On a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, Michael Jameson, director of sales at Morada Nut Company, joined the show to discuss California’s walnut crop, export markets and the challenges of moving a major specialty crop in an increasingly complicated global marketplace.
One positive development for the industry is a US
DA purchase of 28 million pounds of California walnuts. Jameson explained that packers bid into the program, with USDA purchasing product for food assistance programs. Importantly for the industry, the purchases target lower grades that can be more difficult to market commercially, helping remove inventory and relieve some pressure on the overall market.
That could help California enter the new crop year with a relatively clean slate. Last year’s walnut crop totaled about 809,000 tons, while Jameson said early receipts suggest this year’s production could be considerably smaller. His working estimate was around 680,000 tons, although he emphasized that the official estimate had not yet been released at the time of the interview.
So far, however, quality appears promising. Jameson said early walnuts are showing exceptionally light kernel color, an important characteristic for many international buyers. Nut size appears somewhat smaller, which could affect some in-shell markets, but the crop is running at least 10 days ahead of last season. That earlier harvest could prove beneficial if growers can get walnuts off the ground before fall rain arrives.
Selling that crop may be the bigger challenge.
Jameson recently traveled to Italy and Spain, where he reported positive meetings and solid interest in California walnuts. But other international markets face obstacles ranging from tariffs and exchange rates to higher freight costs and geopolitical disruptions.
Turkey, a major buyer of California in-shell walnuts last season, is entering this year with significant inventory from California, China and Chile. Jameson said that could slow early purchases and place additional pressure on both the in-shell and kernel markets.
Despite those challenges, Jameson believes California’s advantage remains product quality, and finding international customers willing to pay for it.
Listen to Part 1 of the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.
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