Oregon Will Forecast Record Hazelnut Harvest in 2026

The state anticipates a record 144,000-ton hazelnut harvest in 2026 as older plantings reach full production maturity.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Organic Food

Screen-print poster illustration of hazelnut clusters on a branch, evoking the agricultural bounty of Oregon's harvest season. — Oregon anticipates a record 144,000-ton hazelnut harvest in 2026 as orchards planted a decade ago reach peak production levels. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Will increasing hazelnut export volumes lead to higher prices for nuts in domestic markets?

Oregon's hazelnut production is set to hit a record 144,000 tons in 2026, building on a surge in regional planting over the last decade. This growth follows a record 2025 harvest of 121,500 tons that helped boost U.S. exports to 78 million pounds.

Why it matters

The massive jump in output reflects a long-term strategy to scale up production that is now reaching peak efficiency. As these orchards hit their prime, the state is positioned to play a much larger role in the global nut market.

Oregon expanded hazelnut acreage to a record 92,000 acres in 2025 with yields of 1.32 tons per acre. The 2025 crop was valued at $340 million, with growers receiving an average price of $2,800 per ton.

The players

United States Department of Agriculture

This federal executive department is responsible for developing and executing laws related to farming, forestry, and food.

The details

The increase in harvest volume is largely due to a wave of plantings from a decade ago that have now matured into full production. While global supply was impacted by frosts in Turkey during 2025, Oregon growers capitalized on their expanded capacity to meet international demand for 73.4 million pounds of shelled exports.

1980-2012 saw hazelnut acreage range between 20,000 and 29,000 acres.
The 2019 harvest totaled 49,000 tons.
Oregon hazelnut acreage reached a record 92,000 acres in 2025.
U.S. hazelnut exports reached 78 million pounds in the 2025-26 marketing year.
The 2026 hazelnut harvest is forecast to reach 144,000 tons.

Roadmap

The expansion of Oregon's hazelnut sector follows a trend of increasing domestic production capacity to meet growing international appetite. This growth positions the state to compete more aggressively with global leaders like Turkey in the long-term nut supply chain.

The record harvest suggests a robust local economy for agricultural suppliers and processors in the Willamette Valley. Residents may see continued development in orchard infrastructure and processing facilities as production scales up over the coming years.

The takeaway

Growing hazelnut yields demonstrate the long-term nature of orchard agriculture where investments take over a decade to reach full maturity. Consumers and industry participants can expect Oregon to remain a dominant force as these trees move into their peak production years.