Processing Research, Outreach Education, Business Incubation |
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Hazelnut Processing Accelerator Purpose and Objectives
The UMHDI Hazelnut Processing Accelerator is a public/private partnership working to support the emerging hazelnut industry in the Upper Midwest with a focus on harvest and in-shell to kernel processing of Midwest-grown hazelnuts. The objectives of the Accelerator are to:
Research, Development, and Outreach Education
The Accelerator conducts research and development projects in collaboration with the UW-Madison Department of Biological Systems Engineering (BSE). Current projects include: evaluation of husk-drying methods on kernel quality, evaluation of cracking methodologies and equipment, development of low-cost nut sizing equipment, development and optimization of mechanical harvesting and green de-husking equipment, and management of an online hazelnut processing symposium.
A Processing Incubator to Serve Growers
The Accelerator’s processing incubator is located in Ashland, WI and utilizes space at the Northland College Larson Food Lab. The facility includes storage for equipment and nuts, a processing space that meets commercial food code, and a fully-stocked commercial kitchen for turning kernels into retail-ready value-added food products.
Using the Processing Incubator
The incubator is available for use by growers for hobby or commercial processing. There is a fee for use of the facility and users may need to acquire a food processing plant license if selling kernels. Contact Jason Fischbach for more information and to schedule a time.
The UMHDI Hazelnut Processing Accelerator is a public/private partnership working to support the emerging hazelnut industry in the Upper Midwest with a focus on harvest and in-shell to kernel processing of Midwest-grown hazelnuts. The objectives of the Accelerator are to:
- Optimize scale-appropriate harvest and post-harvest processing equipment through targeted research and development projects.
- Increase grower and processor knowledge through publications and outreach education events.
- Provide subsidized processing capacity to lower barriers to entry for growers and processors.
- Enable hazelnut growers to own and participate in the hazelnut value-chain.
Research, Development, and Outreach Education
The Accelerator conducts research and development projects in collaboration with the UW-Madison Department of Biological Systems Engineering (BSE). Current projects include: evaluation of husk-drying methods on kernel quality, evaluation of cracking methodologies and equipment, development of low-cost nut sizing equipment, development and optimization of mechanical harvesting and green de-husking equipment, and management of an online hazelnut processing symposium.
A Processing Incubator to Serve Growers
The Accelerator’s processing incubator is located in Ashland, WI and utilizes space at the Northland College Larson Food Lab. The facility includes storage for equipment and nuts, a processing space that meets commercial food code, and a fully-stocked commercial kitchen for turning kernels into retail-ready value-added food products.
Using the Processing Incubator
The incubator is available for use by growers for hobby or commercial processing. There is a fee for use of the facility and users may need to acquire a food processing plant license if selling kernels. Contact Jason Fischbach for more information and to schedule a time.
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Current Incubator Processing Equipment
Check out the video to see our current processing line as of March 2023. Improvements are always being made to increase throughput and efficiency. |
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Consider Joining the American Hazelnut Company
Don't want to deal with processing hazelnuts? Just want to just sell your in-shell nuts to someone? Consider joining your fellow growers as a member of the American Hazelnut Company (AHC). Formed in 2014, the AHC is owned and operated by growers in the Upper Midwest. They pool their in-shell hazelnuts, process them into kernels, and sell a range of products online and to retailers throughout the Upper Midwest. It's a great way to own a piece of the value-chain without having to do everything yourself.
Growing the Incubator
The Hazelnut Processing Accelerator is intended as an open-source approach to building processing capacity in the Upper Midwest. Our goal is to create a turn-key pilot facility that growers and processors can copy once the scale of production in the Midwest allows it. Continual improvement of the processing incubator depends on funding from a variety of public and private sources. Mission-aligned organizations are encouraged to join the Accelerator as a partner. If you like what we are doing and what to support us, consider making a tax deductible donation of equipment or cash to UW-Extension’s Hazelnut Development Fund.
Current Accelerator Partners
Don't want to deal with processing hazelnuts? Just want to just sell your in-shell nuts to someone? Consider joining your fellow growers as a member of the American Hazelnut Company (AHC). Formed in 2014, the AHC is owned and operated by growers in the Upper Midwest. They pool their in-shell hazelnuts, process them into kernels, and sell a range of products online and to retailers throughout the Upper Midwest. It's a great way to own a piece of the value-chain without having to do everything yourself.
Growing the Incubator
The Hazelnut Processing Accelerator is intended as an open-source approach to building processing capacity in the Upper Midwest. Our goal is to create a turn-key pilot facility that growers and processors can copy once the scale of production in the Midwest allows it. Continual improvement of the processing incubator depends on funding from a variety of public and private sources. Mission-aligned organizations are encouraged to join the Accelerator as a partner. If you like what we are doing and what to support us, consider making a tax deductible donation of equipment or cash to UW-Extension’s Hazelnut Development Fund.
Current Accelerator Partners