October 16, 2025
Growing Together: Building the Future of the Chestnut Industry with CGA
There’s never been a more exciting time to be part of the chestnut industry. Honestly it’s so true! Across the country, new orchards are being planted, demand is rising, and the number of people asking “How do I get started?” grows every season.
As both a grower, a marketeer and now Vice President of Growth for the Chestnut Growers of America (CGA), I see firsthand the incredible energy building in our community — and the opportunity we have to shape this momentum into a sustainable, professional industry.
🍂 Read the Fall 2025 Newsletter
We just released the newest issue of The Chestnut Grower — packed with updates, grower stories, research, and resources from across the U.S.
👉 Download The Chestnut Grower – Fall 2025 (PDF)
It’s a reflection of how far we’ve come — and a glimpse into where we’re headed.
💡 Why Join the Chestnut Growers of America?
Membership in CGA is open to everyone interested in chestnuts — from established orchardists to those just beginning their journey. For only $50 per year, you’re not just joining an organization; you’re helping to build the future of this industry.
Member benefits include:
- Quarterly issues of The Chestnut Grower newsletter
- Research updates from university partners and Extension programs
- Access to presentations and data from past conferences
- Voting rights in the organization’s direction and leadership
- Opportunities to connect with other commercial growers nationwide
- Participation in a growing network of professionals shaping the chestnut economy
Your membership supports research, education, and communication — three pillars that make the chestnut industry stronger for everyone involved.
🌰 Raising the Bar for Professional Grower Resources
One of the boards key goals is to modernize how we share information and connect.
Too often, commercial growers have to rely on scattered info from Facebook, google and AI, and while helpful, can be inconsistent, hard to navigate, and not always suited for those with commercial aspirations. The Chestnut Growers of America is working to change that.
Together with the Board and other industry leaders, we’re exploring how to build out digital resources and modern communication tools — including the following:
- A searchable member forum and resource library
- Professional grower guides and best practices
- Better communication channels for collaboration and mentorships
We’re all volunteers so we will do our very best to better serve the growing community. We’re here to make sure every grower — whether planting their first acre or managing hundreds — has access to credible, commercial-grade information that helps them succeed.
🤝 Join, Renew, and Grow With Us
From my work at United Chestnuts, I see how fast interest in the chestnut community is growing — and how much support is needed.
If you’re reading this and aren’t yet a member, I invite you to join the Chestnut Growers of America today. Your membership matters. It fuels outreach, education, and the kind of national coordination that makes a young industry thrive.
👉 Become a Member or Renew Today (Application)
Together, we’re making chestnut farming visible, viable, and collaborative — nationwide.
✍️ Attribution
Reach out to Melanie Jones anytime with questions, ideas or support! [email protected]
Melanie Jones, Founder of United Chestnuts, partner at EBB Farms in Western Kentucky and Vice President of Growth for the Chestnut Growers of America. And, chestnut chef changing how America cooks with chestnuts!
