The California Walnut Board has finalized its 2025–2027 board of directors, officially certified by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. The newly seated group will serve a two-year term beginning September 1, 2025, and concluding August 31, 2027. The board is composed of 10 grower representatives and 8 handler representatives, including three newly elected members.
District 1
- Grower Member: William D. Carriere, Glenn
- Grower Alternate: Jeff Gallagher, Rio Oso
- Grower Member: Ben Walsh, Orland
- Grower Alternate: Michael Petz, Tracy
- Handler Member: Jack Mariani, Winters
- Handler Alternate: John Aguiar, Winters
- Handler Member: Eric Heidman, Stockton
- Handler Alternate: Dick Wolf, Stockton
District 2
- Grower Member: Brent Barton, Escalon
- Grower Alternate: Daniel Bays, Westley (New)
- Grower Member: Greg Wiersma, Visalia
- Grower Alternate: Benjamin Crane, Merced
- Handler Member: Frank Guerra, Hollister
- Handler Alternate: Brock Middleton, Hughson
- Handler Member: Mike Poindexter, Selma
- Handler Alternate: Aaron Martella, Hughson (New)
At Large
- 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 election process began in February with a nomination period open to growers and handlers throughout California. Ballots were distributed in mid-April, providing industry members the opportunity to select candidates to represent their districts and at-large positions. Certification of the results by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture officially concludes the process.
With more than 99% of U.S.-grown walnuts coming from California, the Board plays a vital role in representing industry priorities, funding research, and driving promotion efforts that benefit growers, handlers, and consumers alike.
The California Walnut Board’s current strategic plan outlines six key focus areas for the industry:
- Maintaining product quality to meet the highest global standards.
- Expanding international demand through global sales and marketing.
- Driving innovation across the industry.
- Advancing sustainability to ensure long-term viability.
- Supporting goal-oriented production and post-harvest research.
- Strengthening industry cohesion by revitalizing the board and commission activities.
Board members will work collectively to advance these initiatives, balancing immediate challenges such as shifting global demand and production costs with long-term opportunities to position California walnuts as a premier, nutritious, and sustainable food.
The California Walnut Board represents about 3,700 growers and 70 handlers in California.
Image: A mature walnut orchard. Photo: Modern Ag Media
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