The Upper Midwest Hazelnut Development Initiative (UMHDI) partnership launched in 2007 to support the growth and commercialization of the hazelnut industry in the Upper Midwest through grower support, targeted research, and technology development. There are more than 130 hazelnut growers in the Upper Midwest, managing 67,000+bushes on 140 acres. To bring this endeavor to scale,  the collaborating farmers and  researchers are invested in a series of short and long‐term projects. With funding from many diverse sources,  the research team has made significant progress.  Our current funding takes us through 2024. 

CIAS is part of the effort to organize farmers interested in growing hazelnuts in Central Wisconsin. Participating farmers throughout the Upper Midwest are experimenting with different strains in order to identify regional hardy varieties that can be used to produce edible nuts or could be used as conservation windbreaks. If you are interested in growing hazelnuts or assisting with on-farm varietal trials, contact us. On-farm and virtual events are posted on the CIAS home page.