The California Walnut Board has announced the certification of its new Board of Directors by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. The board is composed of 10 growers and 8 handlers, including three new members, who will serve a two-year term from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2027.
The newly elected members represent two districts and an at-large category. In District 1, grower members are William D. Carriere (Glenn) and Ben Walsh (Orland), with Jeff Gallagher (Rio Oso) and Michael Petz (Tracy) as alternates. Handler members for District 1 are Jack Mariani (Winters) and Eric Heidman (Stockton), with John Aguiar (Winters) and Dick Wolf (Stockton) as alternates.
District 2 includes grower members Brent Barton (Escalon) and Greg Wiersma (Visalia), with Daniel Bays (Westley) and Benjamin Crane (Merced) serving as alternates. Handler representatives are Frank Guerra (Hollister) and Mike Poindexter (Selma), with Brock Middleton (Hughson) and Aaron Martella (Hughson) as alternates.
At-large positions are filled by grower member Michael Machado (Linden) and alternate John Heier (Live Oak).
“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 certification marks the end of an election process that started in February with nomination petitions sent out to growers and handlers across California. Ballots listing eligible candidates were distributed in mid-April for district-specific and statewide positions.
Board members will guide efforts related to product quality, global sales and marketing, innovation, sustainability, production research after harvest, and strengthening cohesion within both the board and commission.
The California Walnut Board represents more than 3,700 walnut growers in California along with about 70 handlers. The organization was established in 1948 to promote walnut usage in the United States through publicity and educational programs. It also provides funding for research into production methods, food safety, and post-harvest practices. Over 99% of walnuts grown in the United States come from California’s family orchards.
Further information on recipes, grower stories, industry updates, or health research can be found at https://walnuts.org/.
