACSF) program. The program was announced May 29, offering $1.6 billion in federal assistance and relief to growers of specialty crops. This includes tree nuts like walnuts, almonds and pistachios.

    “The California Walnut Commission extends its appreciation to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Farm Service Agency (FSA) staff for the announcement and implementation of payment rates and the enrollment period for the ASCF program.

    In response to elevated input costs and market disruptions that impede specialty crop exports, USDA will issue $1.625 billion in payments to eligible specialty crop producers. Eligible walnut growers will be able to receive payments at a rate of $225 per acre based on their 2025 crop acreage report. This new funding will help walnut growers, many from multi-generational family farms, offset high production costs and ongoing market disruptions due to tariffs in key markets.

    ‘Walnut growers are in full swing nurturing this year’s crop, which just finished the bloom and nut set start of the crop year,’ said Bill Carriere, vice chairman of the California Walnut Commission. ‘This additional financial support will be utilized to lower input costs and improve our competitiveness abroad.’

    We thank Secretary Rollins and USDA for their continued commitment to supporting specialty crop producers, including California walnut growers, to strengthen the competitiveness of American agriculture at home and abroad.”

  • California Walnut Commission Applauds Emphasis on Nuts in New Dietary Guidelines for Americans

    There is good news for walnuts in the newly released 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs), which emphasize “real”, nutrient-dense foods — including nuts — as the foundation of a healthy diet.

    The DGAs recognize nuts as a source of plant-based protein and emphasize consumption of healthy fats found in whole foods across multiple age groups and life-stages, and the accompanying report features walnuts on their list of “rich sources of [omega-3] ALA[1].” In addition, for the first time, walnuts are clearly represented in the new food pyramid.

    Further, within a 2,000-calorie diet, the DGAs recommend one ounce of nuts or seeds and two tablespoons of nut or seed butter as part of the three to four daily servings of protein foods. The DGAs also recommend introducing potentially allergenic foods —including nut butters—with other complementary foods to infants at about 6 months.

    “This marks an important step in gaining broader recognition that walnuts, as a healthy and real food, should be part of our daily lifestyle,” said Robert Verloop, CEO of the California Walnut Commission (CWC). “It also is a testament to the 30 years of investment in sound, scientific health and nutrition research by the California walnut industry.”

    While the new DGAs were under development, the CWC leveraged the over 240 published research studies to submit comments and provide evidence showcasing how walnuts can be included in healthy dietary patterns. The CWC continues to support new research in areas such as gut health, sleep and cognitive function, alongside continued investment in heart and metabolic health.

    “Through CWC’s Global Health Research Program, we’re fueling science that speaks to health and wellness, and supporting researchers exploring the topics that truly matter to consumers,” said Rachel Blaine, CWC scientific advisor. “By advancing evidence in these areas, we’re showcasing how walnuts can power overall well-being and inspire people everywhere to make walnuts a delicious part of their daily routine.”

    The DGAs also highlight a broader commitment to American agriculture. “We are realigning our food system to support American farmers, ranchers and companies who grow and produce real food,” according to the DGAs.

    For more information on the 2025-2030 DGAs, visit realfood.gov. For more information about the California Walnut  Commission and its programs, visit walnuts.org.

    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.

    [1] One ounce of walnuts provides 18g of total fat, 2.5g of monounsaturated fat, 13g of polyunsaturated fat, including 2.5g of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the plant-based omega-3.

  • California Walnut Board & Commission Target Young Shoppers with New ‘Feel Good’ Campaign

    California walnuts are shedding their traditional image and emerging as a must-have ingredient for health-conscious young consumers. The California Walnut Board & Commission has launched its bold new “Feel Good” campaign – an integrated marketing effort designed to drive consumer demand and reposition walnuts as a vibrant, versatile offering within the fresh produce space.

    Grounded in extensive consumer research, the campaign introduces a modern, energetic look and feel designed to connect with millennials and Gen Z audiences, demographics that increasingly shape food trends and purchasing behaviors. At its core, “California Walnuts. Feel Good.” reintroduces walnuts as a fresh, versatile produce item that supports feel-good eating moments across consumers’ lifestyles.

    “This isn’t just a new marketing campaign – it’s a complete repositioning of California walnuts for a new generation of consumers who prioritize nutrition and versatility in their food choices,” said Christine Lott, director of integrated communications for the California Walnut Board & Commission. “By reaching younger consumers, we’re building future generations of walnut consumers and supporting California farmers for decades to come.”

    The cornerstone of the campaign is relationships with social media influencers. With 77% of Gen Z and 50% of millennials following social media personalities who strongly shape their purchasing decisions, according to KS&R Entercom Landscape Tracker, this strategy is intended to reach consumers where they spend their time: social media. As part of the campaign, the California Walnut Board & Commission is partnering with more than 20 cooking, wellness, lifestyle and hosting influencers who collectively reach millions of potential consumers.

    The California Walnut Board & Commission will also showcase trend-driven, authentic content designed to resonate with younger consumers. Paid media efforts will extend the campaign’s reach across social platforms, streaming services and online video – channels where these shoppers spend their time.

    Beyond digital, the campaign includes experiential marketing with sampling at wellness events nationwide, allowing potential consumers to taste and experience the convenience and versatility of California walnuts in environments that reflect their values and lifestyles.

    Discover recipes, industry insights and the latest on California walnuts at walnuts.org.

    About the California Walnut Board and Commission

    The California Walnut Board (CWB) and California Walnut Commission (CWC) represent 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. 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.