From imports to orchards: The case for Irish grown hazelnuts

When you snack on a handful of hazelnuts, have you ever wondered where they have come from?

 

Nuts forming on the cultivar 'Pearson's prolific'.

Quite a long way is usually the answer. Ireland relies predominantly on imports. Why import this nutrient-packed food when cultivating hazelnuts locally can enhance food security, contribute to environmental sustainability, diversify our agricultural system and offer farmers a long-term, low maintenance crop.

There are numerous reasons Ireland should start planting more hazelnut orchards.

Perennial crops: A long-term, low-input solution

One of the biggest advantages of nut trees is that they are perennial. Unlike annual crops that need to be planted, fertilised, and harvested every year, nut trees keep producing year after year with far fewer inputs. Once established, they require minimal tillage, fertilisers, or pesticides. This makes them less labour-intensive, cheaper to maintain, and more environmentally friendly.

 

Environmental and economic benefits

Carbon capture: Through the process of photosynthesis, trees act as highly efficient carbon capture systems, absorbing atmospheric CO₂ and converting it into biomass stored in their trunks, roots, and branches, while releasing oxygen as a byproduct. A hectare of nut trees can act as a powerful carbon sink, locking CO₂ out of the atmosphere while also providing a sustainable food source. 

Soil health: Trees improve soil structure, reduce erosion and prevent nutrient runoff into rivers and lakes, helping to protect Ireland’s water quality.

Boosting pollinator populations: The flowering of nut trees provides an important food source for bees and other pollinators, critical to maintaining healthy ecosystems.

 

Male catkins on a hazelnut tree. Bees forage upon the pollen.

 

Economic opportunities: Farmers can diversify their incomes by growing nuts, tapping into the growing demand for local, sustainable, plant-based foods. Irish-grown nuts could also become a premium product, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

Biodiversity benefits: a haven for wildlife

Ireland’s farmland is heavily dominated by monocultures of grass for livestock grazing, which provide limited value to wildlife. Orchards of nut trees integrated into the wider landscape can go some of the way to transforming uniform farmland into a mosaic of habitats that support a wide variety of wildlife.

Tree crops provide nesting sites for birds, shelter for small mammals, and pollen for bees and other pollinators. An orchard of hazelnuts can become a thriving ecosystem, boosting populations of beneficial insects and helping to restore Ireland’s declining biodiversity.

 

A developing Hazel orchard on our farm. We maintain minimal paths between trees, encouraging native plants to thrive in order to improve the structure of the habitats for a range of wildlife and to provide forage for pollinators. These areas are scythed at harvest time, spreading native seeds and the cuttings are used as mulch around the base of trees, helping to retain moisture and build soil.

 

Research shows that agroforestry, farming systems that combine trees with crops or livestock can dramatically increase biodiversity compared to conventional farming. Nut trees, with some careful planning and initial establishment are a perfect fit for this kind of system, blending food production with environmental stewardship.

Strengthening food security and reducing imports

Similar to many other food types, Ireland imports the majority of the hazelnuts consumed here, making us highly dependent on global supply chains. This reliance leaves us vulnerable to disruptions caused by climate change, rising transport costs, or geopolitical issues.

By growing more hazelnuts domestically, we can reduce this dependence and build a more resilient food system. Hazelnuts are a nutrient-dense, calorie-rich food that stores well. With plant-based diets on the rise, locally grown nuts can help meet growing demand while cutting down on food miles and supporting Ireland’s sustainability goals.

Hazelnuts are not the only viable candidate

Ireland’s climate is well-suited for growing certain nut trees. Hazelnuts are the prime candidate but there are others:

• Sweet chestnuts: These are a versatile and calorie-dense food that can be roasted, milled into flour, or used in cooking. They thrive in southern Ireland and are well-suited to well-drained soils.
• Walnuts: While traditionally associated with warmer climates, hardy walnut varieties can do well in sheltered parts of Ireland. They provide valuable nuts and high-quality timber, making them a dual-purpose crop.

Once planted, these trees will continue to produce food for decades, providing a reliable and sustainable source of nutrition with reduced annual effort.

The challenges and how to overcome them

Growing nut trees does come with challenges. Trees take time to mature before they start producing significant yields. Initial establishment such as planting, tree protection and pruning to ensure good yields requires time, patience and investment. Farmers will need dedicated ongoing support, both financial and technical, to commit to these long-term crops.

Developing a market for Irish-grown nuts is also essential. Processing facilities, supply chains, and branding efforts will be needed to turn locally grown nuts into a recognisable and sought-after product. Consumers will need to understand the benefits of choosing Irish-grown nuts over imported ones, from freshness to sustainability.

Lastly, not every region in Ireland is suitable for nut trees. Careful planning is required to select the right varieties and planting sites to ensure success.

Conclusion

Planting more nut trees in Ireland is not just about growing a new type of crop, it is about creating a better future. Nut trees offer a win-win solution: they provide nutritious, locally sourced food while benefitting the environment, supporting biodiversity, and helping us tackle climate change.

By embracing nut tree crops, Ireland can reduce its reliance on imports, strengthen its food security, and create a farming system that is truly sustainable. The best time to start planting nut trees was 20 years ago. The second-best time is today. Time to make it happen.