Sep 5, 2024USDA releases California Walnut Industry Objective Measurement Report, production expected to drop
California walnut production is expected to drop 19% this year, with the USDA forecasting 670,000 tons for 2024, down from 824,000 tons in 2023 in its 2024 California Walnut Industry Objective Measurement Report.
This decline reflects both a 4% reduction in bearing acreage, now at 370,000 acres, and a 24% decrease in nut set per tree, which averaged 761, compared to 1,004 last year.
The 2024 Walnut Objective Measurement Survey, which was released on Sept. 4, 2024, revealed that despite favorable water conditions, low chilling hours and severe weather challenges, such as spring blight and record-high summer temperatures, negatively impacted the crop’s quality and yield. Additionally, the USDA 2024 Walnut Objective Measurement Survey showed a slight reduction in nut size, though 98.1% of the nuts tested were sound statewide.
“The Sept. 4 announcement from USDA provides the industry with an objective crop volume estimate. Using scientific methodologies, USDA field staff counted, measured, weighed, and evaluated thousands of walnuts from major growing regions in July and August for use in a statistical acreage model to establish the annual walnut crop estimate,” the The California Walnut Board (CWB) and California Walnut Commission (CWC) noted in a press release.
CWB and CWC also shared that while final shipment and inventory figures will be released later this month, preliminary data indicates that the 2023 crop is virtually sold out.
“As anticipated, the upcoming 2024 crop is lower than the historic record crop of 2023 and will deliver the high quality that defines California walnuts globally,” said Robert Verloop, executive director and CEO of the California Walnut Board and Commission. “The 2024 estimated crop size, while moderate, is similar to the 2019 crop. In addition, due to strong summer demand, we expect the end of season shipment report to show the carry-in volume to be substantially less than last year. Combined, the carry in and new 2024 crop volumes are very manageable, providing improved seller and buyer confidence and stable markets.
“As an industry, based on the favorable crop statistics and overall market conditions, we feel confident about the upcoming crop year. We continue to focus on delivering quality all the way to the consumer, with enhanced handling of walnuts through the supply chain and increasing our demand-building initiatives to drive more sales and excitement for California walnuts. We continue to work to make walnuts more relevant to consumers as a nut for every day eating occasions and partnering with retailers, bringing visibility and excitement to walnuts with expanded offerings of package size options, flavors, and more walnut products. Together as an industry, we are focused on building more consumer demand while delivering high-quality California walnuts around the world.”
The CWB and CWC represent more than 4,600 California walnut growers and nearly 70 handlers, grown in multi-generational farmers’ family orchards. For more information, visit walnuts.org.
