Turkey is the largest producer of hazelnut in the world. In this article you will read the conclusion of a survey related to organic hazelnut production that was conducted by, Rapunzel Naturkost in the Black Sea Region of Turkey. In the Black Sea Region farms are small in size and around 400,000 producers are involved in the hazelnut production in that area. It has been determined that the producers’ welfare is greatly enhanced by the organic hazelnut farming and as a result it is being anticipated that in the coming future organic hazelnut farming will increase rapidly in this Black Sea Region.
From 60% to 77% of the total world’s hazelnut production is being done in Turkey. In 1998 a great increase in demand was seen during that time and as a result a need has arisen for new revelations to be imposed on hazelnut production and marketing.
The company organized organic hazelnut producers and production as a project in a specific location of the Black Sea Region. Due to limitations of time, access to the areas and finance, the 3 villages of Çamlica, Akçay and Derebaşõ, where 64% of the organic hazelnut producers in the project resided, were selected as the research area
A total of 100 hazelnut producers; 40 organic and 60 conventional hazelnut producers were selected randomly from the 3 villages. Then these producers were interviewed. The survey research method and its main tool, the interview method, were chosen for data collection for this project. The observations made in the field supported the data that was collected.
It was found from the survey that the meaning of organic hazelnut production was different between organic and conventional producers. This difference in opinions was due to the lack of general information about organic production and its objectives to support information about the specific project. This was the reason why the producers had very little contact with the company’s representatives, who had the job of providing them the reliable and necessary information about the process.
It was observed that financial benefits like premium prices and market guarantee were the single most important motivation for conversion. This information may suggest there is a positive relation between economic profitability and the adoption rate of organic hazelnut production.
The reasons why producers did not convert, on the other hand, were mainly related to the producers’ perceptions about potential production problems and the reliability of the company. The main reasons for these concerns were the lack of good examples and experience among the producers, and misconceptions about organic production systems. Production problems and issues with the company representatives were the reasons why some producers stopped to produce organically. Promoting organic hazel nut production may be an alternative solution for the over-production problem of hazelnuts in Turkey.
Organic hazelnut production involves the use of sophisticated agricultural practices to gain better cultivation of crops. Hazelnut is of oval shaped structure with hard shell covered. The overall dimensions of hazelnut would range about 25 mm in length and 15 mm in diameter. These are mainly employed in the production of confectioneries. Also these are ingredients of sweets and food in most of western countries. It satisfies certain essential dietary [click to continue…]
Hazelnut annual consumption rate around the globe reaches 215 thousand tones. In the nineties it has been increasing to 300 thousand tones. Yet, more than half of the world population would not have realized that they consume it in large quantities everyday. It is because hazelnut is not only consumed in the form of raw nut alone, but also as the main ingredient in chocolate, coffee flavoring, the famous vodka-based liqueurs branded Frangelico, cookies, ice cream, salads and even cooking oil (hazelnut oil). It is also mostly used in confectionery to make praline. Or, when combined with chocolate, it is to make truffles. While in Turkey, it is used as one of common ingredients in home cooking. [click to continue…]
Climate Requirements: Hazels can only grow sufficiently to yield large amounts of nuts in moist, temperate climates. The perfect example of such climate is Black Sea region of Turkey. While hazels can be grown in hotter climates which are not as moist, the lack of rainfall warrants constant watering.
Soil Requirements: Hazel roots spread a lot and will not go too deep into the soil, going only as far as 80 centimeters deep in sloped areas. The soil requirements aren’t too steep but as always soil that is rich in nutrients and deep will contribute to the production.
Chocolate Mini Muffins with Toasted Hazelnuts
Planting Period: Hazels should be planted between October and the start of spring. In regions with warm winters, October-November, in regions with harsh winters or high altitude February-March, when it will be warm, is advised. The advantage of planting in autumn is being able to replace the trees that aren’t satisfactory before spring, therefore not losing time.
Fertilizers: From the moment hazels are planted, fertilizers are very important in hazelnut production to ensure quality yield and health. To get the desired results, soil must be tested to decide which kinds of fertilizers are required. Hazels normally grow in soil with ph values of 5-7. Values less than this have detrimental effect on growth.Lime can be added to combat acidity and best time to do this would be November and December. Periodically tests must be conducted to see if adding more lime is required.
Lime and phosphorus shouldn’t be added to the soil in the same year. The fertilizers with nitrogen should be sprinkled 50-60 centimeters away from the trunk under the leaves and mixed with the 3-5 centimeters of depth in soil. This will help pest control as well as proper distribution of fertilizer.
