California Walnut Industry Expects Quality Crop Early -- FOLSOM, Calif., Sept. Walnut orchard in Central Valley of California. PRNewsFoto/California Walnut Commission 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service California Field Office released the annual crop estimate for walnuts, predicting the annual yield to be 495,000 short tons.1 Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130905/SF75272 "We enjoyed a warm, dry spring which will allow us to harvest up to a week earlier than the 2012 crop, and we are expecting good quality, plentiful walnuts for our customers around the world," states California Walnut Commission Chairman Donald Norene. The 2013 estimate is less than 1% shy of last year's crop of 497,000 short tons. Walnut production has been increasing, with more than 11,000 new walnut acres2 planted this year, contributing to a crop that has nearly doubled in the last decade. Domestic market development and continued expansion of export markets will be critical to future production gains. New emerging markets, such as India, will play a vital role in developing the industry's future consumers," Norene added. In July, market access was granted allowing California walnuts to be shipped to India. "Global demand for walnuts remains at an all time high because consumer awareness of the versatility and nutritional benefits of walnuts continues to grow," states Dennis A. Balint, CWC Chief Executive Officer. With over 100 published health research papers, people are increasingly aware of the many health benefits walnuts provide. In fact, the number of consumers eating walnuts to improve their health has doubled in the past five years.3 Additionally, walnuts are the only nut that contain a significant amount (2.5 grams per ounce) of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the plant-based form of omega-3 fatty acid, and also contain fiber (2g) and protein (4g). "As the fourth leading export from the state of California, we estimate the value of walnuts may top $1.5billion in farm gate revenue," says Dennis A. Balint. In year to date shipments4, the U.S. accounted for 36% of shipments while 64% of the crop was exported to countries on five continents. California walnuts account for more than 99% of the commercial U.S. supply and control roughly three-fourths of world trade. For more industry information, health research and recipe ideas, visit www.walnuts.org. Media resources available: Expert interviews High resolution photography B-roll Walnut recipes About California Walnuts: The California walnut industry is made up of more than 4,000 growers and more than 90 handlers. The growers and handlers are represented by two entities, the California Walnut Board (CWB) and the California Walnut Commission (CWC). California Walnut Commission The California Walnut Commission, established in 1987, is funded by mandatory assessments of the growers. The Commission is an agency of the State of California that works in concurrence with the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). The CWC is mainly involved in health research and export market development activities. Non-Discrimination Statement The California Walnut Commission (CWC) prohibits discrimination in all programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance programs. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the CWC offices at (916) 922-5888. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). CWC is an equal opportunity employer and provider. The California Walnut Commission offices are located at 101 Parkshore Dr., Ste. #250, Folsom, CA 95630 1 USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service: http://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/California/Publications/Fruits_and_Nuts/201309walom.pdf 2 USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service, California Field Office: www.nass.usda.gov/ca 3 Rose Research Attitude & Usage Study, 2013. 4 California Walnut Board Monthly Management Report August, 2013 SOURCE California Walnut Commission RELATED LINKS http://www.walnuts.org