Progress report for FNE23-047
Project Information
This project seeks to alleviate the bottleneck of limited primary source information for the adoption of resilient and profitable tree crops in the northeast. All resources will be available online as PDFs that will be distributed through networks such as the Tompkins County Cornell Cooperative Extension, NOFA, Northern Nut Growers Association, Chestnut Growers of America, Regenerative Design Group, Farming with Trees, Ong Lab at Dartmouth, Northeast Nut heads, Breadtree Farms, Keystone Tree Crops Cooperative, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and more.
Objective 1: Create an in-depth guide on chestnut production with a focus for the NE
- Create a 60-80 page guidebook including topics such as chestnut as a historically vital food source, economics/profitability, climate resilience, species characteristics, recommended cultivars, decentralized breeding as an avenue for climate resilience, propagation, site analysis, establishment, management, pests and diseases, harvest and processing, where to source plant material, as well many additional resources.
- Content is procured in part through literature review of journal articles and published books but mostly through the direct experience of chestnut growers in the eastern US. This expertise has been curated through extensive interviews, site visits, and reports via organizations such as the Northern Nut Growers Association and the Chestnut Growers of America.
Objective 2: Create an in-depth guide on hickory oil production written by Sam Thayer
- Create a 20-35 page guidebook on the hickory oil production of which there are currently no resources. This will include topics such as the history of hickory oil and an indigenous food, the potential of yellowbud hickory oil as a temperate oil tree crop, harvest and management of harvest sites, detailed description and documentation of processing, and current bottlenecks and unknowns.
- Content is procured mostly through the direct lived experiences of Sam Thayer, the first commercial producer of hickory oil in North America in more than a century with more than a decade of experience. There will be also contributions from vital stakeholders such as the other hickory oil producers.
Objective 3: Create a honey locust in-depth species profile in collaboration with Eric Toensmeier with a focus on the NE
- Create a 20-30 in-depth species profile of honey locust that will include topics such as potential, indigenous history, production systems and research to date, propagation, breeding priorities, recommended cultivars, and where to source plant material. This will be done in collaboration with Eric Toensmeier, award winning agroforestry, perennial agricultural, tree crops author.
- Content is procured through literature review of journal articles and other research as well as from interviews with researchers around the world. Vital anecdotal information is also gathered from plant breeders and germ plasm preservationists here in the US.
As climate change accelerates, building resilient and productive regional food systems is more critical than ever. Agroforestry offers a powerful solution by enhancing food security while actively sequestering carbon. However, one of the key barriers to its adoption in the Northeast is the lack of region-specific information. Drawing on the knowledge and experiences of local farmers, we aim to fill this gap by creating an accessible guidebook and case studies tailored to the unique challenges of the region. Our goal is to equip farmers with the practical insights they need to successfully implement agroforestry practices in the Northeast and beyond.
There is no question that climate change will have a large impact on farming in the Northeast, and many farmers are already concerned. According to the New England adaptation survey, around 90% of farmers were highly concerned or concerned about unpredictable spring temperatures, increased incidence of drought, and new pest and disease pressure (1). Other concerns were loss of nutrients due to abundant precipitation, heat stress, and increased erosion (1). Agroforestry and the adoption of resilient and productive tree crops can help farmers adapt to climate change while also mitigating its effects. The species that we wish to focus on in this project (chestnut, yellowbud hickory, and honey locust) are resilient in the context of climate change because they exhibit the following traits: frost resistance, late blooming, drought tolerance, pest and disease resistance, flood tolerance, and more. As perennial tree crops, they perform many functions to mitigate the effects of climate change such as improving water quality, preventing erosion, building soil, providing wind breaks, creating less extreme micro climates, feeding insect pollinators, all the while sequestering carbon. Additionally, the resilience of these nutrient dense foods increases the resilience of our food system. Agroforestry systems can also provide diversified incomes for farmers facing a myriad of perpetual challenges to remain economically viable. The adoption of agroforestry and tree crops on a large scale is one of the most sound and beneficial remediations of climate change.
