The Oregon Hazelnut Commission (OHC) is accepting research proposals for funding consideration for the 2026 crop year, with an emphasis on projects that deliver practical value to the state’s hazelnut industry.
The request for proposals covers
research related to hazelnut production, marketing and applied science, according to OHC materials. Priority areas include:
- Disease management
- Orchard efficiency
- Yield optimization
- Labor and cost reduction
- Postharvest handling
- Processing efficiency
- Environmental sustainability
- Nutrition-related research that supports consumer understanding and ingredient use
Proposals must be submitted to the commission office by 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, 2026.
The solicitation supports research with applied outcomes for growers, handlers and processors. The OHC is also encouraging proposals that introduce new perspectives or interdisciplinary approaches.
The commission said it is particularly interested in projects that address current production challenges, such as
Eastern filbert blight, while also improving long-term industry competitiveness and sustainability.
Applicants selected for funding consideration will be required to give an in-person oral presentation to the commission during its March 4, 2026, meeting. Researchers also are expected to participate in outreach or communication efforts with growers and other industry stakeholders.
Awards are expected to be announced in May 2026, with funding beginning in September 2026, pending budget approval by the Oregon Department of Agriculture. All multi-year projects must reapply annually, and previous funding does not guarantee continued support.
The commission noted that its review panel is composed primarily of
hazelnut growers and encouraged applicants to write proposals in clear, non-technical language.
Researchers with ongoing projects funded by the commission are required to submit progress and final reports by Oct. 23, 2026. Oral presentations of project updates or final results will be required later in the year.
Additional information and submission requirements are outlined in the full request for proposals.
The request for proposals covers research related to hazelnut production, marketing and applied science, according to OHC materials. Priority areas include: