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Organic hazelnut marketing, processing and handling

Last updated on February 6, 2025

Find information about marketing, processing and handling hazelnuts.

Marketing 

Organic products are sold into different markets by different methods. Typically organic growers are more involved in the marketing of their hazelnuts and will sell directly to consumers through farmers markets, box programs, or farm gate. While this does take more time, you are also much more in touch with market conditions.

Handling and processing

Typically hazelnuts are washed, dried, sized, shelled, sorted, packed and pasteurized by processors. In order to process organic hazelnuts, processors will either require their own organic certification or sign an attestation of compliance.

Attestations of compliance are generated for non-certifiable custom services including:

  • Transport
  • Storage
  • Seed cleaning

Signing an attestation means that they are familiar with all of the standards in terms of protecting the organic nature of the product which includes:

  • Cleaning products
  • Preventing any commingling of organic and conventional products

They also promise that they have followed necessary steps to protect organic nature of the products.

This guide does not provide a full listing of service contacts for the industry.  The B.C. Hazelnut Growers Association may be able to assist you to find the information or services required.

References provided within the body of the guide and summarized in the appendix provide sources deemed useful by industry associations, government agencies or universities. Not all information provided may be applicable to the specific growing conditions of your farm.