Nestled between the lush valleys and temperate coastlines of British Columbia, hazelnut farms are seeing a promising resurgence — and they’re opening their gates to visitors eager to learn, taste and explore.
Photo by iStockHow Hazelnuts Are Grown
Hazelnuts in BC are typically grown from European hazelnut trees (Corylus avellana), which prefer a temperate climate. According to BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation, these trees are planted about seven metres apart and can produce nuts for up to 100 years. Each summer, the trees bear clusters of nuts wrapped in leafy husks, which naturally fall to the ground when ripe. Mechanical harvesters are commonly used to collect the fallen hazelnuts efficiently.
However, the industry faced a major crisis starting in the early 2000s when eastern filbert blight (EFB), a fungal disease, decimated about 90 per cent of BC’s hazelnut orchards. Annual production plummeted from over one million pounds to just 40,000 pounds. In response, the BC Ministry of Agriculture launched the Hazelnut Renewal Program in 2018 to promote the planting of disease-resistant cultivars and revitalize the industry.
Photo by iStockWhy BC Is Ideal For Hazelnut Farming
BC’s climate is uniquely suited for hazelnut cultivation. Mild, wet winters give the trees enough chill hours for proper dormancy, while warm, dry summers help the nuts develop fully. Well-drained soils, especially in the Fraser Valley, Okanagan, Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island, provide optimal growing conditions. These natural advantages make BC a prime location for hazelnut orchards, despite the earlier setbacks caused by disease.
Economic Impact Of Hazelnuts In British Columbia
Before the EFB outbreak, BC produced approximately 1.1 million pounds of hazelnuts annually, bringing considerable revenue to local farms and processors. A single well-managed orchard could expect annual revenues ranging between $50,000 and $500,000, depending on factors such as farm size, yields and market prices.
The ongoing renewal efforts, combined with rising demand for locally sourced nuts and nut-based products, are positioning hazelnuts once again as an important contributor to BC’s agricultural economy.
Photo by iStockPublic-Accessible Hazelnut Farms
Several hazelnut farms across BC offer visitors the chance to pick fresh nuts, tour the orchards or purchase hazelnut-based treats. Visit https://bchazelnuts.ca/buy-hazelnuts/ for an up-to-date list. Each of these farms offers a glimpse into the lifecycle of a hazelnut — from flower to flavourful snack — while giving visitors the opportunity to support local agriculture.
The Future Of Hazelnuts In BC
Thanks to the resilience of farmers and support from government programs, BC’s hazelnut industry is on the rebound. As new disease-resistant orchards mature, the province is poised not only to regain but also surpass its former production heights.
For visitors, this means even more opportunities to savor local flavours, support sustainable agriculture and experience firsthand the charm of BC’s nutty renaissance.
Research for this article was done using OpenAI.
