San Joaquin County Opens Walnut Buying Period With Proof-of-Ownership Rules

STOCKTON / SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY — November 7, 2026. The San Joaquin County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office has declared that the 2026 walnut harvest is complete, opening the county’s regulated Walnut Buying Period from November 6, 2026, through April 30, 2027.

Who needs paperwork?

County rules require people buying, selling or possessing raw or unprocessed walnuts for commercial purposes to meet proof-of-ownership requirements. Growers harvesting fewer than 2,000 pounds must obtain an approved Small Grower’s Certificate. Non-processing walnut buyers must register with the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office before purchasing unprocessed walnuts and verify that suppliers have valid documents.

Where to obtain certificates

Proof-of-ownership and small-grower certificates are available at no cost at the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, 2101 East Earhart Avenue, Suite 100, Stockton, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The county lists the general office telephone number as 209-953-6000.

Why the rules exist

The county adopted its walnut purchase-and-sale ordinance in 2014 to regulate the movement of unprocessed nuts and help document legitimate ownership. The announcement is about the legal buying window, not a guarantee of current prices or demand. Buyers and growers should read the official ordinance for exceptions and detailed obligations.

Source: San Joaquin County Agricultural Commissioner, November 6, 2026.

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