A new industry is growing in Essex County--a hazelnut orchard.
Hazelview Orchards is planting up to 5,000 hazelnut trees on nearly 40 acres on the 6th Concession in Amherstburg.
It's one of the first hazelnut orchards in southwestern Ontario and owner operator Scott Deslippe is excited about the new venture.
400 trees were planted this week and he says it will take about four years to get the first small harvest and in the 5th year, it should be a full harvest.
Deslippe says the seed was planted for the idea a few years ago.
"I first seen the article about Ferrero in Brantford looking for hazelnuts sourced locally and started to do some research," he says. "It has been a few year process getting set up here and we are finally getting ready to plant trees in the ground."
He says research has been done on the trees ability to grow here.
"There has been a lot of government support with different research trials, there are trees that have been in the ground in Simcoe at the research station and in Harrow for a number of years and we have been able to prove that the trees will grow there and will produce a good quality product."
Although it will take a few years to reap the fruits of his labour, he believes it is worth it.
"These trees are good for 70-80 years. There are orchards in Oregon that are over 80 years old and that are in full production so it is more of a long-term plan than a short term."
Hazelview Orchards Owner Scott Deslippe. October 20, 2017 (Photo by CTV's Sacha Long)
Deslippe has invested $180,000 into the orchard.
He admits it is a bit of a risk in starting a new industry but "nothing ventured, nothing gained."