The biennial election process for growers and handlers to two-year terms on the California Walnut Board (CWC) is underway.

Petition forms were mailed to all walnut growers in late February and must be completed and returned to the CWB by April 1, 2015.

Walnut growers can petition the Board to have their name placed on the nomination ballot. It takes 10 or more walnut growers who marketed an aggregate of 500 tons or more of walnuts in the 2013-14 marketing year to petition for a grower’s name to be placed on the nomination ballot.

Separate petitions are required for member and alternate positions.

Petitions are open for two members and alternates from each of the two CWC districts in California, divided along the southern boundaries of San Mateo, Alameda, San Joaquin, Calaveras, and Alpine counties, plus one member and alternate at-large to represent the entire State of California.

The California Walnut Board is working in partnership with the USDA to encourage eligible women, minorities, and people with disabilities to consider serving as Board members or alternates.

In mid-April, voting ballots will be mailed to all growers.

The USDA Secretary will select the nominees receiving the most votes in each district and at-large for representatives on the CWB.

Petition forms are available at the CWB office by calling (916) 932-7070, and by mail to the CDB at 101 Parkshore Dr., Suite 250, Folsom, Calif. 95630.