Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Wanted: Ontario Farmers To Grow Hazelnuts. Is anyone interested in learning more?

 

Simcoe, Ontario - Erie Innovation and Commercialization is looking for farmers who are interested in being part of one of Ontario’s newest crops, hazelnuts. Varieties have been identified that will grow well in Ontario’s climate and the emerging sector is now seeking farmers who are willing to start planting some of these trees.

 

“We have an identified market potential in Ontario for hazelnuts that’s equivalent to about 10,000 hectares of trees,” says John Kelly, Vice President of Erie Innovation and Commercialization, an initiative of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. “Hazelnuts can be grown anywhere in Ontario that apples are, and the revenue potential for this crop is significant.” 

 

It can take four years for hazelnut trees to start bearing fruit and seven years before they hit full  production. By then, however, the potential net return is estimated at $2,000 per acre. Brantford’s Ferrero  Inc., which manufactures Nutella and Ferrero Rocher chocolates, currently imports its hazelnut supply but  is very interested in accessing a stable, locally grown source. 

 

As part of a major hazelnut research project currently underway to help establish the hazelnut industry in Ontario, researchers have been screening hazelnut varieties for resistance to eastern filbert blight and the ability to withstand Ontario’s climate, as well as establishing methods for fast and reliable propagation of seedlings. The project, which involves OFVGA, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, University of Guelph, Ontario Centres of Excellence and industry partners, also includes gathering market intelligence, helping the industry get organized and planning for the infrastructure the industry will need as it grows. 

 

“We are now at the point where we need growers who are willing to commit to hazelnuts by putting some trees in the ground,” says Kelly. “This is an exciting new opportunity for Ontario farmers, especially for those who farm in our current tree fruit growing areas, such as Essex and Niagara.” 

Anyone interested in planting hazelnuts or learning more about the opportunity should contact Erie Innovation and Commercialization at 519-426-7913. 

 

Investment in this project is provided by Agriculture and AgribFood Canada through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program. In Ontario, this program is delivered by the Agricultural Adaptation Council.

Erie Innovation and Commercialization is part of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers' Association, dedicated to pursuing a regional approach to agricultural diversification to ensure the continuing economic  stability and sustainability of the sector.

Views: 220

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

What are the economics of growing a new crop like this?

Thanks,

Moe

Reply to Discussion

RSS

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Collaboration enables more than $3.4 million in research funding to advance canola agronomic priorities

The three Prairie, provincial canola grower associations have evaluated and selected 11 canola research projects to receive funding under the Canola Agronomic Research Program (CARP) in 2025. This investment includes over $2.3 million from Alberta Canola, SaskOilseeds and Manitoba Canola Growers, as well as over $764,000 from the Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF) and over $363,000 from Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR), bringing the total investment to over $3.4 million. Driven by grower associations and supported by a robust, collaborative research priority development and proposal review system, CARP enables the funding of projects that are key to advancing canola productivity and mitigating production threats. The funded projects regularly provide new strategies for managing pests and diseases, improving nutrient management and supporting a more resilient canola crop. Grower associations are pleased to collaborate with the WGRF and RDAR, enabling greater innovation

The BCRC Announces $1.43 Million for Nine Priority Research Projects

Nine new projects have been funded under the BCRC 2024 call for proposals. BCRC funding to the nine projects totals $1.43 million. Each project brings funding from other sources, leveraging producer funding with over $3.1 million. Funding decisions are made by the BCRC’s producer council based on priorities identified in the Canadian Beef Research and Technology Transfer Strategy.   “Applied research is important to help producers make on-farm decisions and implement strategies that improve producer productivity and profitability,” says Craig Lehr, BCRC chair and Alberta beef producer. “Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and antimicrobial resistance are ongoing issues for the Canadian beef industry. Projects investigating causes and transmission of BRD pathogens and antimicrobial resistance will help inform future prevention and treatment practices.”   “Research improves producer competitiveness through informing beneficial management practices,” says Dean Manning, BCRC vice chair and

Celebrating Canadian agriculture on Canada’s Agriculture Day

Celebrate all things Canadian ag on #CdnAgDay

CFA’s 1st Vice-President Todd Lewis Appointed to the Senate of Canada

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) proudly congratulates our 1st Vice-President, Mr. Todd Lewis, on his appointment to the Senate of Canada.

Tariffs Will Have Severe Negative Consequences for Farmers and Consumers in Canada and the U.S.

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), who represent over 190,000 family farms across Canada, is extremely disappointed to see the widespread 25% tariffs implemented by the U.S. today.

© 2025   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service