Researcher takes a crack at reviving Fraser Valley hazelnut industry

CHILLIWACK — A local farmer-turned-researcher is looking to bring back a once-thriving hazelnut economy in the Fraser Valley.

Dr. Chris Bodnar, an assistant professor at the University of the Fraser Valley, is working with local growers to find evidence-based solutions for revitalizing the hazelnut sector in B.C.– but it won’t be easy.

The Eastern Filbert Blight wiped out orchards across the region roughly a decade ago, with one Agassiz farm losing 8,000 trees to the deadly fungus.

“The industry is really starting from scratch, because a lot of former growers retired, and most of the growers who are in it right now don’t have experience,” said Bodnar.

“There’s a lot of collective memory loss in terms of how the sector ran previously. There are a few people coordinating how to revitalize old equipment, and bring in knowledge from other jurisdictions like Oregon, where there’s a large hazelnut sector.”

As a former farmer himself, Bodnar said the challenge lies in collecting data for a sector that traditionally has been based on “gut instinct”.

“Where our UFV research can help is by testing ideas, measuring results, and providing numbers and evidence that back up or refute the gut feelings people have.”

He adds that B.C.’s agriculture sector operates at a net loss each year, but he believes the University can help by balancing checks with the growers, as well as supporting efforts against climate challenges and pests.

“At the end of the day, if we don’t find solutions with economic viability in the long term, we’ll continue to spin our wheels,” Bodnar said. “How long can growers continue subsidizing our food? They certainly can’t do it forever, so what do we need to do to keep them growing food? That’s what motivates a lot of my research.”