Processing and Marketing Niche Crops: The Mighty Oak and the Humble Acorn
- The California Agroforestry Network
- May 21
- 1 min read
Updated: Jul 23
In this nutshell talk, Brandon presented his research on agroforestry systems suited to California’s diverse ecoregions - including oak savannas, mixed coniferous forests, mixed evergreen forests, Mediterranean chaparral, and desert scrub - and the many crops that can be sustainably harvested from these systems. He discussed the ecological and cultural importance of native oaks, shared practical methods for harvesting and processing acorns into flour and food products, and highlighted other niche crops as well, such as chestnut, carob, and elderberry, which can be processed and marketed to support the sustainable stewardship of California’s ecosystems and farmscapes.