As Daily Democrat reported, California walnut growers face potential losses as harvest wraps up this month. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated the state crop at 680,000 tons on Oct. 1, marking a 16% decrease from last year. In Sutter County, grower Ranjit Davit estimated his crop was 20% to 30% below average.
Industry experts noted that rising production costs and low yields may prevent many growers from breaking even. Robert Verloop, CEO of the California Walnut Board, stated that prices are expected to be higher than last year's average of 75 cents a pound, but might not cover increased expenses. Davit cited higher fuel prices as a significant hurdle during the three-pass harvest. Meanwhile, Sequoia Nut Company/Custom Almonds LLC executive Bikram Hundal said the company is considering pulling out its 400 acres of walnuts following this season.
