Walnut industry joins specialty crop push for near-term farm support
The California Walnut Commission has joined more than 50 agricultural organizations calling on Congress to provide immediate support to growers amid mounting financial pressure. The group cites trade challenges and historically low specialty crop prices among its key concerns.
In a recent letter to lawmakers, the coalition warns that a widening agricultural deficit, declining share of global sales, and persistent non-tariff trade barriers continue to weaken competitiveness for American producers, including California walnut growers. Specialty crop groups are calling for relief proportional to their share of the market, noting they account for about one-third of US crop sales but have been underfunded in recent aid.
The coalition urged Congress to pass a robust economic assistance package to stabilize the farm economy until the One Big Beautiful Bill Act takes effect later in 2026.
Specialty crop growers feel the strain
Led by the American Farm Bureau Federation, the coalition says growers are entering the 2025 season under significant financial pressure as they attempt to plan and secure operating capital. According to the letter, input and operational costs continue to rise, while specialty crop prices have plummeted.
While recent federal measures–including crop insurance, farm bill programs, and the US Department of Agriculture’s Farmer Bridge Assistance–have provided some relief, the commission says those programs have not covered the cumulative losses.
The California Walnut Commission says it supports the coalition’s request for near-term economic assistance to help family farms and specialty crop growers remain viable.
“We urge Congress to provide immediate economic support to fill in the gap of remaining losses for both field and specialty crop farmers,” the document states. “Additional support will stabilize the farm economy, protect rural communities, and ensure a secure food supply.”
The coalition emphasizes that without swift congressional action, growers may struggle to sustain operations and finance the upcoming season.
California produces nearly all US-grown walnuts, according to the commission, making the state’s growers particularly exposed to global trade conditions and domestic cost pressures.
The letter is one of several coordinated actions underway as industry actors ramp up advocacy ahead of key farm policy decisions. Multiple other agricultural organizations have raised concerns about trade tensions, antidumping measures, and declining business profitability.
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