Walnut Growers Support Referendum
FOLSOM, Calif. (May 19, 2014) Ninety-five percent of eligible California walnut growers who voted and ninety-three percent of the volume represented in the referendum favored continuing the Federal Marketing Order and the efforts of the California Walnut Board. This is the first continuation referendum vote ever held by the industry.“It’s rewarding to know that the work of the California Walnut Board is recognized by the growers and handlers we strive to serve,” said Dr. Jerome Siebert, Chairman of the California Walnut Board. “When we come together as an industry, we are powerful at addressing challenges and generating far-reaching results for all California walnut producers.”
Voting in the referendum took place from April 1 through April 19, 2014 and those eligible to vote were growers engaged in the production of walnuts within the state during the period September 1, 2012 through August 31, 2013. In order for the referendum to pass, at least two-thirds of eligible producers must vote in favor of continuance. Since the order was amended in 2008, a vote is now required every six years.
“We’re grateful for the continued support of our growers, who see the value of working together to benefit the entire industry,” said Dennis A. Balint, Executive Director of the California Walnut Board. “There is more work ahead but we’re starting from a good place and will continue to build on several decades of experience, relationships, research and success.”
THE CALIFORNIA WALNUT INDUSTRY IS MADE UP OF MORE THAN 4,000 GROWERS AND 100 HANDLERS. THE GROWERS AND HANDLERS ARE REPRESENTED BY TWO ENTITIES, THE CALIFORNIA WALNUT BOARD AND THE CALIFORNIA WALNUT COMMISSION.
The Walnut Marketing Board was established in 1948 to represent the walnut growers and handlers of California. In April 2008, the Walnut Marketing Board became the California Walnut Board to provide origin designation to the product it represents. The Board is funded by mandatory assessments of the handlers. The CWB is governed by a Federal Walnut Marketing Order. The Board promotes usage of walnuts in the United States through publicity and educational programs, and also provides funding for walnut production and post-harvest research.
For more information, please visit www.walnuts.org.
Or follow Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CaWalnuts; Twitter: http://twitter.com/CaWalnuts Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/cawalnuts/
YouTube: http://YouTube.com/CaWalnuts.
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
The California Walnut Board (CWB) prohibits discrimination in all programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance programs. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the CWB offices at (916) 932-7070. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). CWB is an equal opportunity employer and provider.
The California Walnut Board offices are located at 101 Parkshore Dr., Ste. #250, Folsom, CA 95630.
###
