What:         After consultation with the walnut industry, the San Joaquin County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office declares the completion of the 2023 walnut harvest. This establishes the beginning of the San Joaquin County “Walnut Buying Period”. Walnuts that have not been dried or processed shall not be sold to, provided to, purchased by, or received by a non-processing walnut buying operation except during the Walnut Buying Period.

When:        November 13, 2023 through April 30, 2024

Where:       Persons buying, selling, or possessing raw and/or unprocessed walnuts for commercial purposes shall obtain Proof of Ownership Certificates or Small Grower’s Certificates approved by the Agricultural Commissioner. Proof of Ownership Certificates or Small Grower Certificates are provided at no cost to walnut sellers by visiting the San Joaquin County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office at 2101 E. Earhart Ave, Suite 100, Stockton, CA 95206, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Non-processing walnut buying operations shall also register at the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office prior to purchasing raw and/or unprocessed walnuts.

Who:          Any grower who grows and harvests less than 2,000 pounds of walnuts must obtain a small grower’s certificate approved by the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office.  Small growers possessing less than 2,000 pounds of walnuts that will not be sold are exempt from this ordinance but must still obtain a small grower certificate from the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office.

Why:          The announcement of the Walnut Buying Period by the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office is directed by the San Joaquin County Purchase and Sale of Walnut Ordinance passed by the County Board of Supervisors on September 9, 2014.

Background:

As outlined in the ordinance, non-processing walnut buyers may begin purchasing walnuts following the declaration of the Walnut Buying Period.  Buyers are advised that, when engaging in a purchase, they are responsible for making sure that all the requisite certifications are obtained from the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office and that the certificates are complete.  

The San Joaquin County Purchase and Sale of Walnuts Ordinance can be found on the following website under Title 6-General Welfare: https://www.sjgov.org/department/cc/ordinance-code

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