Over the past few years, the California walnut industry has experienced several challenges including supply-chain disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a pronounced heatwave in September 2022 that affected walnut quality throughout the state, and the introduction and growth of international producers in the global walnut market. Recently, Tulare County had more walnut acreage removed than any other county, and statewide walnut acreage declined by around 30,000 acres. Despite the decline in acreage, the 2023 season resulted in a record walnut crop in California.

Addressing grower and industry concerns, UCCE Tulare County hosted the 52^nd Tri County Walnut Day on February 1^st, 2024, the second in-person meeting since the pandemic. The event attracted approximately 60 walnut growers and members of allied industries.  The program was organized by Elizabeth Fichtner, UCCE Tulare County Farm Advisor, and moderated by Raymond Mireles, a new fresh fruit and almond advisor at the UCCE Tulare County office, as well as Caleb Crawford, a Staff Research Associate at UCCE Tulare County.  The morning coffee was sponsored by Jason Scott Marketing (West Coast Nut Magazine), and the luncheon was provided by the California Walnut Board and Commission.

Elizabeth Fichtner, a farm advisor at UCCE Tulare County, initiated the program with a short welcome speech and gave her talks on walnut scale and frosted scale management, and minimal heading of Ivanhoe, a new variety of walnut with large, light-colored kernels and high yields. Themis Michailides, professor at UC Davis, presented on the mold problems of walnut and its association with nut quality. Another highlight was the presentation by Bob Beede, Farm Advisor Emeritus of UCCE Kings County, on the management of input costs during low-price years. Other topics covered by University of California researchers included weed management, walnut quality issues, rootstock selection, and pest management. Robert Verloop, Executive Director and CEO of the California Walnut Board and Commission provided updates about the increased production of walnut but flat consumption trends worldwide. The California Walnut board, established in 1948, is funded by mandatory assessments of walnut handlers while the California Walnut Commission, established in 1987, is funded by mandatory assessments of growers. A panel discussion, moderated by Mr. Verloop, was held to facilitate discussion between handlers, growers, and allied industry members.