FOLSOM, Calif., March 17, 2026 — The California Walnut Board (CWB) is pleased to welcome Dr. Saarah Kuzay as the new director of research and technical affairs, where she will guide the industry in addressing the evolving production, postharvest, technical and regulatory landscape.
Dr. Kuzay’s role will oversee the full production and postharvest research program, guiding industry research priorities on improving the consumer quality experience, such as rancidity reduction, improving kernel color and meat yield, and a better understanding of flavor enhancements. She will also evaluate and monitor research investments in walnut genetics, advances in plant breeding, farm management practices, pre- and postharvest handling, and storage practices, as well as examine factors impacted by the distribution chain.
Working with the CWB Research Committee and a wide array of industry members, Dr. Kuzay will continue support of current research activities related to controlling nematodes, identifying cost-efficient yet effective replacements to fungicides and pesticides that are under increasingly stricter U.S. and global regulations (and costs), and identifying higher-value “upcycling” opportunities. She will also spearhead the Retail Quality Improvement Program, which collects and analyzes walnut quality data from retail shelves around the country to identify process improvements to ensure a better consumer experience.
Dr. Kuzay earned her Ph.D. in horticulture and agronomy with an emphasis in genetics and biotechnology at UC Davis in 2021. Her graduate research included wheat and pepper breeding programs to deploy new genes for higher wheat yields. Since graduation, Dr. Kuzay has worked in research design, applied field research and grower-focused trials for field crops, fertilizers and animal feeds. In addition, she brings experience in grant development, data science and new product development for export markets.
“Dr. Kuzay’s technical expertise, strong experience in evaluating and executing applied research, and proven ability to translate science into practical grower and product solutions make her an exceptional fit for this role,” said Robert Verloop, executive director and CEO of the California Walnut Board and Commission. “Her experience in working with diverse, cross-functional teams of experts will provide strong leadership as we look to make California walnuts craved around the globe.”
To ensure a smooth transition, Dr. Kuzay will work alongside Director of Research Joe Grant, who joined the Board in 2016 and will retire in August. In his tenure, Grant has led the CWB Production Research Program, strengthening research focus areas, expanding collaboration with leading scientists and ensuring growers and processors have access to science-based tools and insights.
“We applaud Joe’s extensive contribution and dedication to walnut research,” Donald Norene, past chairman of the CWB Production and Post Harvest Research committee, said. “He is attentive to the concerns of growers and handlers, and aligned research priorities on projects to deliver solutions that support industry challenges.”
About the California Walnut Board
The California Walnut Board (CWB) represents more than 3,700 California walnut growers and approximately 70 handlers, grown in multi-generational farmers’ family orchards. California walnuts, known for their excellent nutritional value and quality, are shipped around the world all year long, with more than 99% of the walnuts grown in the United States being from California. The CWB, established in 1987, promotes usage of walnuts through domestic and export market development activities as well as supports health research with consuming walnuts.
To explore recipes and learn more about California walnut growers, industry information and health research, visit walnuts.org.
