FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Christine Lott
916-932-7070
clott@walnuts.org
FOLSOM, Calif., August 6, 2025 — The California Walnut Board is announcing a new Board of Directors, which has been certified by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. The Board of Directors consists of 10 growers and 8 handlers, which include three new individuals, who will serve a two-year term beginning Sept. 1, 2025, and ending Aug. 31, 2027:
DISTRICT 1
Grower Member: William D. Carriere, Glenn
Grower Alternate: Jeff Gallagher, Rio Oso
Grower Member: Ben Walsh, Orland
Grower Alternate: Michael Petz, Tracy
Handler Member: Jack Mariani, Winters
Handler Alternate: John Aguiar, Winters
Handler Member: Eric Heidman, Stockton
Handler Alternate: Dick Wolf, Stockton
DISTRICT 2
Grower Member: Brent Barton, Escalon
Grower Alternate: Daniel Bays, Westley (New)
Grower Member: Greg Wiersma, Visalia
Grower Alternate: Benjamin Crane, Merced
Handler Member: Frank Guerra, Hollister
Handler Alternate: Brock Middleton, Hughson
Handler Member: Mike Poindexter, Selma
Handler Alternate: Aaron Martella, Hughson (New)
At LARGE
Grower Member: Michael Machado, Linden
Grower Alternate: John Heier, Live Oak (New)
“These newly elected board members bring valuable experience and fresh perspectives to the table,” said Robert Verloop, executive director of the California Walnut Board. “Importantly, they are not only committed to their own operations, but also to the broader success of the walnut industry. Their leadership will be critical as we work to create new opportunities for growth and ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry through our strategic plan developed in 2023, which aims to make California walnuts craved around the globe.”
The board certification concludes the election process that began in February when nominations opened for board positions. Growers and Handlers across California received nomination petitions, followed by ballots in mid-April listing eligible candidates for their respective districts and statewide positions.
The California Walnut Board members will help shape the future of the California walnut industry and guide its ambitious strategic plan, which focuses on six key priorities: product quality, global sales and marketing, innovation, sustainability, goal-oriented production and post-harvest research, and revitalizing the board and commission for industry cohesion.
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About the California Walnut Board
The California Walnut Board (CWB) represents more than 3,700 California walnut growers and approximately 70 handlers, grown in multi-generational farmers’ family orchards. California walnuts, known for their excellent nutritional value and quality, are shipped around the world all year long, with more than 99% of the walnuts grown in the United States being from California. The CWB, established in 1948, promotes usage of walnuts in the United States through publicity and educational programs. The CWB also provides funding for walnut production, food safety and post-harvest research.
To explore recipes and learn more about California walnut growers, industry information and health research, visit walnuts.org.