USDA Insights on Growing the Chestnut Industry

December 21, 2024

Chestnut farming and USDA funding are at the center of this inspiring episode of Branching Out: Growing Together. Melanie sits down with Dr. Jessica Shade from USDA NIFA to explore how programs like the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) are fueling the future of U.S. chestnut growers. From unlocking grant opportunities to solving industry-wide challenges, this conversation reveals how growers and researchers are working hand-in-hand—and how you can get involved.

🌰 1. Unlocking the Potential of Chestnuts

Did you know? Chestnuts are one of the most underutilized crops in the U.S. But that’s changing—thanks in large part to USDA’s Specialty Crop Research Initiative. Jessica shares how chestnuts are gaining recognition as a sustainable, adaptable, and in-demand crop.

🔬 2. What Is the SCRI?

The Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) is a USDA program that funds collaborations between growers and researchers. These partnerships tackle key agricultural challenges like pest control, climate resilience, and crop development—especially for specialty crops like chestnuts.

🇺🇸 3. Why Chestnuts?

Chestnuts offer a powerful value proposition for U.S. farms. They’re sustainable, have strong market demand, and can thrive in diverse climates. Yet, most chestnuts found in U.S. stores are still imported. This episode highlights how growing domestically can change that story—and build rural economies in the process.

💸 4. Opportunities for Growers with Funding

Growers aren’t just beneficiaries—they’re partners. Jessica explains how growers can team up with researchers to access funding from SCRI and similar programs. Whether you’re planning a full-scale orchard or just getting started, grant opportunities exist for projects of all sizes.

🧑‍🌾 5. Your Role in the Future of Chestnut Farming

Want to shape the future of sustainable agriculture? Jessica shares actionable ways to participate—from applying for grants, to becoming a peer reviewer, to partnering on research that moves the industry forward. No lab coat required—just vision, land, and passion.