Hazelnuts for the Northeast: Trialing Next Generation Hybrids for Cold Hardiness

Commodities

• Nuts: hazelnuts

Practices

• Crop Production: agroforestry, crop improvement and selection, varieties and cultivars

Double Darling Farm will establish the first commercial field trial of cold-hardy, disease-resistant hazelnuts in Vermont, evaluating improved varieties that can command premium prices for farms in the northern Northeast. The trial includes planting 250 trees representing 24 unreleased breeding selections from Rutgers University, 10 Rutgers cultivars, and 4 cultivars from two leading regional nurseries. Beginning with planting in 2026, we will track survival, growth, cold-hardiness, disease resistance, and early yield potential across replicated plantings of 38 distinct varieties, paired with weather station monitoring and photo documentation. The objectives are to: (1) evaluate performance of established cultivars and unreleased breeding selections under real commercial farm conditions in Zone 5a; (2) develop practical guidance for Northeast growers, nurseries, and TA's/advisors; and (3) demonstrate the system to other farmers through hands-on field days and outreach. Data from the trial will be used to compile practical management recommendations, highlight best-performing selections, and inform next steps for planting material access and market development. Outreach includes four distinct hands-on field days as the project progresses (2026-2029) with clearly labeled and photo documented to support farmer learning and peer-to-peer exchange, and conference presentations of findings at the 2029 Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) Winter Conference and Northern Nut Growers Association 2029 summer conference. By rigorously evaluating performance and openly sharing results from a working farm, this project builds on decades of research to reduce risk for growers and build the foundation for a resilient, low-input, high margin perennial crop sector in the Northeast.

Project Objectives
Our objective is to establish Vermont's first commercial hazelnut trial for cold-hardiness, disease resistance, and early yield potential of improved breeding selections to generate region-specific data and practical knowledge that support future adoption across the Northeast. As the first rigorous field experiment west of the Finger Lakes, as well as a hands-on demonstration site, the project is intended to generate evidence and outreach needed to support perennial crop diversification.

Objective 1: Evaluate hazelnut cultivar performance under real farm conditions

• Establish a planting of leading commercial cultivars of unknown cold-hardiness alongside at least 24 high performing (e.g. productive, precocious, disease resistant) F2 hybrid hazelnut selections which are believed to be cold hardy at Double Darling Farm in Pittsford, Vermont, USDA hardiness Zone 5a.
• Monitor survival, growth, disease resistance (especially Eastern Filbert Blight), winter injury, and production potential over two growing seasons.
• Collect on-site weather and temperature data to assess cultivar response to weather stressors and seasonal variability.
  
  

Objective 2: Develop practical management guidance and cultivar recommendations for Northeast growers

• Identify successful cultivars and high-performing selections for further trial feasible management approaches for small- to mid-scale farms.
• Plant in 3-4 leader commercial double density layout for comparison to other regions with sufficient irrigation to enable future propagation via "layering" (clonal propagation from young shoots) so that promising genetics can be easily replicated.
• Document site preparation, labor, and establishment costs to help farmers assess economic feasibility and readiness.
• Translate field observations into clear, grower-focused guidance on orchard establishment, varietal selection, and early management practices. Use only on-farm (e.g. fodder mulch and ramial wood chips) and OMRI-listed amendments for soil fertility to demonstrate organic compliant production methods.
  
  

Objective 3: Demonstrate the system and share results to build farmer capacity and interest

• Use the trial site as a demonstration field, hosting at least four interactive field days for farmers, TA's, Extension staff, and agroforestry practitioners.
• Present preliminary findings at regional events, including the 2029 Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) Winter Conference and Northern Nut Growers Association, and as well as regular participation in Vermont Farm to Plate Agroforestry Task Force, with other grower gatherings and TA events as relevant.
• Engage interested farmers, nurseries, and processors to discuss planting material access, collaborative marketing, and opportunities for cooperative models.
  
  

By centering research on a working farm and fostering peer-to-peer learning, we aim to reduce uncertainty around hazelnut adoption, increase farmer interest, and lay the groundwork for a resilient, low-input perennial crop sector in the Northeast.