Researchers and farmers have been trying to crossbreed these two species of hazelnuts for over 100 years, said Jason Fischbach, emerging crops outreach specialist with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension. Since 2007, Fischbach has worked to develop a commercially viable version of this crop through the Upper Midwest Hazelnut Development Initiative. He partnered with farmers who grew the plant from seedlings to breed the best varieties.
Office of Strategic Communication