The walnut industry recently formed the new Walnut Alliance of California, which aims to promote a stable and profitable marketing environment for walnuts from the Golden State.

“For too many years, walnut growers have faced prices well below levels that are profitable. We don’t believe this is sustainable or beneficial for anyone in the industry,” said Donald Norene, a grower from Rio Oso, Calif., who helped create the new organization.

“This year California is expecting to see a significant improvement in pricing with excellent quality, reduced acreage, a lower crop estimate, prospects of emerging export markets and solid marketing campaigns being implemented by the Walnut Board and Commission. Now is the time for us to take advantage of these opportunities,” Norene added, in a news release.

Modeled after Almond Alliance

The new organization is loosely modeled after the Almond Alliance, which has provided value for California almond farmers and performs activities on behalf of the industry that aren’t allowed through its federal marketing order, the Almond Board of California.

Like the Almond Alliance, the Walnut Alliance of California will operate as a non-profit organization with voluntary members who will pay a fee based on their size.

The Walnut Alliance will be comprised of growers, handlers, hullers and businesses associated with the walnut industry.

Political action committee

Norene said one of the first actions of the Walnut Alliance will be to create a federal political action committee, which federal marketing orders can’t do.

“Our plan is to raise funds that will help efforts to fight for fair regulations and trade policy on behalf of California walnut growers,” he added.

The Walnut Alliance also intends to focus on increasing grower returns and will take over the organization formerly known as the Walnut Bargaining Association.

Break-even prices

In October, Walnut Alliance organizers published a comparison of grower prices paid by walnut handlers in 2023. The survey showed virtually all prices were below break-even for growers, which is estimated to be in the range of 75 to 80 cents per pound.

“The California walnut industry won’t last at these prices,” said Pete Jelavich, a walnut grower from Yuba City, Calif.

“We are urging all growers and handlers of California walnuts to work with us to fight for a profitable and stable marketing environment that will sustain and grow our industry. Sharing information and improving transparency about these serious pricing issues is a critical step,” Jelavich added, in the news release.

The organization is seeking members from throughout the walnut industry as well as individuals who want to serve on its new board.

The Walnut Alliance is being managed by Chris Zanobini of Sacramento-based Agricultural Association Management Services.

More information is available at www.walnutalliance.org.

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