Amy Miller’s Chestnut Journey: Sustainable Low-Impact Agriculture

By chester | September 2, 2024 |

Amy Miller In Her Element at Empire Chestnuts and Route 9 Cooperative

I’m Melanie Jones, and today, I want to share some fascinating insights from our latest episode of the “Branching Out: Growing Together” podcast. This time, I had the privilege of speaking with Amy C. Miller, PhD, the Chief Operating Officer for Route 9 Cooperative and owner of a diversified fruit and nut farm. Her journey, dedication, and commitment to sustainable agriculture is genuinely inspiring. Let’s dive into some highlights from our conversation.

Growing Up on a Chestnut Tree Farm

Amy shared her unique childhood experiences growing up on a chestnut tree farm. Unlike the stereotypical farm life depicted in books and stories, Amy’s upbringing blended rural and academic influences. Her parents, originally from the Midwest, raised her in rural Appalachia, surrounded by a diverse community that included the Amish. This eclectic mix exposed Amy to different cultures and a strong foundation in science and research, which have been integral to her family’s farming practices.

Continuing the Family Legacy

Despite initially not wanting to follow in her father’s agricultural footsteps, Amy eventually realized the farm’s unique opportunities. The diverse skill set required to run a chestnut farm and cooperative drew her back. Amy’s love for the challenges and multifaceted nature of specialty-crop agriculture, along with the support of her husband, played a significant role in her decision to continue the family legacy. Link to the previous podcast episode with Amy’s father, Greg Miller, of Empire Chestnut and Route 9.

Empowering Women in Agriculture

One of the standout moments from our conversation was Amy’s discussion of the Northern Nut Growers Association (NNGA). She emphasized the organization’s long-standing recognition of women in leadership roles and its inclusive approach, contrasting it with other agricultural groups. Amy highlighted the NNGA’s importance in providing education, fellowship, and seamless integration of commercial growers, hobbyists, and academic researchers.

Chestnut Orchards: Part of the Route 9 Cooperative

Academic Journey and Practical Applications

Amy’s academic background in Environmental Science, Forest Biology, and Plant Pathology has significantly influenced her approach to sustainable agriculture. Her research on soil science, reforestation, and chestnut anthracnose has provided valuable insights into promoting healthy ecosystems and low-input farming practices. Amy’s ability to balance academic knowledge with hands-on farming experience is a testament to the holistic approach needed for successful and sustainable agriculture.

Sample of Amy’s research here. [ Biology and Characterization of Chestnut Anthracnose in Culinary Chestnut ]

The Mission and Vision of Route 9

The Route 9 Cooperative, formed in 2010, continues the legacy of Amy’s grandfather and father. The cooperative’s mission focuses on promoting tree crops that enrich the land and create economic opportunities for Appalachian landowners. Amy shared how the cooperative has evolved beyond its initial goals, emphasizing the importance of community and environmental sustainability in their operations.

The Annual Cycle and Community Events

Amy provided a detailed look into the annual cycle of their farming operations, highlighting the busy seasons of spring and fall. The cooperative’s activities are meticulously planned and executed, from harvesting chestnuts to shipping seed nuts and processing chestnut flour. One of the most heartwarming aspects of our conversation was learning about their Annual Harvest Party. This event, often called “Chestnut Woodstock” or “Chest Fest,” brings the community together to celebrate the chestnut season, fostering a sense of belonging and excitement.

Chestnuts In The Fall — Chestnut Harvest!

Challenges and Opportunities in the Chestnut Industry

Amy discussed their significant challenges, such as site selection and pest management. Deer and chestnut weevils are persistent issues that require innovative solutions. Despite these challenges, Amy remains optimistic about the future of the chestnut industry. She highlighted the potential for innovation and collaboration among growers, hoping to avoid the pitfalls of overproduction seen in other commodity crops.

A Bright Future for Chestnuts

As we wrapped up our conversation, Amy expressed her excitement about the growing interest in chestnuts and the collaborative spirit within the industry. She emphasized the importance of maintaining environmental health and economic sustainability as the industry evolves.

Chestnut Orchards at Route 9 Cooperative

Don’t miss a terrific video sharing more about Route 9 Cooperative included in the podcast.

A Heartfelt Thanks

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Amy Miller for sharing her journey and insights with us. Her dedication to sustainable agriculture and community building is truly inspiring. Those interested in learning more or connecting with Amy can contact Route 9 Cooperative at route9cooperative@gmail.com.

To stay in touch with United Chestnuts, consider subscribing to the Branching Out: Growing Together podcast: