U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Under Secretary Glen Smith alongside U.S. Representative Derrick Van Orden and USDA Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Andrew C. Iverson visited the American Hazelnut Company in Viroqua to highlight the impact of a nearly $50,000 USDA investment.
“USDA Rural Development is focused on making sure that rural Americans have the infrastructure and capital they need to succeed,” said Smith. “The Trump Administration has made it clear that we’re putting America First. We’re excited to be partnering with the American Hazelnut Company to expand its business and support hazelnut growers in the region.”
Grant
In 2025, the American Hazelnut Company utilized a $49,907 USDA Value-Added Producer Grant for working capital that included marketing, purchasing supplies, renting time in a commercial kitchen, and hiring labor for making its various hazelnut products. To date, the 38 farmer-owners of the American Hazelnut Company have provided more than 3,000 pounds of hazelnuts for the project. The project supports employment in Wisconsin’s vibrant agriculture industry, creating one job and saving two jobs.
One of the company’s main products is Midwest Munch, a snack mix featuring its farm‑grown hazelnuts, which provides a convenient, healthy, on‑the‑go product. Midwest Munch is available in a variety of flavors that are available for purchase online or in stores throughout the Midwest.
“From farm fields to main street in Viroqua and ultimately to consumers, this investment broadens access to nutritious, Wisconsin-grown snack options,” said Iverson. “Rural Development’s Value-Added Producer Grants are helping Wisconsin agriculture producers develop new innovative products and build capacity.”
Since January 2025, USDA Rural Development has invested more than $490 million into rural Wisconsin that has benefited 128,000 individuals and created or saved more than 400 jobs. Last year, Rural Development invested nearly $2 million in Wisconsin value-added agriculture projects that are expanding opportunities for ag producers.
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