TULARE COUNTY, CA - Tulare county generates more than $750 million annually, from the combined sale of five different nut crops grown in the region. Historically, there have been 150 to 160 thefts reported per year, causing a major headache for growers in the county. Recently, however, growers have banded together to keep their nuts safe.

“Roughly 40,000 acres are producing walnuts,” Tulare County Agriculture Commissioner, Marilyn Kinoshita, told Visalia Times-Delta. “Because of the way they are harvested, [walnuts] are particularly prone to theft.”

Nuts are particularly vulnerable when they drop to the ground and are left unattended until they are gathered by workers, with ample opportunities for thieves to swoop in and steal them. Which is why last year, growers in the region worked together to introduce an ordinance to help protect the nuts from burglars through a cash buying period, as burglars tend to take advantage of cash sales to profit from illegally acquired nuts. Since its introduction, thefts have been reduced, according to the Visalia Times-Delta.

However, in a move to further shut down the nefarious nut activity, Kinoshita has suggested ending cash sales entirely and revising the ordinance to force buyers to pay the seller by check, with a 10-day hold—an ordinance which is already enacted in some parts of the state. In addition, the revision would give the ag commissioner enforcement authority, so as not to overburden law enforcement, according to the source.

At the recent Tulare County Board of Supervisors March 28 meeting, the revised ordinance was introduced, and a Public Hearing was set for April 18, 2017. Additional minutes of the meeting can be reviewed at the Tulare County website.

Will the ordinance do its part to help keep Tulare county nuts out of the wrong hands? Follow along with AndNowUKnow to find out.