Oregon Lawmakers Requested USDA Support for Hazelnut Growers
The request seeks federal assistance for an industry that produces nearly all of the hazelnuts grown in the United States.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Organic Food
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Senator Jeff Merkley led a group of Oregon lawmakers in a formal request to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins for federal intervention. The letter asks to include state hazelnut growers in the Section 32 purchase program to stabilize market disruptions.
Why it matters
The Oregon hazelnut industry, which accounts for 99 percent of domestic production, is currently facing significant economic uncertainty due to export market shifts. Federal support could provide a critical safety net for producers struggling with reduced commercial outlets for specific kernel sizes.
Official correspondence from Oregon lawmakers confirms the state controls 99 percent of national production. The request for the Section 32 program remains an active policy proposal under review by the USDA.
The players
Jeff Merkley
United States Senator representing Oregon who led the legislative request for agricultural support.
Brooke Rollins
United States Secretary of Agriculture responsible for overseeing federal food and agricultural policy.
Ron Wyden
United States Senator representing Oregon who signed the letter requesting federal hazelnut industry support.
The details
The Section 32 program allows the USDA to purchase surplus agricultural commodities to stabilize markets when growers face price drops or significant demand shifts. Lawmakers are requesting that the agency utilize these authorities to absorb excess supply caused by recent volatility in global export channels. This intervention is intended to address specific inventory issues related to kernel sizes that are currently lacking commercial outlets.
Timeline
October 14, 2026: Lawmakers sent the formal request to the USDA Secretary.
Health Landscape
The USDA Section 32 purchase program functions as a critical market stabilization tool for the agricultural sector. This effort follows a pattern of utilizing federal procurement to support regional industries against global trade disruptions.
Maintaining a stable domestic supply of nutrient-dense nuts like hazelnuts supports local food security and variety in the regional diet. Readers interested in the impact on food costs or availability should follow local updates regarding how federal agricultural support influences state-level supply chains.
The takeaway
The economic stability of agricultural sectors like Oregon's hazelnut industry is essential for a consistent supply of whole foods. Consumers can track the ongoing availability and pricing of locally grown nuts as an indicator of the overall health of regional agricultural markets.
Further reading
For more on the regional food systems that supply our tables, visit the Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Gorgenewscenter.
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