Upper Midwest Hazelnut Development Initiative (UMHDI)
Midwest Hazelnuts, LLC is the commercial spinout of the Upper Midwest Hazelnut Development Initiative (UMHDI), a collaborative research and extension partnership between the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of Minnesota, and the Savanna Institute.
Launched in 2007, UMHDI aims to establish a commercialized, sustainable hazelnut industry in the region by providing grower support, targeted crop research, and technology transfer. Through Midwest Hazelnuts' partnership with UMHDI, growers and commercial partners receive first priority access to the only commercially-viable, climate-resilient cultivars selected specifically for the unique growing conditions in the Upper Midwest available on the market.
Key Aspects of the UMHDI
Learn more about UMHDI here: https://www.midwesthazelnuts.org/our-work.html
Launched in 2007, UMHDI aims to establish a commercialized, sustainable hazelnut industry in the region by providing grower support, targeted crop research, and technology transfer. Through Midwest Hazelnuts' partnership with UMHDI, growers and commercial partners receive first priority access to the only commercially-viable, climate-resilient cultivars selected specifically for the unique growing conditions in the Upper Midwest available on the market.
Key Aspects of the UMHDI
- Breeding and Cultivars: The initiative leads the Hazelnut Improvement Program, a participatory breeding program that selects and evaluates improved hybrid hazelnut varieties. Following +17 years of field trials across Minnesota and Wisconsin, UMHDI's Adventure™ Series cultivars are well-adapted to the Upper Midwest's growing conditions: cold-hardy (up to Zone 3), drought tolerant, strong resistance to pests & diseases, uniform for ease of field-management, and consistently produce high, kernel yields. Adventure™ Series cultivars developed by UMHDI yield on average two to four times as much nuts as other plants currently on the market, roughly 1,000 lbs per acre of de-shelled nuts at maturity.
- Environmental Impact: Hazelnuts are native to the Upper Midwest and are a perennial, climate-resilient emerging crop. Their deep roots and sturdy structure provide significant environmental benefits for farmers and rural communities. Environmental benefits include: improving soil health, sequestering carbon, preventing soil erosion and field runoff, serving as windbreaks during harsh weather conditions, and providing habitat for song-birds and pollinators.
- Commercialization: The UMHDI supports a growing community of over 130 regional growers. Through this initiative, farmers are linked with Hazel Heart Farms (American Hazelnut Company), a grower-owned cooperative that processes and markets regional hazelnut products like snacks, oil, and flour.
- Education and Events: UMHDI hosts regular webinars, on-farm trials, and an annual growers' conference to help new farmers transition into hazelnut agriculture.
Learn more about UMHDI here: https://www.midwesthazelnuts.org/our-work.html
Our Nursery Partners
When you buy hazelnut plants through Midwest Hazelnuts, LLC, you are buying from our partner nurseries here in the Upper Midwest. We work closely with our production nurseries to ensure the highest quality plants possible. Interested in becoming a partner and selling hazelnut plants? Contact Jason Fischbach to learn more.
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