YUBA COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Sutter and Yuba County Agricultural Commissioners Lisa Herbert and Stephen Scheer announced on November 1, 2023, the walnut-buying period beginning Monday, Nov. 6, will end April 30, 2024, pursuant to the Counties’ Walnut Theft Prevention ordinances.

The ordinances were established to deter thefts from commercial walnut growers by creating a timeframe for walnut purchases, as well as the use of documentation to identify walnut growers.

Walnuts are one of the highest-valued agricultural commodities in both Yuba and Sutter Counties. According to the Sutter County 2021 Crop Report there were 39,413 harvested acres in Sutter County with a market value of $121,405,000. The Yuba County 2021 Crop Report reported 17,193 harvested acres with a market value of $55,705,000.

“The Walnut Theft Prevention ordinances are intended to deter theft, and proof of ownership is a mandatory requirement of the ordinances,” stated Herbert.

The walnut-buying period is the declared conclusion of harvest of the Chandler variety of walnuts by the Agricultural Commissioner, after consultation with walnut growers, during which non-processing walnut buying operations within Sutter and Yuba County may lawfully purchase and receive walnuts that have not been dried or processed.