Keystone Tree Crops Cooperative (KTCC) is a nonprofit agricultural cooperative. We are primarily nut growers and gatherers distributed across Pennsylvania (and surrounding states). We are developing cooperatively-owned supply chains for value-added food products derived from specialty tree crops. Our mission is to support equitable tree-based livelihoods. We achieve this through creating mutually-beneficial relationships, organizing harvest activities, and providing processing and distribution capacity for our members.
We aggregate and sell products from hickory nuts, chestnuts, and hazelnuts with oil pressed from yellowbud hickory as our flagship product. Hickory oil is a high-quality product with the potential to support transformative food systems. While it is currently a niche specialty food, through the work of KTCC and others, we have the opportunity to build a regional food economy rooted in native perennial crops, shared supply chain infrastructure, and fair returns for everyone involved.
Yellowbud hickory fits that vision well. The trees are abundant, widespread, and resilient. They tolerate an exceptional range of conditions and have the potential to thrive under uncertain climatic futures. And the oil they produce is extraordinary in its nutritional profile, flavor, and versatility.
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