Winter 2021 - 49

INDUSTRY NEWS
New Oregon State hazelnut varieties
expand production
After hazelnut varieties developed at Oregon State University
(OSU) saved Oregon's industry from devastation by eastern filbert
blight, hazelnut acreage in Oregon has nearly tripled.
In the past eight years, OSU's hazelnut breeding program
has released 20
cultivars that
are resistant to
eastern filbert
blight.
The most
popular,
" Jefferson, "
released in 2009,
accounts for more
than half the
total acres planted. Plantings are also strong for " Yamhill. " There's
a waiting list for two more-recent OSU varieties, " Wepster " and
" McDonald. " " PollyO " is the latest and most disease-resistant
hazelnut tree to come out of the breeding program.
The new orchards are taking root: Unofficial estimates say that
in the last 10 years the number of growers in western Oregon had
jumped from 500 to more than 800.
Construction underway on Fresno State
Tree Nut Processing Course Lab
After a year and a half of methodical planning, construction is
finally underway at California State University, Fresno, for the Tree
Nut Processing Course.
According to a news release, this lab and lecture structured
course will provide students with an in-depth look at various
equipment,
technologies and
programs that assist
tree nut hulling,
shelling and processing
operations throughout
the season.
Mirroring a similar
class offered at Fresno
State focusing on citrus
packing, the Tree Nut Processing Course will provide students
with hands on experience with industry equipment operation and
maintenance.
The course will undergo a semester to fine tune the curriculum
this spring, and will be opened for further student registration
come fall of 2021.
More news on page 50 »
Connie Conway named 2020 Almond
Champion of the Year
Connie Conway, Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency
in California, has been honored as the Almond Alliance of
California's 2020 Almond Champion of
the Year for the agency's outstanding
efforts in assisting almond growers with
the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
(CFAP).
According to a news release, the
Almond Champion of the Year Award is
presented annually to those who have
demonstrated extraordinary leadership in education, coalition
building, partnerships and promoting legislation and policies
that encourage the advancement and protection of California
agriculture and the California almond industry.
CFAP consists of direct payments to almond growers for losses
suffered as a result of COVID-19 as well as disruptions to the
supply chain. The Almond Alliance advocated for federal funding
for the original program and the subsequent program known as
CFAP 2. To date, the California almond community has received
over $125 million through the programs.
The Farm Service Agency administers the funding and provides
technical assistance to potential applicants.
NATIONALNUTGROWER.COM 49
http://www.NATIONALNUTGROWER.COM
Winter 2021

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