NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — A new bill in the state legislature is set to make history by designating an official state nut, a move that could elevate New Jersey’s agricultural profile.
New Jersey is boldly stepping into the booming global hazelnut industry, becoming the first state on the East Coast to cultivate promising blight-resistant varieties developed by Rutgers University.
Currently, the United States accounts for only about five percent of the world’s hazelnut production, with Oregon’s Willamette Valley dominating the market. For years, the spread of eastern filbert blight—a devastating fungal disease—has thwarted other states, including New Jersey, from entering this lucrative market. Recognizing the challenges, Rutgers University began pioneering research on disease-resistant hazelnut varieties back in 1996.
After years of dedication and innovation, the university unveiled its first successful varieties to growers in 2020, introducing cultivars named “Raritan,” “Somerset,” “Monmouth,” and “Hunterdon.” These names not only celebrate Rutgers’ New Brunswick legacy but also honor the New Jersey counties where these trees are now taking root. This breakthrough positions New Jersey as a trailblazer on the East Coast, unlocking exciting agricultural and economic opportunities for local farmers.
The increasing demand for hazelnut products—ranging from nut butters to baked goods—underscores the vast potential of this industry. By diversifying their crops, New Jersey farmers are set to tap into a market that has long been constrained to the Pacific Northwest. Moreover, Rutgers’ innovative work may inspire further expansion of hazelnut cultivation in other regions grappling with eastern filbert blight. New Jersey’s foray into hazelnut farming is not just a green light for agricultural innovation; it is a bold step toward economic growth and sustainability in the state. Embracing this new chapter could redefine New Jersey’s agricultural landscape and inspire future generations of farmers.