Oregon Hazelnut Industry Office — The Oregon hazelnut industry is pleased to announce the appointment of Christine Roth as its new Executive Director. In this role, Roth will provide leadership for the Oregon Hazelnut Commission, Hazelnut Marketing Board, Associated Oregon Hazelnut Industries, and the Nut Growers Society.
Roth brings an accomplished record of leadership across the public and private sectors, with particular focus on agriculture, agribusiness, and higher education. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong respect for the growers and producers who form the foundation of Oregon’s agricultural success.
Her connection to farming runs deep. Raised in agriculture, Roth developed an early appreciation for the commitment and creativity required of producers. Those formative experiences gave her both empathy for the challenges farmers face and insight into the opportunities that shape agricultural markets.
Professionally, Roth has built bridges between research, business, and government to strengthen industries and open new opportunities. While at Oregon State University, she advanced corporate and academic partnerships that connected programming and research with industry operations and business organizations. Her work forged collaborations among diverse stakeholders, demonstrating her ability to bring together different perspectives in support of shared goals.
Additionally, Roth has firsthand experience managing a commodity commission and trade association. She successfully guided one of Oregon’s leading agricultural organizations – Oregon Wine Board and Oregon Wine Growers Association – through a period of growth and heightened visibility. Under her direction, the organization expanded marketing efforts, strengthened government relations, and advanced research programs essential to producers. This experience underscores her ability to manage commissions with discipline while enhancing their market position both domestically and internationally.
Roth has also built a strong record in business development. She has secured significant funding, created lasting partnerships, and designed strategies that help businesses remain competitive in an evolving marketplace. Her combination of operational skill and strategic vision will be essential as Oregon hazelnuts continue to grow in global recognition while preserving the premium quality that has become their hallmark.
“Oregon hazelnuts hold a special place in the state’s agricultural landscape,” Roth said. “This industry has grown tremendously while earning a reputation for exceptional quality. The unified office will focus on serving growers and producers by strengthening governance, advancing research and marketing initiatives, and sustaining the momentum that has made Oregon hazelnuts such a success story.”
Her appointment also signals a continued commitment to collaboration with research and educational institutions, including Oregon State University, which has long been a critical partner in developing innovative solutions for growers. Drawing on her experience in higher education and public service, Roth is well positioned to build stronger partnerships with universities, business leaders, sponsors, and policymakers who support the industry’s future growth.
As Executive Director, Roth will oversee the combined activities of the four organizations that make up the Oregon Hazelnut Industry. Through her leadership, the office will serve as a reliable hub for growers, producers, processors, and stakeholders, emphasizing clarity, responsiveness, and collaboration as the Oregon hazelnut industry is poised to strengthen its reputation for quality, expand its global markets, and secure long-term success for growers and producers across the state.