The NNGA offers research grants to those institutions or individuals doing research on temperate zone tree nuts. 
http://nutgrowing.org/grant.htm

Research topics. Any topic dealing with temperate zone tree nuts is eligible. Historically, the interests of the NNGA have also included papaws and persimmons. Past annual reports can be consulted for an overview of NNGA interests. Suggested topic areas are:

A) Propagation
B) Germplasm and Cultivar Evaluation
C) Pest Management and Pest Biology
D) Mechanical Harvesting
E) Postharvest Handling and Processing
F) Orchard Establishment
G) Orchard Care and Maintenance
H) Marketing
I) Basic Biology and Ecology
J) Foreign Exchange, esp. Germplasm