Media Contact:
Christine Lott
916-932-7070
clott@walnuts.org
FOLSOM, Calif., Feb. 20, 2026 – The California Walnut Commission (CWC) commends the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) intention to purchase up to $263 million in domestically produced dairy and agricultural products — including $15 million in walnuts.
The announcement, made Feb. 19 by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, 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 School Lunch Program, food banks and soup kitchens.
“These purchases provide an important market opportunity for the California walnut industry, while also helping nourish millions of Americans through domestic nutrition assistance programs,” said Robert Verloop, executive director and CEO of the California Walnut Commission. “We appreciate Secretary Rollins and USDA’s continued support for growers and the agency’s commitment to ensuring nutritious, American-grown foods like walnuts are part of the nation’s food supply.”
The CWC regularly advocates to USDA on behalf of the California walnut industry to help secure federal purchases that alleviate market pressures. This latest announcement reflects the continued success of those efforts.
With this support, the CWC remains committed to advancing the industry’s long-term sustainability and providing nutritious food to families across the country.
About the California Walnut Commission
The California Walnut Commission (CWC) 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 CWC, established in 1987, promotes usage of walnuts through domestic and export market development activities as well as supports health research with consuming walnuts.
To explore recipes and learn more about California walnut growers, industry information and health research, visit walnuts.org.