Commercialization

Developing value chains to grow perennial food markets

The Savanna Institute is developing strategic partnerships to increase the viability of agroforestry in the Midwest. Our goal is to stimulate the development of regional food systems that can realize the full potential of agroforestry. Deep-rooted perennial crops, such as elderberries, black currants, hazelnuts and chestnuts, draw down carbon from the atmosphere and build resilience against extreme weather and flooding.
Black Currant harvesting machine in a field of rows of currants and other crops.

Impact Investment Plans

We are investing heavily in research, market development and farmer education for these versatile perennial crops. Our impact investment reports on chestnuts and hazelnuts identify bottlenecks in scaling up Midwest markets for nut growers. We also produce marketing materials and grower guides on key perennial crops used in Midwest agroforestry systems.

Impact Investment Plans

What will it take to catalyze agroforestry in the Midwest?

The Savanna Institute has talked with experts across the value chain about the top ten bottlenecks for the Midwest Hazelnut and Eastern Chestnut industries. Our Impact Investment Plans help Midwest farmers and businesses understand how they can access opportunities available in these promising perennial crop markets.

Download the free reports to learn more.

Overcoming Bottlenecks in the Eastern US Chestnut Industry
Overcoming Bottlenecks in the Midwest Hazelnut Industry
Hazelnut Report

Explore the Videos

See the Grower Guides

Explore the Grower Guides

Thinking about a new perennial crop? Our grower guides and investment reports can help you plan food and farm systems that include trees.

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