The USDA projects California’s walnut crop to be 19% lower than last year. This is primarily due to a decrease in bearing acres and reduced yields. Production is expected to reach 670,000 tons, a significant drop from the previous year’s 824,000 tons. The survey, conducted between July and August, assessed 1,422 trees across 711 orchards.

Several factors contributed to the reduced yields. Growers faced low chill hours and heavy spring rains. This increased the incidence of blight, while record-high summer temperatures worsened growing conditions, requiring more irrigation. The nut quality is also expected to decline this year.

California’s walnut acreage has dropped from its peak of 400,000 acres in 2022 to 370,000 acres in 2023, a 4% decline. Walnut farmers have struggled with low prices since 2013, when they received $1.85 per pound. In 2022, they were paid just 30 cents per pound, and last year, about 42 cents per pound.

Read more about the California walnut crop here.