Oregon Will Forecast Record Hazelnut Harvest for 2026
As orchard plantings mature, record-breaking yields are expected to hit 144,000 tons in the state next year.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Organic Food
Live Poll
Will increasing hazelnut export volumes lead to higher prices for nuts in domestic markets?
The USDA projects that Oregon hazelnut production will reach a record 144,000 tons in 2026. This forecasted surge follows a significant expansion in orchard acreage and the maturation of trees planted over the last decade.
Why it matters
The steady increase in production reflects the maturation of trees that reached full productivity, marking a shift in the availability and scale of this crop within the state. This record-level output follows a 2025 season where exports hit 78 million pounds amidst global supply fluctuations.
The USDA forecast predicts a harvest of 144,000 tons for 2026, building on the 2025 record of 121,500 tons. This projection is grounded in data showing Oregon orchard acreage reached 92,000 acres in 2025, though the long-term impact of potential El Nino patterns remains under investigation.
The players
USDA
The United States Department of Agriculture provides data on crop production, economic value, and market forecasts.
The details
Hazelnuts reach commercial bearing capacity four to five years after planting, with peak yields typically emerging as trees mature through 10 to 12 years. The recent rise in production is attributed to a wave of plantings from a decade ago that have now reached full maturity. This cycle of biological growth has allowed Oregon growers to scale capacity significantly, as evidenced by 2025 yields of 1.32 tons per acre.
Timeline
1980-2012: Hazelnut acreage in Oregon ranged between 20,000 and 29,000 acres.
2019: The annual hazelnut harvest totaled 49,000 tons.
2025: Oregon reached a record 92,000 acres of hazelnut orchards.
2025-26: U.S. hazelnut exports hit a record 78 million pounds.
2026: The hazelnut harvest is forecast to reach 144,000 tons.
Health Landscape
This forecast marks a significant acceleration of the state's agricultural expansion, far exceeding the stable acreage trends observed from 1980 to 2012. It signals a move toward higher national output as orchards in the Willamette Valley reach their full productive maturity.
Increased local availability of hazelnuts may influence the pricing and access to this nutrient-dense snack in the coming year. When considering these nuts as part of your diet, it is worth discussing serving sizes and potential allergy considerations with your physician.
The takeaway
The record hazelnut harvest indicates a maturing agricultural landscape that may shift availability for regional consumers. Keep an eye on local food labels to identify the origin of your nuts, as local crop availability often influences the freshness and cost of products on store shelves.
Further reading
For more on the quality and sourcing of local produce, visit Organic Food.
Live Poll
Will increasing hazelnut export volumes lead to higher prices for nuts in domestic markets?
