The California Walnut Board is announcing a new Board of Directors, which has been certified by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. The Board of Directors consists of 10 growers and 8 handlers, which include three new individuals, who will serve a two-year term beginning Sept. 1, 2025, and ending Aug. 31, 2027:
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DISTRICT 1 |
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Grower Member: William D. Carriere, Glenn |
Grower Alternate: Jeff Gallagher, Rio Oso |
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Grower Member: Ben Walsh, Orland |
Grower Alternate: Michael Petz, Tracy |
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Handler Member: Jack Mariani, Winters |
Handler Alternate: John Aguiar, Winters |
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Handler Member: Eric Heidman, Stockton |
Handler Alternate: Dick Wolf, Stockton |
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DISTRICT 2 |
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Grower Member: Brent Barton, Escalon |
Grower Alternate: Daniel Bays, Westley (New) |
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Grower Member: Greg Wiersma, Visalia |
Grower Alternate: Benjamin Crane, Merced |
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Handler Member: Frank Guerra, Hollister |
Handler Alternate: Brock Middleton, Hughson |
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Handler Member: Mike Poindexter, Selma |
Handler Alternate: Aaron Martella, Hughson (New) |
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AT LARGE |
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Grower Member: Michael Machado, Linden |
Grower Alternate: John Heier, Live Oak (New) |
“These newly elected board members bring valuable experience and fresh perspectives to the table,” said Robert Verloop, executive director of the California Walnut Board. “Importantly, they are not only committed to their own operations, but also to the broader success of the walnut industry. Their leadership will be critical as we work to create new opportunities for growth and ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry through our strategic plan developed in 2023, which aims to make California walnuts craved around the globe.”
The board certification concludes the election process that began in February when nominations opened for board positions. Growers and Handlers across California received nomination petitions, followed by ballots in mid-April listing eligible candidates for their respective districts and statewide positions.
The California Walnut Board members will help shape the future of the California walnut industry and guide its ambitious strategic plan, which focuses on six key priorities: product quality, global sales and marketing, innovation, sustainability, goal-oriented production and post-harvest research, and revitalizing the board and commission for industry cohesion.
About the California Walnut Board
The California Walnut Board (CWB) represents more than 3,700 California walnut growers and approximately 70 handlers, grown in multi-generational farmers’ family orchards. California walnuts, known for their excellent nutritional value and quality, are shipped around the world all year long, with more than 99% of the walnuts grown in the United States being from California. The CWB, established in 1948, promotes usage of walnuts in the United States through publicity and educational programs. The CWB also provides funding for walnut production, food safety and post-harvest research.
To explore recipes and learn more about California walnut growers, industry information and health research, visit walnuts.org.
