Lawmakers Request USDA Support for Willamette Valley Hazelnut Industry
What happened
Senator Jeff Merkley led a request to the United States Department of Agriculture to include the hazelnut industry in its Section 32 purchase program. The request, sent to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins on October 13, was signed by several other lawmakers. The program, which is funded by U.S. Customs and Border Protection revenue, allows the federal government to purchase agricultural commodities to stabilize markets.
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Why it matters
Oregon accounts for approximately 99% of U.S. hazelnut cultivation, with much of the industry concentrated in the Willamette Valley. The industry, which had a market value of US$340 million in 2025, has faced disruptions due to export market issues, including retaliatory tariffs from China. The Section 32 program distributes purchased products through federal nutrition programs, such as school meals.
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Who's involved
- Jeff MerkleyLed the request to the USDA for agricultural support in the Willamette Valley.
- Brooke RollinsIs the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture, receiving the request.
- Willamette ValleyThe region where the hazelnut industry is concentrated and seeking market stabilization.
- U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionThe agency whose revenue funds the Section 32 purchase program.
- United States Department of AgricultureThe department overseeing agricultural policy and the Section 32 program.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Willamette ValleySpeculative
The Willamette Valley industry might see market price stabilization and surplus absorption through the federal purchase program.
- U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionSpeculative
U.S. Customs and Border Protection might see a new allocation stream for its revenue.
Possible ripples
Who this could reach next, traced step by step from the reporting. Possibilities worth considering, not forecasts.- How could the request for agricultural support affect U.S. Customs and Border Protection?CBP revenue may be allocated to fund agricultural support for Oregon hazelnutsPossible
- USDA may adjust Section 32 program for Oregon hazelnutsUSDA may adjust Section 32 program to absorb Oregon hazelnut surplusPossible
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The entities involved
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Jeff Merkley
American politician (born 1956)
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Brooke Rollins
American attorney and politician
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Willamette Valley
Temperate ecoregion in Oregon and Washington