USDA to buy $30M in California walnuts

California walnut growers are heading into the 2026 harvest with a $30 million boost in potential domestic demand after the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced plans to purchase part of the crop through its Section 32 authority. 

This would bring the agency’s total 2026 purchases of Golden State walnuts to $45 million, according to the California Walnut Commission.

Section 32 allows the agency to buy agricultural commodities for domestic nutrition assistance programs, including the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, as well as food banks and soup kitchens.

“We appreciate USDA and Secretary Brooke Rollins for their continued support of American agriculture and the California walnut industry,” said commission CEO Robert Verloop in a press release. “This purchase provides a meaningful market opportunity for California walnuts, while helping ensure nutritious, American-grown food reaches people across the country.”

California walnut harvest underway

The move comes as California's walnut industry begins its 2026 harvest following what the commission described as the second-largest crop in its history.

“Reducing carry-in from the 2025 crop is an important step toward strengthening overall market conditions,” the executive said. “This purchase provides an encouraging boost for the industry and supports a healthier market environment as growers and handlers begin the new selling season.”

The commission said the purchase will additionally support its efforts to address longer-term industry woes.

“This announcement reflects USDA’s commitment to our growers to assist them in dealing with the challenges associated with the record 2025 crop, global market disruptions and ongoing trade uncertainties that have suppressed export volumes and grower returns,” said Davin Norene, a third-generation walnut grower from Rio Oso, California, and commission board chairman.

*All images are referential via Unsplash.

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