The California Walnut Commission (CWC), established in 1987, is funded by mandatory assessments of the growers. The California Walnut Commission represents the California walnut industry, made up of over 4,800 growers and nearly 90 handlers. The Commission is an agency of the State of California that works in concurrence with the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). CWC is mainly involved in research into the health benefits of walnuts and export market development activities. The CWC is represented in nine countries by local firms specializing in marketing, international trade and communications strategy related to food, beverage and agricultural products.