Media Contact:
Christine Lott
916-932-7070
clott@walnuts.org
FOLSOM, Calif., April 17, 2026 – The California Walnut Commission (CWC) is pleased to announce its success in securing $2.6 million in funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) America First Trade Promotion Program (AFTTP).
Announced April 16, 2026 by USDA, the funding intends to strengthen market opportunities for U.S. agricultural products in export markets. For the California walnut industry, AFTTP funding will support retail programs in select markets to drive sales and build consumer pull-through.
The CWC thanks USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg, Foreign Agricultural Service leadership and staff, and partners across USDA for their continued commitment to supporting American agriculture through export development programs. With the support of AFTTP funding, the CWC will continue to advance strategic, sales-driven initiatives that connect more consumers with California walnuts around the globe.
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.