Imported walnuts no longer need to follow US domestic handling rules

The US Agriculture Department has suspended rules that forced imported walnuts to meet the same handling standards as California-grown walnuts. This means foreign walnut producers can now sell their products in the US without meeting these specific domestic requirements.

For years, imported walnuts had to comply with the same quality and size regulations as walnuts grown in California. This rule effectively limited competition and protected domestic producers. Now, foreign walnuts can enter the market under different standards, potentially increasing variety or lowering prices for consumers.