California Walnut Board certifies new Board of Directors

The California Walnut Board has announced its newly elected Board of Directors, certified by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, with terms starting Sept. 1, 2025, and running through Aug. 31, 2027.

The board consists of 10 growers and 8 handlers representing two districts and at-large members. Additionally, three new individuals will join the board for this two-year term.

District 1

• Grower Members: William D. Carriere, Glenn; Ben Walsh, Orland
• Grower Alternates: Jeff Gallagher, Rio Oso; Michael Petz, Tracy
• Handler Members: Jack Mariani, Winters; Eric Heidman, Stockton
• Handler Alternates: John Aguiar, Winters; Dick Wolf, Stockton

District 2

• Grower Members: Brent Barton, Escalon; Greg Wiersma, Visalia
• Grower Alternates: Daniel Bays, Westley (New); Benjamin Crane, Merced
• Handler Members: Frank Guerra, Hollister; Mike Poindexter, Selma
• Handler Alternates: Brock Middleton, Hughson; Aaron Martella, Hughson (New)

At Large

• Grower Member: Michael Machado, Linden
• Grower Alternate: John Heier, Live Oak (New)

“These newly elected board members bring valuable experience and fresh perspectives to the table,” said Robert Verloop, executive director of the California Walnut Board. “Importantly, they are not only committed to their own operations, but also to the broader success of the walnut industry. Their leadership will be critical as we work to create new opportunities for growth and ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry through our strategic plan developed in 2023, which aims to make California walnuts craved around the globe.”

The election process began in February with nominations and ballots distributed to growers and handlers statewide. The board will guide the California walnut industry’s strategic plan focusing on six key priorities:

• Product quality
• Global sales and marketing
• Innovation
• Sustainability
• Goal-oriented production and post-harvest research
• Revitalizing the board and commission for industry cohesion

The California Walnut Board represents more than 3,700 walnut growers and approximately 70 handlers in California. Established in 1948, the board promotes walnut usage in the U.S. through publicity, education, and research funding.