Alex Brown and Vanessa Campbell, Full Sun Farm
Mixed Nut Orchard
Grant Award: $6,000
Alex and Vanessa are diversifying their mixed vegetable operation with tree nuts. No other farmer in the county currently produces nuts for commercial sale. They are planning a one-and-a-half acre orchard with hazelnuts, pecans and Chinese chestnuts.
Several Oriental chestnut varieties are also suitable for this region. They are also planting highly productive hybrid hazelnut varieties that combine the disease resistance of the American hazelnut and the nut size, flavor and productivity of the European hazelnut.
The orchard, which will start producing two years after establishment, could increase farm income from at least $5,000 to $12,000 per year depending on yields. The nuts will be available at tailgate markets, to CSA members and a few select wholesale accounts. Grant expenses include plants, fertilizer, mulch, nut harvester and a “rotosheller.”
See www.fullsunfarm.com.
Contact the Local Extension Agent