What’s Next for Chestnut Growers of America? | Roger Blackwell & Melanie Jones
October 9, 2025
Chestnut Growers of America president Roger Blackwell joins Melanie Jones of United Chestnuts for a clear look at growth, innovation, and the future of the U.S. chestnut movement. This chestnut growers of America interview gives you a front-row seat to how the industry is changing.
In this episode, Roger shares what he is seeing from growers across the country. He talks about new research, co-ops, and the nuts-and-bolts work that keeps a young industry moving forward. Melanie asks how chestnut farms of different sizes can plug in, learn, and benefit from national collaboration.
You will hear how research trials, cultivar selection, and better data are shaping the next chapter for chestnut growers. Roger explains why co-ops and grower groups matter, and how they can help with processing, marketing, and shared infrastructure. This chestnut growers of America interview also touches on mentorship, leadership, and how new growers can find their footing faster.
Marketing and sales are a big part of the conversation. Roger and Melanie discuss how growers can reach new buyers, tell better stories, and move more nuts without losing their minds. They connect the dots between on-farm work, branded products, and a stronger national presence for chestnuts.
If you are building a chestnut business, need help with sales and marketing, or simply want to support local agriculture, this episode is for you. It offers real-world insight into where the chestnut industry is headed next and how you can be part of it.
Subscribe to Branching Out: Growing Together to hear more conversations like this. Join the movement to grow a resilient chestnut industry, orchard by orchard and co-op by co-op.