The annual California Walnut Conference, a key event for walnut growers, handlers, and industry professionals, is returning in 2026 with a new date and location. The conference will be held on February 19, 2026, at the Turlock Fairgrounds, marking a new chapter in its continued evolution and expansion.
Presented by West Coast Nut magazine in partnership with the California Walnut Commission (CWC), the California Walnut Conference has grown into a vital forum for information-sharing, networking, and collaboration among growers, handlers, and industry suppliers.
"We know this event has become important to the walnut industry and allied community and hope this more centralized location and new date will help make the conference accessible to additional growers and handlers," said Jason Scott, Publisher and CEO of West Coast Nut and JCS Marketing Inc.
© California Walnuts
The 2026 conference will feature a full day of educational seminars covering a wide range of topics critical to walnut production and marketing, including research updates, production practices, trade developments, advocacy efforts, and market dynamics. Continuing education units (CEUs) will be available for eligible sessions.
"The California Walnut Conference is a cornerstone of our efforts to bring the industry together," said Robert Verloop, Executive Director and CEO of the California Walnut Board and Commission. "We changed the location to Turlock to make the conference more accessible for all growers. It provides the opportunity for knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and dialogue that is essential to moving our industry forward into the future. With the challenges and opportunities ahead, this conference helps ensure we are aligned and working toward a strong and sustainable future for California walnuts."
Due to high interest from last year, the Poster Board Research Sessions will be expanded in 2026. These sessions will showcase key findings from walnut industry-funded research in areas such as pest management, irrigation, fertility, varietal development, and overall crop production. Researchers will be available to engage directly with attendees, answer questions, and discuss practical applications for the farm.
Also returning in 2026 is the Walnut Industry Resource Center, first introduced in 2025. The center will feature an expanded group of nonprofit and government partners offering cost-share programs, educational materials, and grower-focused tools to help improve farm profitability and sustainability.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect directly with walnut handlers, processors, and staff from the California Walnut Board and Commission to learn more about collaborative efforts to increase demand and improve pricing for California walnuts.
© California WalnutsFor more information:
California Walnut Board and Commission
Tel: +1 916 932 7070
Email: [email protected]
www.walnuts.org
