10 Dec Ferrero Hazelnut Company Provides Grants to OSU and Rutgers
Ferrero Hazelnut Company, part of the Ferrero Group, has awarded $350,000 in research grants to Oregon State University ($180,000) and Rutgers University ($170,000) to support sustainable hazelnut cultivation in the U.S. The funding grants aim to improve farming efficiency, combat invasive species, and reduce herbicide use. Hazelnuts, a key ingredient in Ferrero products like Nutella and Ferrero Rocher, are essential during seasonal celebrations. Ferrero has partnered with Oregon growers for years, doubling its hazelnut sourcing from the Willamette Valley and donating over $760,000 to OSU. These efforts align with Ferrero’s commitment to high-quality, sustainable ingredient sourcing for its global operations.
Oregon State University (OSU) research benefits British Columbia (BC) hazelnut growers by advancing sustainable farming practices and addressing challenges shared across the hazelnut industry. OSU’s studies on controlling invasive pests, managing diseases like Eastern Filbert Blight, and developing integrated weed management strategies provide valuable insights that BC growers can adopt to enhance crop health and yield.
Additionally, OSU’s work in breeding disease-resistant hazelnut varieties can be directly applied in BC, where growers face similar environmental pressures. By sharing research findings and best practices, OSU’s efforts support the regional hazelnut industry, promoting resilience, productivity, and long-term sustainability.
