An 18 percent increase in California walnut shipments are being predicted by the USDA’s National Agricultrual Statistics Service Objective Measurement Report. This puts the state’s production forecast at 710,000 tons from a year ago.
The forecast is based on 365,000 bearing acres, a decline of one percent from the previous year’s 370,000 acres. USDA staff conducted in-field measurements and sampling across major growing regions during July and August to compile the data.
Following a smaller crop in 2024, the 2025 harvest is seen having a stable, and high-quality supply, according to the California Walnut Board and Commission (CWBA).
Harvest of early walnut varieties started in September and should continue through early November.
Robert Verloop, executive director and CEO of the CWBA, says this year’s crop is much more in line with the state’s acreage numbers and expectations of production based on the age of the trees in the ground.
Verloop says about 65% of the crop is the Chandler variety, which is the most in demand.
“We’re actually very enthusiastic about this one,” he says. “This has been an incredible summer for growing trees and plants of any kind. And as a result, the nut crop looks fantastic. It’s about a week early, which is not unusual given that things have been growing along so well.”
While official harvest figures won’t be available until November, Verloop says an important figure to remember is the carryout number, or the amount of the 2024 crop in unsold inventory. He says he expects that number to range between 70,000 to 90,000 tons, which he says is already presold for September and October.
“Essentially, we’re starting with a sold-out position with the new crop coming in, and that will start shipping in the middle of October,” he says.
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