One of the largest bottlenecks to the adoption of climate resilient and profitable tree crops is lack of accessible information. A survey conducted in Pennsylvania found that although 90% of landowners were interested in agroforestry, most respondents didn’t have enough information for implementation (2). According to the New England adaptation survey, most farmers feel their farms are vulnerable to unpredictable weather events, yet they don’t feel they have the knowledge to adapt (1). We believe that if we present appropriate and practical information surrounding resilient tree crops tailor made for farmers, adoption can be accelerated in the northeast.
Another interesting result of the New England adaptation survey was that 88% of participants found that other farmers were the best sources of information for adaptation to new challenges. We have found the same to be true, and the majority of useful information we have found comes from the experienced farmers we have built relationships with. Unfortunately, many of these knowledge bearers are older in age, and we have already had important elders that have left us without warning. This is why it is important that specifically Big River Chestnut is supported in assembling this information because of our unique connections with those who aren’t easily accessible. This information, in combination with published research and archived materials, will create resources that are well rounded, useful, and ground truthed.
Industries with resilient tree crops exist in other parts of the US, but one reason adoption in the northeast has been slow is because of the lack of information specific to the region. For example, there are many more established chestnut orchards in Midwestern states such as Missouri, Ohio, Iowa, and Michigan. This is primarily caused by the fact that there were early adopters in these areas that paved the way for other farmers. By demonstrating their success, providing open sourced information, and providing genetic material other farmers began to plant chestnuts well suited to there region as well. By creating a chestnut guidebook specifically for the Northeast, farmers will be able to make better informed decisions specifically for their region. Farmers in the northeast are not apprised of the existence, benefits, nor knowledge of many types of promising tree crops, and there are little to no accessible resources that give recommendations of what varieties, genetics, and practices appropriate for the northeast. Our solution is to create resources that provide information tailor made for farmers to give them the confidence and knowhow to begin adopting tree crops that will thrive in adverse conditions.
Big River Chestnuts is a chestnut agroforestry farm in Sunderland, Massachusetts and is the only organic certified chestnut orchard in the northeast. It demonstrates important practices such as alley cropping and holistic management. The farm itself is an important case study for agroforestry in the northeast and its practices will be featured in the final guidebook.
Jono Neiger is the founder of Big River Chestnuts, and will be providing input and resources surrounding chestnut production as well as holistic management practices. He has 30 years of professional experience in permaculture, site planning, agroforestry, conservation, and restoration. Jono teaches widely at colleges, workshops, and conferences. He has taught at The Conway School and was the founding Board President of the Permaculture Association of the Northeast. He holds a MALD from The Conway School and a BS in Forest Biology from S.U.N.Y. College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Jono also is the author of The Permaculture Promise and will provide valuable input in writing, editing, and resources aggregation. His extensive network will also provide vital contacts for the guidebook.
Elodie Eid will be the main author, interviewer, and resource aggregator for this project. She has 9 years of experience in tree crops and has worked in several agroforestry centered nurseries. She has also aided in the implementation of multiple agroforestry farms and orchards. Through her personal connections she has been able to experience established agroforestry sites first hand and has committed to building community within the tree crops world. She has already begun to create agroforestry educational materials through her time at Arthur’s Point Farm and Yellowbud Farm.
Cooperators
- - Technical Advisor
Research
Each of these three objectives represents a critical piece of building climate-resilient agroforestry systems in the Northeast. The chestnut guidebook, hickory oil guidebook, and honey locust species profile are all designed to fill existing knowledge gaps and make region-specific information accessible to farmers and agroforesters. Through interviews, working groups, and expert collaborations, we are compiling resources that will serve as essential tools for growers navigating the challenges of a changing climate. These efforts will not only support the adoption of these crops but will also contribute to more sustainable, productive, and climate-resilient regional food systems. Resources with be available online as PDFs that will be distributed through networks such as the Cornell Cooperative Extension, NOFA, Northern Nut Growers Association, Chestnut Growers of America, Regenerative Design Group, Farming with Trees, Ong Lab at Dartmouth, Northeast Nut heads, Breadtree Farms, Keystone Tree Crops Cooperative, Savanna Institute, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and more.
