(Viroqua, Wis., August 28, 2026) — 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.” 

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.

USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with loan, grant, and loan guarantee programs to promote rural prosperity. Our programs expand access to high-speed internet, electric, and transportation infrastructure, and support business growth, healthcare, education, housing, and other community essentials. Discover more investment details and historical data in the Rural Data Gateway and learn more about the agency at www.rd.usda.gov/wi.   

Background Information

On August 21, 2026, Glen Smith was Sworn in as Under Secretary for Rural Development. Under Secretary Smith is from Atlantic, Iowa, and has been involved in farming for more than 50 years. 

USDA Rural Development’s Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG) program helps U.S. agricultural producers enter into value-added activities that generate new products from raw agricultural commodities, creates and expands marketing opportunities, and increases producer income through enhanced product value and market reach.