Hazelnut Farmers Face Up to 25% Loss Concerns

As the hazelnut harvest season approaches, initial observations from the field are causing concern among producers. In the coordination of the Ordu Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the first stage of the study examined the coastal areas, and Altınordu Ziraat Odası Chairman Atakan Akça stated that the intense pest infestation on the branches could be misleading.

Hazelnut Producers Face Threat - Initial observations indicating significant yield losses in hazelnuts are alarming producers.

■Problems with pollination and pest damage are increasing the total loss.

■According to initial assessments, there is a 20-22% product loss in the gardens, and Akça says, "Current indicators point to a harvest of around 600,000 tons." ## Harvest Detection Studies - Akça stated that the harvest detection studies will be completed by July 20, and after the report is prepared, the official harvest announcement will be made by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry on July 23.

■Akça warned producers not to neglect garden maintenance, stating that the cost of pesticide application for a hectare of hazelnut garden can reach 1,000 liras, including labor, and that not applying pesticides can result in much larger losses due to pests.

■Akça said, "A producer who avoids pesticide application costs of around 1,000 liras may face product losses of up to 10,000 liras per hectare." ## Call to Producers - Akça noted that the current hazelnut prices in the free market do not satisfy producers and stated that selling products before the new season's purchase price is announced would not be correct.

■Akça evaluated, "Currently, prices do not even cover the producers' costs. It would be more accurate for producers to wait for the price to be announced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Soil Products Office after the harvest studies are completed." > The cooperation between hazelnut producers and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is of critical importance for the future of the sector. Determining a price that will cover the producers' costs will ensure the sustainability of the sector.