The University of Minnesota has received a $903,909 grant to develop a bush-type hazelnut industry in the upper Midwest, based on native hazelnuts and hybrids.
It is aimed at diversifying agriculture and improving ecological and economic sustainability.
It is one of 29 specialty-crop grants being given out through the U.S. Department of Agriculture totaling $46 million.
There are several places that have been working on developing hazelnuts in this region, including Badgersett Research Corp. near Canton.
