California Walnut Industry Expects Quality Crop Early

The annual crop estimate for walnuts is predicted to be 495,000 short tons, just a couple of thousand shy of last year’s total, according to information released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service California Field Office.

“We enjoyed a warm, dry spring, which will allow us to harvest up to a week earlier than the 2012 crop, and we are expecting good-quality, plentiful walnuts for our customers around the world,” said Donald Norene, California Walnut Commission (CWC) chairman. The 2013 estimate is less than 1 percent shy of last year’s crop of 497,000 short tons.

Walnut production has been increasing, with more than 11,000 new walnut acres planted this year, contributing to a crop that has nearly doubled in the last decade. 

“Domestic market development and continued expansion of export markets will be critical to future production gains. New emerging markets, such as India, will play a vital role in developing the industry’s future consumers,” Norene added. In July, market access was granted, allowing California walnuts to be shipped to India.

“Global demand for walnuts remains at an all-time high because consumer awareness of the versatility and nutritional benefits of walnuts continues to grow,” said Dennis A. Balint, CWC’s chief executive officer. “With over 100 published health research papers, people are increasingly aware of the many health benefits walnuts provide.” 

In fact, the number of consumers eating walnuts to improve their health has doubled in the past five years. Additionally, walnuts are the only nut that contain a significant amount (2.5 grams per ounce) of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the plant-based form of omega-3 fatty acid, and also contain fiber (2 grams) and protein (4 grams).

“As the fourth leading export from the state of California, we estimate the value of walnuts may top $1.5 billion in farm gate revenue,” said Balint. In year-to-date shipments, the United States accounted for 36 percent of shipments, while 64 percent of the crop was exported to countries on five continents. California walnuts account for more than 99 percent of the commercial U.S. supply, and control roughly three-fourths of world trade.