FOLSOM, Calif., Aug. 25, 2026 – The California Walnut Commission (CWC) applauds the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) intent to purchase $30 million of California walnuts through Section 32 authority.

The announcement, made Aug. 24 by USDA, is part of Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935, which authorizes USDA to purchase agricultural commodities for domestic nutritional assistance programs such as the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, and for food banks and soup kitchens. 

Combined with USDA’s $15 million walnut purchase announced earlier this year, the latest announcement brings total USDA Section 32 purchases of California walnuts in 2026 to $45 million.

“We appreciate USDA and Secretary Brooke Rollins for their continued support of American agriculture and the California walnut industry,” said Robert Verloop, CEO of the California Walnut Commission. “This purchase provides a meaningful market opportunity for California walnuts, while helping ensure nutritious, American-grown food reaches people across the country.”

The announcement comes as the California walnut industry enters a new harvest season following the second-largest crop in its history.

“As our industry prepares to harvest the 2026 crop, reducing carry-in from the 2025 crop is an important step toward strengthening overall market conditions,” Verloop said. “This purchase provides an encouraging boost for the industry and supports a healthier market environment as growers and handlers begin the new selling season.”

With this support from USDA, the CWC remains committed to advancing the industry’s long-term sustainability and providing nutritious food to American families in need.

“This announcement reflects USDA’s commitment to our growers to assist them in dealing with the challenges associated with the record 2025 crop, global market disruptions and ongoing trade uncertainties that have suppressed export volumes and grower returns,” said Davin Norene, a third-generation walnut grower from Rio Oso, Calif. and CWC chairman of the Board. 

 

About the California Walnut Commission

The California Walnut Commission (CWC) represents more than 3,700 California walnut growers and approximately 70 handlers whose walnuts are sold around the world, with more than 99% of the walnuts grown in the United States being from California. California walnuts, grown primarily in multi-generational family orchards, are known for their quality and nutritional and wellness benefits.  

The CWC, established in 1987, drives domestic and export market development activities and health research to support sales of California walnuts around the globe.  

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