Producer Membership
Producer Members get a reliable buyer, transparent pricing, and ownership in every product made from their crops. Members get expert support from harvest through processing. Plus they get a real vote in how this cooperative runs.
You are eligible to be a Producer Member if…
You currently grow, forage, aggregate, or are interested in producing tree crops including
hickory nuts
Yellowbuds (Bitternut)
Shagbark
chestnuts
hazelnuts
and others
AND
Operate in
PA
NJ
MD
NY
OH
WV
Are you interested in becoming a Producer member of Keystone Tree Crops Cooperative?
You live in PA (or thereabouts). You’re growing or harvesting the right crops (see below). And you’re down for the cause!
Follow this link to get more instructions and information (new tab) about becoming a Producer member of KTCC. You can also access the member application there.
If you’d like more information about membership, including the crops and products we’re working with, products that are being explored, responsibilities and benefits of membership, and other information, please contact Bern.
Crops KTCC is purchasing in 2026
Yellowbud (Bitternut) hickory nuts
Raw chestnuts
Hazelnuts
Possibly others
2026 Pricing & Payout Schedule
At harvesting events, all nuts will be paid $7.50/gallon. There will also be an option to trade for oil at 3 gallons of nuts for one 5oz bottle at gathering events. Some harvesting events are purely educational as there won't be enough nuts to sell or trade.
You can deliver nuts to one of our aggregation hubs.
To learn about how we qualify grade A and grade B nuts, check out pages 14 and 15 in the harvester’s handbook
Yellowbud Hickory
| Grade | KTCC Members | Non-Members |
|---|---|---|
| Grade A | $7.50/gal | $6.00/gal |
| Grade B | $6.00/gal | $5.00/gal |
Culinary Chestnuts
| Grade | KTCC Members | Non-Members |
|---|---|---|
| Grade A | $7.50/gal | $6.00/gal |
| Grade B | $6.00/gal | $5.00/gal |
Hazelnuts
| Species | Price per lb |
|---|---|
| European | $3.75/lb |
| Hybrid | $3.00/lb |
| American | $2.50/lb |
Priority Purchasing
First-in-line access for selling nuts to the co-op during peak periods.
Transparent Pricing
Guaranteed fair-trade pricing model, including cost-plus or revenue-share structures.
Marketing & Promotion Support
Inclusion in co-op marketing materials, social media, and press releases.
Storytelling opportunities to highlight your role in the supply chain.
Patronage (cash dividends) distributed to our members
Receive percentage of profits (once we become profitable)
Access to Shared Resources
Opportunity to rent equipment such as harvesters and sorters from the KTCC or other members at a nominal fee.
Assistance from the co-op with coordinating labor for harvests and other activities that benefit from additional labor.
Option to Purchase Value-Added Products
Option to purchase processed products that were made using only your crops (such as oil), and resell them using your own label. This option requires that the cooperative’s info is displayed on the label for compliance with food safety regulations.
Group Purchasing Power
Possible discounts on supplies, equipment, packaging, or inputs through co-op-negotiated bulk deals.
Use of Co-op Branding
License to use the cooperative brand on approved products or promotional materials, increasing visibility and trust.
Education & Training
Priority access to enroll, subscribe, attend, benefit from, educational and training programs offered by KTCC.
Voting on Co-op Board Members
Opportunity to vote when the cooperative is making key decisions, including KTCC Board elections.
Advocacy & Representation
Access to a network of like-minded collaborators for sharing knowledge, equipment, ideas, and support. Representation in regional agricultural or food policy discussions.
Collective voice to advocate for better policies and support.
Benefits of Producer Membership
Are you interested in becoming a Producer member of Keystone Tree Crops Cooperative?
You live in PA (or thereabouts). You’re growing the right crops. And you’re down for the cause!
Follow this link to get more instructions and information (new tab) about becoming a Producer member of KTCC. You can also access the member application there.
If you’d like more information about membership, including the crops and products we’re working with, products that are being explored, responsibilities and benefits of membership, and other information, please contact Bern.
Yellowbud Harvester’s Guidebook
Everything you need to know about harvesting yellowbud (bitternut) hickory nuts for Keystone Tree Crop Cooperative
