Northern Nut Growers Association and Chestnut Growers of America to hold joint conference in Michigan highlighting chestnut commercialisation
The Northern Nut Growers Association (NNGA) and the Chestnut Growers of America (CGA) are set to host their 116th annual conference in Lansing, Michigan, from August 3 to August 6, 2025. This joint event will attract a diverse audience including commercial nut growers, processors, researchers, and enthusiasts. The venue, the Doubletree by Hilton, will serve as a central hub for discussions and activities centred on nut tree cultivation, management, and marketing, with a particular emphasis on chestnuts and hazelnuts.
The conference promises a comprehensive four-day program that includes field tours of orchards and facilities, offering attendees firsthand insight into the management and processing of nut trees. On the opening day, participants will tour Nash Nurseries and Orchards in Owosso, known for their extensive work in chestnut cultivation and management, a pioneering effort led by Michigan State University. Jon Nash of Nash Nurseries expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “We welcome the opportunity... to discuss the fruits of the early work and current efforts to make chestnut a viable commercial enterprise.”
Expert presentations will take place over the next two days, featuring local, national, and international authorities discussing topics such as propagation, orchard management, value-added marketing, and the health benefits of various nut species. Jerry Henkin, a longstanding member of the NNGA and co-conference programme coordinator, has noted the evolution of the nut industry during his tenure. He emphasised that both associations have played integral roles in educating and sharing information through conferences and publications like The Nutshell and The Chestnut Grower.
A highlight of the conference will be the all-day bus tour on the final day, which will include visits to three key nut tree growers and processors in lower Michigan. Participants will tour the Chestnut Growers Inc. processing facility, which processes over a quarter of a million pounds of chestnuts annually, and examine operations at Beyer’s chestnut orchard in Paw Paw. The tour will conclude at the Roger’s Reserve, a Michigan State University research facility equipped with advanced processing lines for various nut species.
The conference aims to foster a spirit of collaboration and sharing among attendees, providing a platform for growers, consumers, and processors to exchange knowledge and experiences. In an era where sustainable agriculture is increasingly spotlighted, events like this highlight the potential of nut trees to contribute to both local ecosystems and economies.
Beyond the immediate focus on chestnuts and hazelnuts, the conference will address a broad spectrum of nut trees, including walnuts, pecans, and pawpaws. This diversity reflects the growing interest in less common nut species and their potential for commercial viability, a trend that aligns with the agricultural community's broader commitment to sustainability and diversification.
For those interested in attending, registration is available for both in-person and virtual participation, with additional options for lodging at the conference centre. This inclusive approach underscores the conference's aim to reach a wider audience and engage more stakeholders in the conversation about nut tree cultivation and its benefits.
In conclusion, the joint NNGA/CGA conference in August promises to be a significant event for anyone involved in or interested in nut tree cultivation. With a rich programme of educational content and practical insights, it marks a vital opportunity for collaboration among various stakeholders in the nut-growing community.