USDA Invests in Wisconsin Hazelnut Growers

By Blake Jackson

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Under Secretary Glen Smith, U.S. Representative Derrick Van Orden, and USDA Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Andrew C. Iverson recently visited the American Hazelnut Company in Viroqua, Wisconsin, to showcase the benefits of a nearly $50,000 federal investment in the business.

“USDA Rural Development is focused on making sure that rural Americans have the infrastructure and capital they need to succeed,” said Smith.

“The Trump Administration has made it clear that we’re putting America First. We’re excited to be partnering with the American Hazelnut Company to expand its business and support hazelnut growers in the region.”

The company received a $49,907 USDA Value-Added Producer Grant in 2025. The funding provided working capital for several business needs, including marketing, supply purchases, commercial kitchen rental and employee labor used to produce its hazelnut-based products.

The American Hazelnut Company is owned by 38 farmers who have collectively supplied more than 3,000 pounds of hazelnuts for the project.

The initiative has also contributed to Wisconsin’s agricultural economy by creating one position and helping preserve two existing jobs.

Among the company’s products is Midwest Munch, a snack mix made with hazelnuts grown by its farmer-owners. The product is marketed as a convenient, nutritious snack and is sold in multiple flavors through stores across the Midwest and online.

“From farm fields to main street in Viroqua and ultimately to consumers, this investment broadens access to nutritious, Wisconsin-grown snack options,” said Iverson.

“Rural Development’s Value-Added Producer Grants are helping Wisconsin agriculture producers develop new innovative products and build capacity.”

Since January 2025, USDA Rural Development has directed more than $490 million toward rural Wisconsin projects, benefiting about 128,000 people and creating or preserving more than 400 jobs. In 2025 alone, nearly $2 million supported value-added agricultural projects across the state.

Photo Credit: usda