2010 Hazelnut Information Sessoin

Hazelnut meeting to identify opportunities for Ontario growers

In Simcoe, Ontario, Erie Innovation and Commercialization is showcasing the potential for the development of the hazelnut industry in the province at a meeting in co-operation with the University of Guelph. This meeting, the 2010 Hazelnut Information Session, will be the first of several annual meetings designed to bring forward the new business of hazelnuts.

Co-hosted by the University of Guelph and Erie Innovation and Commercialization, this meeting will bring to Simcoe speakers from the United States, Italy and Canada with the expressed purpose of identifying the value chain for hazelnuts produced in Ontario. Specifically, this session will address the opportunity for growers to participate in the development of a new business early on, one which has an identified potential end user in Ferrero Canada Inc. Other uses for hazelnuts will be identified, how the industry could be organized will be discussed and how to attract capital to jump start this business will be addressed.

“As part of our mandate to develop diversification opportunities for the south central Ontario region, hazelnuts represent a real untapped opportunity” says John Kelly, vice president of Erie Innovation and Commercialization based in Simcoe. “There is a good business opportunity to provide growers another viable outlet new crop development”.

“By bringing the research and industry players together, we hope to find a common path to develop an Ontario based hazelnut supply chain” says Dr. Adam Dale of the University of Guelph. “From a research perspective, hazelnuts represent a challenge and an opportunity for Ontario”.

A highlight of the meeting will be Dr. Alan Ker, Chair of the Food, Agriculture and Resource Economics department at the University of Guelph will discuss risk management for new crops, and how innovation can be stimulated with the correct risk management program.

The hazelnut information session will be held at the Simcoe Research Station at 1283 Blueline Road on March 31, starting at noon. Among the speakers will include Mr. Dennis Travale, Mayor of Norfolk County, Dr. Gord Surgeoner, president of Ontario Agri-Food Technologies, Dr. Tom Molnar of Rutgers University, Mr. Roberto Po of Ferrero Canada Inc. and Mr. Bruce Thurston of the Society of Ontario Nut Growers (SONG).

Erie Innovation and Commercialization has the mandate to pursue a regional approach to agricultural diversification to ensure the continuing economic stability and sustainability of the sector, to harness the regions potential and become a rural economic powerhouse in Ontario and Canada and to establish Erie Innovation and Commercialization as a strategic partner for continued development of an integrated and globally competitive economic region.



For further information contact:
Dr. John Kelly
Vice President
Erie Innovation and Commercialization

johnkelly@ofvga.org