Research project Farmer-researcher collaboration for hazelnut cultivation and processing in Flanders (HazelSamen)

General introduction

In the EIP preparation project HazelSamen, 4 farmers join ILVO experts to study the cultivation and processing of hazelnuts in Flanders. Even though hazelnut cultivation is indigenous to Flanders, the crop currently only covers only about 12 hectares here. The demand from the chocolate industry is growing and hazelnut production may offer opportunities for diversification and increased biodiversity.

Research approach

The participating farmers are investigating various collaboration models and deciding on a common goal. They are also already examining which scale would be required for investments in harvesting and processing machinery as well as ensuring competitiveness with foreign countries. This project is supported by ILVO, Boerenbond Projects, Flanders' FOOD and Migino.

Relevance/Valorization

This "preparation" project implies the desire to establish a real partnership targeted at experienced hazelnut growers as well as newcomers to the crop. There is an expressed need to establish contacts with the companies using hazelnut or hazelnut by-products as well as with the actors interested in local production. After completion of the one-year preparation process, an evaluation will reveal whether the partnership can be formalized through an EIP collaboration project or another subsidy channel, such as VLIF.

Financing

Agentschap Landbouw & Zeevisserij