Objective 1: Chestnut Production Guidebook for the Northeast
Our first objective is to develop an in-depth guidebook on chestnut production, with a focus on the unique needs and conditions of the Northeast. This resource will provide comprehensive information on the following topics:
- historical significance of chestnuts as a vital food source
- economics and profitability, climate resilience
- species characteristics
- recommended cultivars
- decentralized breeding for climate adaptation
- propagation
- site analysis
- orchard establishment
- management practices
- pest and disease management
- harvest and processing techniques
- sourcing plant material
- additional resources for growers
To date, we’ve conducted 25 farmer interviews, several site visits, and an extensive literature review of over 100 resources. Initially, the guidebook was intended to include standalone case studies of farms; however, we determined that integrating farm-specific insights directly into relevant sections of the guide would provide a more practical and accessible structure. As a result, the guidebook incorporates valuable real-world experiences from farmers throughout the region in a way that enhances each topic.
Currently, the guidebook draft contains 90 pages of detailed content. Portions of this content have already been recognized as valuable by the Tompkins County Cornell Cooperative Extension and were included in a recent report they published. Chestnuts are expected to play an increasingly important role as a staple crop in climate-resilient agricultural systems, and the knowledge gathered from experienced farmers is critical for establishing sustainable chestnut orchards in the region.
The first draft of the guidebook is expected to be completed by the end of March 2025. Following its completion, the guide will undergo a peer review and editing process through the remainder of the year to ensure accuracy, clarity, and practical utility for farmers.
In addition to the guidebook development, we’ve formed a Northeast Chestnut Working Group consisting of five chestnut farmers from diverse backgrounds and contexts. The group has convened for three meetings so far, covering key topics such as deer browse protection, fencing, ground cover management, mowing regimens, and orchard establishment techniques. The final meeting, scheduled for February 2025, will focus on land lease agreements, land partnerships, and funding sources. Information from these meetings is being incorporated into the guidebook, and recordings of the sessions will be made available as a supplemental resource.
To date, we’ve also conducted interviews with 21 additional chestnut farmers, and hundreds more have been informed about the forthcoming release of this guidebook through our outreach efforts (detailed further in the Education and Outreach section).
Objective 2: Hickory Oil Production Guidebook
Our second objective is to create an in-depth resource on hickory oil production, a topic with immense potential for climate-resilient agriculture in the Northeast. After assessing the limited existing knowledge on this crop, it became evident that the best approach was to collaborate directly with Sam Thayer to develop this resource. Sam is a highly regarded author in the fields of wild harvesting and agroecology, and he is widely recognized as the leading expert on hickory oil production. In fact, nearly all of the handful of producers currently making hickory oil in the U.S. have learned from his methods.
Prior to connecting with us, Sam had already begun outlining a guide on hickory oil production but needed additional support to bring it to fruition. Given his expertise and firsthand knowledge, we determined that partnering with him to complete the guidebook would be the most effective way to share this critical information.
The guidebook, projected to be between 20 and 35 pages, will cover the following topics:
- The history of hickory oil as an Indigenous food
- The potential of yellowbud hickory as a temperate oil crop
- Harvesting and managing hickory stands
- Detailed documentation of hickory oil processing
- Current bottlenecks and unknowns in hickory oil production
The first draft of the hickory oil guidebook is expected by the end of March 2025. After its completion, it will undergo a feedback and review process involving key stakeholders, including hickory tree breeders, other hickory oil producers, and agroforestry practitioners such as Breadtree Farms, who are interested in integrating hickory oil production into their systems. Additional insights will be gathered from other producers to ensure the guide provides practical, real-world guidance.
Hickory oil is one of the most promising climate-resilient staple crops for the Northeast, and making this knowledge accessible is essential to support future growers and expand the crop’s potential.
Objective 3: Honey Locust Species Profile
Our third objective focuses on creating a detailed species profile of honey locust, a highly adaptable and drought-tolerant tree with significant potential in climate-stressed agricultural systems. Honey locust provides valuable feed for livestock in silvopasture systems and holds promise as a multi-functional crop for future farming systems.
For this resource, we’ve gathered anecdotal information from farmers, propagators, and tree breeders who have direct experience with honey locust. Several interviews have been conducted, and we’ve completed a literature review of more than 30 resources to date.
We are excited to collaborate with Eric Toensmeier, an award-winning author and expert in agroforestry, perennial agriculture, and tree crops, to develop this profile. Eric brings a wealth of experience, including international contacts and research that has not yet been fully explored in the U.S. His contribution will expand the profile’s scope to include information on honey locust pods as a human food crop and energy source, topics that are often overlooked in domestic research.
The species profile will cover the following key topics:
- The overall potential of honey locust in agricultural systems
- Indigenous history and traditional uses
- Current production systems and research
- Propagation techniques
- Breeding priorities and cultivar recommendations
- Where to source plant material
Honey locust’s exceptional drought tolerance and feed value make it a critical species for future silvopasture systems and climate-resilient farming practices. This profile will highlight both its untapped potential and practical guidance for growers interested in incorporating honey locust into their systems.
One of the most significant changes to the original project scope has been reducing the number of resources created and shifting focus toward developing a more comprehensive guidebook for chestnut growers. This adjustment was made in response to the wealth of valuable information gathered through interviews with chestnut farmers. It became clear that a deeper understanding of the chestnut genus (Castanea) and sustainable chestnut production methods is essential for farmers to build resilient systems in the face of future challenges.
Initially, the project envisioned creating guidebooks and species profiles for six to seven tree crops. However, the scope has been refined to focus on three primary resources: in-depth guidebooks on chestnuts, hickory oil, and honey locust. There is still potential to produce additional reports on persimmon and mulberry, depending on time and available resources.
By partnering with accomplished authors and practitioners such as Sam Thayer and Eric Toensmeier, the project will provide unique, high-quality resources that include practical, region-specific knowledge not available elsewhere. These collaborations will also help ensure a wider dissemination of the materials through Thayer’s and Toensmeier’s extensive networks in agroforestry and perennial agriculture.
To maximize distribution, the guidebooks will be made available through multiple organizations and platforms rather than relying on a single website. Hosting the PDF versions on Google Docs will ensure that the links remain live and accessible even if individual websites change or remove the resources. As a board member of the Northern Nut Growers Association and through partnerships with organizations like Tompkins County Cornell Cooperative Extension, Farming with Trees, and others, I will be able to promote these resources to hundreds — if not thousands — of tree crop and agroforestry farmers across the region and beyond.
It was also decided not to create a listserv as part of this project. Managing a listserv requires ongoing time and resources, which would be better handled by someone with long-term funding for such a service. Instead, additional resources will be embedded directly within the guidebooks through bibliographies and links relevant to each topic. This approach will make it easier for farmers and other readers to find supplementary information as they explore specific sections of the guidebooks, resulting in a more user-friendly experience.
Education & Outreach Activities and Participation Summary
Participation Summary:
To date, we have connected with numerous organizations to build partnerships and expand the reach of this project, including Tompkins County Cornell Cooperative Extension, Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA), Northern Nut Growers Association (NNGA), Chestnut Growers of America, Regenerative Design Group, Farming with Trees, the Ong Lab at Dartmouth, Northeast Nutheads, Breadtree Farms, Keystone Tree Crops Cooperative, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and others. Many of these organizations have expressed interest in hosting the resources created through this project on their websites and/or distributing them through their networks, helping to ensure that the information reaches a broad audience of farmers and practitioners.
Tompkins County Cornell Cooperative Extension has already featured content from the chestnut guidebook in their recent report for chestnut and hazelnut growers in New York. This report has been independently distributed through their outreach channels, further amplifying the reach of the project.
In terms of outreach efforts, Elodie Eid presented the chestnut project at the 2024 Northern Nut Growers Association (NNGA) Annual Conference, which was attended by over 200 farmers, researchers, and service providers. She also presented at an agroforestry workshop hosted by the Ong Lab at Dartmouth, with 18 farmers in attendance, including 10 from underrepresented communities. Additionally, Elodie has participated in regular GO NUTS calls organized by NOFA Massachusetts, which bring together as many as 12 farmers per session to discuss tree crop systems and agroforestry practices.
These partnerships and outreach efforts have helped ensure that the project’s resources are widely shared, building connections with farmers and organizations throughout the region and beyond.