For the first time in the 100-plus year history of the United States commercial hazelnut industry, farmers harvested more than 100,000 tons of hazelnuts in 2025. Preliminary totals estimate the yield to be more than 121,000 tons—a massive increase from the 96,000 tons harvested in 2024. Final harvest numbers are expected later this spring. Prior to 2020, the peak U.S. hazelnut harvest was 51,000 tons in 2018.
Much of the sharp rise in production is due to the orchard planting boom of the 2010s. From 2010-2019, hazelnut acreage in Oregon climbed from approximately 29,000 acres to approximately 81,000 acres. This acreage has since stabilized at around 96,800 acres. New, better-yielding hazelnut cultivars, advancements in farming technology and growing global demand for hazelnuts all contributed to an influx in new plantings throughout Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Escalating production soon followed the expansion in acres. Oregon is home to 99% of U.S. hazelnut orchards, with farms in Washington contributing to make the Pacific Northwest the epicenter of country’s hazelnut production.
Hazelnut trees typically take four to five years to produce enough kernels to harvest; they continue to
produce more nuts as they mature to 10-12 years old. At full maturity, it is now common for an acre of hazelnut trees to produce 3,000 pounds or more of hazelnuts. With thousands of acres of trees planted in the 2010s now reaching this stage, production is anticipated to rise precipitously over the next several
years.
About the Hazelnut Marketing Board
Nestled between the grandeur of the Cascade Mountains and the scenic Pacific Ocean lies the Willamette Valley — one of the world’s premiere agricultural regions. Over 99% of American hazelnuts are grown in this fertile valley. The rare combination of volcanic soils, moderate temperature and ample precipitation makes this the optimal region for hazelnut orchards. These thriving groves yield hazelnuts renowned globally for their unparalleled size, consistent quality and distinct flavor. U.S. hazelnuts boast a robust, buttery smooth flavor and are the ideal accent for exquisite entrees or delicious desserts. They are also great by themselves as a healthy and flavorful snack. U.S. hazelnuts come in many forms–including kernels, meal, flour, sliced, diced, paste and oil–making them easy to eat and use.
Monocultures can lead to the displacement of native plant life, but many growers and researchers are finding a benefit in planting flowering hedgerows in orchards. This includes attracting predatory insects and pollinators. Heather Andrews, a faculty research assistant with Oregon State University, spoke with Matthew Malcolm from Pacific Nut Producer about how these hedgerows are helping hazelnut growers in the Willamette Valley. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
