California-grown walnuts are about to become even more popular around the world, thanks to a $7 million grant from the USDA’s Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP).
The funds will be used by the California Walnut Commission to expand distribution and sales of California walnuts in global markets. Recently, the CWC used funds provided by a similar program — the Agricultural Trade Promotion Program (ATP) — to significantly increase retail sales of California walnuts in the UK. Since 2018, shipments of walnuts to the UK have increased by 65%. The UK is now among the top 10 export markets for California-grown walnuts, and the CWC hopes to repeat that success in other countries.
Back home in California, it’s been a busy season for the state that produces more than 25% of the world’s walnut supply. Growers are wrapping up the bloom period and prepping for the upcoming harvest, which typically begins in late August. Walnut business is booming on the West Coast, but with China still producing half of the world’s total supply, there’s room to grow. In keeping with RAPP’s guidelines, the CWC will focus on growing that business in priority markets like Southeast Asia, South America, Africa, and the Middle East. According to the USDA, these markets are places “where the middle class is growing and the desire for high-quality food and farm products is increasing.”
Several other West Coast-based organizations received funds from the RAPP, as well. Beneficiaries include the Almond Board of California, Washington Apple Commission, California Table Grape Commission, and the California Prune Board.
For a full list of funding allocations, head to the program’s website.