Organic Agricultural Growing in Turkey

WASHINGTON - May 25/06 - SNS -- Organic agricultural production in Turkey began in the 1980s, spurred exclusively by demand in Europe, according to the U.S. agricultural attache for the country.

It has expanded since then throughout Turkey with the number of farmers in organic agriculture increasing each year. The industry is geared specifically for the export market with domestic demand being very limited.

Initially, the variety of organic products was limited. The first organic products produced in Turkey were Sultana grapes. Today around 175 kinds of agricultural products are organically produced in Turkey.

Dried fruit has been the major sector for organic production in Turkey. Edible nuts, spices and herbs, fresh/processed fruits and vegetables, pulses, cereals, industrial crops, oil seeds, and other raw/processed products make up the remaining categories.

Turkey is in a very advantageous location due to the ecological and climatological conditions of the region. The organic agricultural production in Turkey started with contracts between Turkish producers and the European importers. Currently, private farms and non-governmental organizations are responsible for vast majority of the organic production.

As a result, exporters can ensure that the products meet the standards and also the producers are satisfied with the payment guarantee. There are no major cooperatives involved in organic production; however, there are a number of small cooperatives in villages, counties and towns. These cooperatives are established for specific products, such as hazelnuts.

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