984 California Walnuts

Marketing Year: Sept 1—Aug 31 (effective September 1, 2008)
Production Area(s): California

Marketing Order Authority and Regulations 
The marketing order authorizes quality regulations, research and promotion programs, and volume control for walnuts grown in California. The marketing order took effect in 1948 and was last amended under formal rulemaking on March 29, 2021. View the full regulation

Previous Hearings

On Sept. 29, 2021, USDA issued a six month moratorium on mandatory grading and assessment requirements under the walnut marketing order as it plans formal rulemaking in 2022 to address recommendations from the California Walnut Board to modify minimum quality requirements on domestic and imported walnuts. 

  • Quality Regulations:  The marketing order authorizes minimum grade and size regulations on walnuts to ensure walnut quality shipped to consumers.
  • Research and Promotion:  The marketing order authorizes production and marketing research and development projects, which are currently active.
  • Volume control:  The marketing order authorizes volume regulations through the use of free and reserve percentages, but is not currently being used.

Board Structure

The California Walnut Board consists of 10 members and 10 alternates. Four members represent handlers, five members represent growers and one member represents the public. The two-year terms begin Sept 1. Producer and handler members are nominated by mail ballot.  View a list of members & alternates.

Contacts

Robert Verloop, Executive Director/CEO; California Walnut Board
101 Parkshore Drive, Suite 250
Folsom, CA 95630
Phone: (916) 932-7070
FAX: (916) 932-7071
Website: www.walnuts.org

USDA/AMS Contact

Director, Market Development Division
Specialty Crops Program, Agricultural Marketing Service
Phone: (202) 720-2491