US (OR): Hazelnut decline due to summer heat
Oregon is the fourth largest growing area in the world. It produces 99% of the hazelnuts in the U.S and most of their hazelnuts are also exported to China.
However, Michael Klein, executive director of the Oregon Industry Hazelnut Office, believes that yields might be down because of the heat during the summer and other weather affecting the pollination.
The hazelnut industry in Oregon is worth up to $130 million and the area in Willamette Valley has grown by 50% in the last few years.
However, Bruce Chapin, a hazelnut farmer in Willamette Valley has said "I'd estimate yields to be 15, 20 percent lower than last year", which is resulting in a loss of profit for the farmers in Oregon.
