Can The Hazelnut Be a Shot in Arm For Rural Minnesota Economies

(Photo courtesy Nine Hazels via Minnesota News Connection)

(By Mike Moen. Minnesota News Connection) – Most Minnesota farmers are done harvesting major crops for the season. But in some cases, yields for lesser-known products are being readied for market. That includes hazelnuts, with one farmer trying to bring new energy to the rural economic scene.

Near Lake City, Paul Mairet and his partner co-own and manage Nine Hazels Farm, which is part of a Midwestern push to successfully grow hybrid hazelnuts. His products can be roasted for eating, pressed into oil for skin care, or transformed into handmade crafts.

Whether selling things online or at local farmers markets, he said he sees an appetite for something that’s missing from farming communities in this region.

“I see a lot of opportunity for folks who maybe are in those rural settings to bring something that isn’t widely available,” said Mairet, “and actually, I’ve found, has a lot of value.”