The election process for both the California Walnut Board (CWB) and California Walnut Commission (CWC) are underway. The CWB and CWC conduct elections for board members every two years to serve on the respective boards, beginning September 1, 2025, until August 31, 2027.

Elected board members serve a critical role in guiding our industry, offering their unique knowledge and expertise, representing the interests of growers and handlers in their regions, and providing oversight and governance functions to the California Walnut Board and Commission.  

While the election timing is similar, the process is slightly different for the two organizations.

For the CWB, nomination petitions to have a candidate’s name included on the California Walnut Board 2025 ballot were sent to all growers in late February. Candidates with petitions containing at least 10 eligible grower signatures will qualify for the ballot. In mid-April, ballots listing the eligible candidates for grower positions will be mailed to all walnut growers in California. Growers will vote for two members and two alternates to represent their district as well as one member and one alternate for the statewide position. Ballots for handler positions are mailed to all handlers in mid-April for nominations and voting. All ballots postmarked by May 16, 2025, will have their votes tabulated and receive USDA certification. The nominees receiving the most votes in each district and at-large for representatives on the California Walnut Board will be presented to the Secretary of Agriculture in consideration for appointment.

California Walnut Board
2025 Election Timeline
Nomination Period: March 1-31
Election Period: April 14 – May 16
USDA Certification: June
Results Announced: August

For the CWC, producers and handlers participating in the election must complete a nomination form for their name to appear on the California Walnut Commission 2025 ballot in May. All producer candidates must return the form with at least 15 eligible grower signatures. All handler candidates must submit a petition with at least five other handler signatures. In late June, ballots are mailed to producers and handlers. Producers will vote for four members and four alternates to represent their district. The four member candidates receiving the highest number of votes in each district will be elected to the producer member positions on the Commission and the four alternate member candidates receiving the highest number of votes in each district will be elected to the producer alternate member positions on the Commission.

California Walnut Commission
2025 Election Timeline
Nomination Period: May 1 – June 2
Certification of Candidates: June 1 – June 15
Election Period: July 1 – July 31
Results Announced: August

For more information, please contact Suzanne Wuehler at the California Walnut Board and Commission office at (916) 932-7070 or swuehler@walnuts.org.