The Hazelnut Marketing Board
The Hazelnut Marketing Board (HMB) was established in 1949 by the growers and handlers of hazelnuts. It is governed by the Federal Hazelnut Marketing Order §982 and funded by a per ton assessment to the handlers. The purpose of the HMB is fourfold. First it sets quality standards for the industry. All product going into a channel of trade must be inspected. In addition, all imported product must meet U.S. Standards. Second it is the source of hazelnut industry statistics for the U.S. Third it provides funding for promotion of hazelnuts through research, education and promotion programs. Fourth, it allows handlers to implement volume control when the board determines it is in the best interest of the industry.
Membership includes four handlers, five growers representing different geographic areas and one public member. Diversity of the Hazelnut Marketing Board membership is encouraged - call (503) 678-6823
| Current Hazelnut Marketing Board Members | ||
| Handlers: | ||
| Handler #1 | Compton Chase-Lansdale,
Hazelnut Growers of Oregon | (503) 648-4176 |
| Handler #2 | Verne Gingerich, Northwest Hazelnut Company | (503) 982-8030 |
| Handler #3 | Daryl Kihs, Blue Diamond Growers | (503) 363-1655 |
| Handler #4 | Larry George, George Packing Company | (503) 925-9650 |
| Growers: | ||
| Area 1 | Jeff Koenig, Canby | (503) 678-5825 |
| Area 2 | Tim Aman, Mt. Angel | (503) 209-8013 |
| Area 3 | Garry Rodakowski, Vida | (541) 896-3187 |
| Area 4 | Don Christensen, McMinnville | (503) 835-2582 |
| Area 5 | Bob Jossy, Hillsboro | (503) 647-5668 |
| Non-Industry: | ||
| Laura Barton, ODA | (503) 872-6600 | |
The Oregon Hazelnut Commission (OHC)
The Oregon Hazelnut Commission (OHC) is a quasi agency of the State of Oregon and works with the Oregon Department of Agriculture. It was formed by legislative action in 1951. The charge of the OHC is to provide production research for the hazelnut industry. Members are appointed by the Director of Agriculture and include 7 growers and one public member. Funding for the Commission is a per ton assessment determined by and collected from the growers via the handlers.| Current Commission members: | ||
| Don Christensen, McMinnville | Chairman | (503) 835-2582 |
| Phil Walker, Salem | Vice Chairman | (503) 585-6437 |
| Dwayne Bush, Junction City | Commissioner | (541) 935-4083 |
| Steve Heesacker, Forest Grove | Commissioner | (503) 357-3935 |
| Mark Gibbs, Portland | Public Member | (503) 435-2700 |
| Ben Mitchell III, Newberg | Treasurer | (503) 538-9256 |
| John Sullivan, Vida | Commissioner | (541) 896-3825 |
| Rich Birkemeier, Canby | Commissioner | (503) 266-9781 |
For a synopsis of the 2006-07 research projects, click below.
- Hazelnut Breeding Program – Shawn Mehlenbacher, OSU
- Advanced Selections – Rebecca McCluskey, OSU
- EFB Control – Jay Pscheidt, OSU
- Hazelnut Micropropagation – William Proebsting, OSU
- Hazelnut Pest Management – Vaughn Walton, OSU
- Foliar Fertilizer on Hazelnuts – Jeff Olsen, OSU
The Nut Grower's Society Of Oregon, Washington & British Columbia
The Nut Growers Society (NGS) is a membership organization made up of growers and other people interested in hazelnuts. The governing board is made up of five growers plus two ex-officio Extension Agents and industry staff. This group is the information arm of the industry, providing feedback to growers from both the HMB and the OHC.| Current NGS Board Members: | ||
| Jeff Rumpca, Canby | President | (503) 266-9484 |
| Dan Keeley, St. Paul | 1stVice-President | (503) 633-2838 |
| Tim Newkirk, Canby | 2ndVice-President | (503) 266-3311 |
| Dave McAdams, Portland | Past President | (503) 224-3092 |
| John Sullivan, Vida | Past President | (541) 896-3825 |
The Society has two major events each year which provide a forum for an information exchange.
In January NGS joins the Nurserymen and the Horticulture Society to produce the Northwest Ag Show in Portland. This includes a half day of educational sessions and a half day at the Ag Show.
In August NGS hosts a tour of hazelnut orchards that includes informational talks as well as a barbeque. Each year it is held in a different geographic area.
The Society also mails four newsletters per year and publishes an annual report which is a working history of the industry. Membership includes receiving a copy of each of these publications.
To become a member, either click here to email your information (you will be invoiced) or print this form and send to the industry office with your check.
Nut Growers Society - 21595-A Dolores Way NE, Aurora, OR 97002-9738

