USDA to purchase $30 million in California walnuts

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced plans to purchase $30 million worth of California walnuts through its Section 32 authority. This move brings the agency’s total 2026 purchases of walnuts from the state to $45 million, following a $15 million purchase earlier this year.

Under Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935, the USDA is authorized to buy agricultural commodities to support domestic nutrition assistance programs. These products will be distributed through initiatives such as the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, food banks, and soup kitchens.

The California Walnut Commission stated that the purchase provides a meaningful market opportunity as the industry enters its 2026 harvest season, which follows the second-largest crop in the industry's history. Officials noted that the support helps mitigate challenges caused by a record 2025 crop, global market disruptions, and trade uncertainties that have impacted export volumes and grower returns.