Media Contact:
Christine Lott
916-932-7070
clott@walnuts.org
FOLSOM, Calif., Feb. 11, 2026 – The California Walnut Commission (CWC) is pleased to announce its success in securing $3,655,434 to expand market access and grow demand for California walnuts worldwide thanks to new funding awarded through the 2026 Market Access Program (MAP).
The funding, announced on February 11, 2026 by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), adds to $14 million in Regional Agriculture Promotion Program (RAPP) funds to be utilized through September 2030 to develop new export markets. These combined funds will play a crucial role in the CWC’s efforts to develop and enhance market opportunities for California walnuts in key international markets.
“Over two-thirds of California walnuts are exported, making international sales an important source of value for the California walnut industry,” said Robert Verloop, CEO of the California Walnut Commission. “The continued investment from USDA in our industry strengthens our capacity to develop a preference for and expand use of California walnuts in key markets worldwide, where more consumers can experience walnuts’ exceptional quality and health benefits.”
The CWC thanks USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, Under Secretary Luke Lindberg, USDA and Foreign Agricultural Service staff for their leadership in funding export development programs such as MAP and the new America First Trade Promotion Program. These dollars allow American farmers and ranchers – including walnut growers – to increase exports, diversify demand and maintain competitiveness on a global scale.
The CWC remains dedicated to supporting the state’s walnut growers and handlers by creating new opportunities for growth and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the industry. With the support of USDA’s MAP and RAPP funds, the CWC is well-positioned to achieve its goals and continue to promote California walnuts as a premium product in the global marketplace.
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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.