USDA is projecting 2018/19 California walnut production at 690,000 tons, up 10 percent from 2017/18 and, if realized, just beating the previous record set in 2016/17. Acreage in 2018/19 is estimated at 350,000 bearing acres, with 75.5 trees per acre—the largest and densest acreage yet for California. Yield is expected to be around 1.97 tons per acre, higher than last year but lower than the 2.19 tons per acre achieved in 2016/17.

Domestic walnut shipments in 2017/18 totaled 231,700 tons (on an in-shell equivalent weight basis), down 3 percent from 2017/18. Exports totaled 689,700 tons (in-shell equivalent weight), down 19 percent from last season’s record exports.

Cumulative walnut exports by season

Source: California Walnuts
Posted by: Information Services
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