A Heritage of Sustainability
For Generations to Come
California walnut growers and processors (handlers) have spent more than a century caring for the land, sharing a commitment to public health, and supporting the communities we serve. In order to grow this nutritious food for generations to come, we must continually develop new technologies and strategies to improve our products and lessen our impacts on the earth.
We have great respect for the people and families that make up our industry, and the people and families that cherish walnuts as a nutritious and delicious addition to their diet. This respect compels us to always consider new alternatives, enhance our processes, and keep our industry strong for generations to come.
Our Sustainability Platform
Stands on Five Pillars:
Environmental Stewardship
California walnut growers and processors support research and innovation in water quality and conservation; soil health; energy use; and air quality. We constantly seek out and incorporate new methods of growing and handling walnuts that minimize waste, enhance productivity, and preserve and protect natural resources.
Food Safety
California Walnuts are grown, harvested, and processed under standards and regulations that are mandated by federal and state authorities. Our harvested walnuts often exceed quality standards set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). We accomplish this with diligent training and ongoing education throughout our industry.
Sustainable Nutrition & Human Health
We balance our use of natural resources by producing a whole food that is a powerhouse of important nutrients for optimum health. A 30 g serving of walnuts contains:
- 2.5 g omega-3 polyunsaturates
- 4 g protein
- 2 g fibre
- 6% daily value for iron
- 11% daily value for magnesium
- 9% daily value for zinc
We support ongoing research to unlock the full nutritional benefits of California Walnuts and their impact on human health.
Economic Health
Each year, the growth, handling, sale, and consumption of California Walnuts creates more than 85,000 full-time equivalent jobs and contributes nearly $6 billion to the state’s economy.
People & Community
It takes a strong community to grow, harvest, and process California Walnuts for the world to enjoy. Our community includes growers, handlers, customers, and consumers who are dedicated to sustainability now and for the future. We support education to pass on our knowledge of our sustainable practices to new generations who will carry on our legacy.
For more information about our commitment to sustainability, please download our brochure.
Water Management
California walnut growers and processors have spent more than a century caring for the land. Like all agricultural products, walnuts require healthy soil, sunlight, and water. In order to grow this nutritious food for generations to come, we are continually developing new technologies and sustainable strategies to improve our crop, utilize water as efficiently as possible and protect the resources which nourish our trees.
California is also home to more than 400 commodities, including over a third of the country’s vegetables and two-thirds of the country’s fruits and nuts. In spite of its history of droughts, California leads the U.S. in agricultural production. To balance competing demands for water, California’s state and regional water resources control boards have the most stringent regulations for water use and quality for growers of all commodities in the world.
We believe that responsible water management plays an integral role in ensuring the long-term health of the walnut industry, the communities where we live, and the environment. Walnut growers have a vested interest in the judicious use of this precious resource at all times, not just during periods of drought.
