Ferrero is making efforts to diversify its hazelnut sourcing in North America, where the nuts are in high demand during seasonal celebrations like the upcoming winter holidays. “Our mission is to master the hazelnut value chain from end-to-end to create and deliver value in service of customers, brands, and products,” Tommaso de Gregorio, head of Ferrero’s Agri Competence Center, said in a statement. 

The Willamette Valley accounts for 99% of U.S.-grown hazelnuts, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Ferrero has partnered with OSU for years, and the latest grant is intended to support ongoing projects like controlling invasive species, diseases, fungi and weed management in hazelnut orchards in the Willamette Valley, according to the press release. To date, Ferrero has donated more than $760,000 to OSU agriculture programs.