The Independent Handlers Coalition, of which GoldRiver Orchards is a member, released its subjective forecast on the upcoming 2010 California walnut crop yesterday. The estimate is 473,000 tons. This is a 9% increase from the 2009 crop of 436,000 tons.
While the crop is expected to be larger than last year, the overall marketable tonnage is expected to be flat from last year. This is because the expected carry-in from 2009 to 2010 is estimated at only 22,000 tons–or about 4% of the marketable crop. If these estimates are accurate, the 2010 carry-in would be the lowest in percentage terms in the industry’s history.
Growing conditions continue to be outstanding. After a cool spring, California has had a very moderate June and July. If the rest of the summer remains moderate, it will provide excellent light color for the walnut kernels this fall.