More than 250 years ago, walnuts were introduced to California where they thrive in the ideal mediterranean-style climate and rich, fertile soils. Today, more than 99% of walnuts grown in the USA come from California where the California Walnut Commission (CWC) represents more than 4,600 California walnut growers, family farms of which many are multi-generational, and nearly 70 handlers. California’s growers deliver excellent quality and nutritional value to consumers worldwide for enjoyment year-round. The CWC conducts programs in support of market development to increase the usage and consumption of California walnuts through broad-based marketing activities in addition to supporting scientific nutrition research on the consumption of walnuts.