Oregon Expecting Big Hazelnut Crop

The USDA is expecting an excellent hazelnut harvest this fall.  The latest production forecast issued this week calls for 52,000 tons of hazelnuts.  If that comes to pass, 2018 would not only surpass last year’s total of 32,000 tons, but also crush the record of 49,500 tons set in 2001.  Total acreage of hazelnut trees has doubled in the last decade to reach more than 72,000 acres statewide.

Oregon grows almost all the hazelnuts sold in the U.S., but has less than 4% of the overseas market.  Industry leaders are working hard to develop new markets, both domestically and overseas, though higher tariffs in China and lower prices offered by Turkey have combined to heighten trade anxiety.

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