Market potential for two woody plant crops
Twenty years of research with hazelnuts and chestnuts at Badgersett Research Farm lead us to strongly believe that the potential for developing many kinds of woody plants for food production is much greater than commonly believed.
Hazelnut markets
Hazelnuts are a commodity in international trade, with approximately 70% of the world crop being produced by Turkey. The nuts are about 70% oil—most of which is monounsaturated—and 20% protein. Most of the crop is used in chocolate confections, and a smaller portion is consumed in roasted nut mixes.Potential uses of the crop extend far beyond present traditions. Some hazelnut oil is marketed for human consumption and brings extremely high prices for its lightness and flavor. The oil market presents a prime possibility for expansion. In fact, hazelnuts appear to be an excellent basic raw material, comparable to soybeans.