Turkey Expects 7000,000 MT Hazelnut Crop

WASHINGTON - Aug 24/06 - SNS -- Hazelnut production in Turkey could end up around 700,000 metric tons (MT) in 2007 as long as weather conditions remain normal for the growing and harvest seasons, believes the U.S. agricultural attache for the country.

Hazelnut production capacity is currently at about 800,000 MT and could even reach to 900,000 MT during the next decade if more plantings continue. It takes seven to ten years for hazelnut orchards to produce at full capacity.

Of this total, Middle and Eastern Black Sea regions have a capacity of 525,000 MT and the Western Black Sea region has a capacity of 275,000 MT. This year's production estimates are about 475,000 MT and 275,000 MT, respectively for a total of 750,000 MT.

"It is too early to estimate the crop quality and kernel yields, which will affect the (utilizable) production," the agricultural attache said.

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