January 8, 2024
Italian multinational company Ferrero, one of the largest confectionery producers in the world, has made more than $500,000 in gifts to the OSU Foundation in support of hazelnut research at Oregon State University. Makers of chocolate-hazelnut spread Nutella as well as Kinder and Ferrero Rocher chocolates, the company joins longstanding industry supporters who have made substantial contributions for OSU research focused on hazelnut health and production.

“OSU is already doing what needs to be done in terms of consistently investing in research, and we want to allow that research to continue,” said Tommaso De Gregorio, head of Ferrero’s Agri Competence Centre. “Hazelnuts of the highest quality are essential for our products, and Ferrero is committed to the sustainability of hazelnut production, both in terms of environmental stewardship and economic growth for farmers. We hope our support will lead to more stability in sourcing quality hazelnuts from different regions of the world.”

OSU is the state’s top research university, earning more research funding than the rest of Oregon’s comprehensive public universities combined. Researchers are conducting innovative work related to the production of hazelnuts, the most important orchard crop of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The state produces 99% of the nation’s crop.

Nik Wiman and Marcelo Moretti are associate professors in the College of Agricultural Sciences’ horticulture department. “As a result of Ferrero’s support, we can deliver more solutions to growers, hopefully improving their success and increasing sustainability of the Oregon hazelnut industry,” said Wiman, a leading researcher in the fight against the brown marmorated stink bug. “At the same time, we are training the next generation of research and extension professionals in agricultural science.”

Read more at fororegonstate.org.