According to the county's 2025 Crop Report, growers harvested 16,104 acres of walnuts, generating a market value of $49.09 million. Designed by Magnific

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - Yuba County's annual walnut-buying period began Nov. 1 and will continue through April 30, 2027, as part of the county's efforts to prevent agricultural theft.

Yuba County Agricultural Commissioner Stephen Scheer announced the dates Oct. 29 under the county's Walnut Theft Prevention Ordinance, which regulates walnut purchases and requires documentation proving ownership.

The ordinance aims to protect commercial walnut growers by establishing a designated buying period and requiring sellers to provide proof of ownership.

“The Walnut Theft Prevention ordinance is intended to deter theft, and proof of ownership is a mandatory requirement of the ordinance,” Scheer said.

The buying period begins after the agricultural commissioner declares the conclusion of the Chandler walnut harvest, following consultation with local growers. During this period, nonprocessing walnut-buying operations in Yuba County may legally purchase and receive walnuts that have not undergone drying or processing.

Walnuts represent a major agricultural commodity in Yuba County. According to the county's 2025 Crop Report, growers harvested 16,104 acres of walnuts, generating a market value of $49.09 million.

Similar walnut theft prevention ordinances exist in neighboring Butte, Sutter, Glenn and Tehama counties, along with several counties farther south.

Growers and sellers can obtain additional information and approved proof-of-ownership forms through the Yuba County Agricultural Commissioner's Office at https://bit.ly/2HAXNKW or by calling 530-749-5400.