USDA announces $30 million California walnut purchase
USDA plans to purchase $30 million of California walnuts, bringing its announced Section 32 walnut purchases in 2026 to $45 million.
USDA intends to purchase $30 million of California walnuts through its Section 32 authority, bringing the agency’s announced California walnut purchases in 2026 to $45 million.
USDA announced the latest purchase Aug. 24. Earlier this year, the agency announced a separate $15 million walnut purchase.
Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935 authorizes USDA to purchase agricultural commodities for domestic nutritional assistance programs. Those commodities can be distributed through programs including the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, as well as food banks and soup kitchens.
The announcement comes as California walnut growers prepare to harvest the 2026 crop following the second-largest crop in the industry’s history. The California Walnut Commission (CWC) said reducing carry-in from the 2025 crop is an important consideration as the new selling season begins.
“This purchase provides an encouraging boost for the industry and supports a healthier market environment as growers and handlers begin the new selling season,” Robert Verloop, CWC CEO, said.
Davin Norene, CWC chairman and a third-generation walnut grower from Rio Oso, California, said the industry has faced challenges related to the record 2025 crop, global market disruptions, trade uncertainty, lower export volumes and grower returns.
CWC represents more than 3,700 California walnut growers and approximately 70 handlers. More than 99% of U.S.-grown walnuts come from California.