New nut on the block: Hazelnut farming takes root in Eastern Washington

WAPATO — In a landscape dominated by apple orchards and grape vineyards, hazelnut farming is entering the light in Eastern Washington, thanks to the pioneering efforts of Eastern Washington Hazelnut Association Vice President Jim Canaday. “It’s fun to work with the growers. We’re all just learning,” Canaday said. “But I don’t think it’s me in particular, it’s the people on the front end that got interested and we’re all working together. I mean it’s really the truth. I brought it up here and kind of got it started. That’s kind of a pain in the butt, because everybody wants to know what to do and all of that. I get a lot of phone calls and a lot of interested people, but I enjoy that.” There are approximately 400 to 500 acres of hazelnut trees grown in Eastern Washington, most of which are just entering their production phase. Each acre produces around 1,500 to 2,000 pounds right now; however, as the trees age they could get up to 4,000 pounds, according to Canaday. The nuts are processed locally at Mount Adams Hazelnuts coming from around Grant, Franklin, Yakima and Chelan Counties.