Sakarya Commodity Exchange 5th Professional Committee Consultation Meeting Held
In his remarks at the meeting, Mustafa Genç, Chairman of the Board of the Sakarya Commodity Exchange, stated that productivity and quality must be prioritized for the future of the hazelnut sector, noting that it would be difficult for the industry to reach its desired level unless production efficiency and quality are improved.
Emphasizing the need to focus on increasing productivity in existing orchards rather than expanding production areas in an unplanned manner, Chairman Mustafa Genç drew attention to the growing impact of factors such as global climate change, drought, frost, and the brown marmorated stink bug on production volumes and product quality.
“Quality is one of the sector's most significant issues”
Sharing his expectations for the new season, Chairman Genç noted that while production is anticipated to be better than last season, it still falls short of Turkey’s true production potential.
Highlighting that product quality is just as critical as production volume and price in the hazelnut sector, Mustafa Genç pointed out that quality issues have emerged in certain production regions, particularly due to the brown marmorated stink bug. Stating that information from production regions—especially Ordu, Samsun, Düzce, and Sakarya—is being closely monitored, Genç asserted that the fight against the brown marmorated stink bug must be conducted through an effective and sustainable approach covering all production areas, rather than being limited to specific regions.
He highlighted the TMO’s role in the market
Touching upon the role of the Turkish Grain Board (TMO) in stabilizing the market, Chairman Genç cited developments during the grain season to illustrate how public procurement and financial capacity can serve as vital tools for ensuring the market functions healthily.
Pointing out that the export-oriented nature of the hazelnut sector differs from that of the grain sector, Genç stated that policies to be implemented must be formulated with the industry's unique conditions in mind. Chairman Genç emphasized that ensuring the sustainability of the hazelnut sector requires a holistic approach to reducing production costs, increasing productivity in existing orchards, preventing quality losses, effectively combating the brown marmorated stink bug, and developing policies to ensure market stability.
“We must protect our export markets”
Touching upon developments in export and hazelnut-based product markets, Chairman Genç noted that—particularly in the European market—manufacturers plan their costs for the long term, and in a low-inflation environment, it is difficult to pass on significant cost increases to final product prices at the same rate.
Pointing out that high costs could influence the product choices and usage volumes of manufacturers who utilize hazelnuts, Mustafa Genç stated that regaining lost markets is no easy task. Underlining the need to preserve the competitiveness of Turkish hazelnuts in international markets, Chairman Genç stated that quality, the fight against the brown marmorated stink bug, the TMO’s (Turkish Grain Board) purchasing policy, producers' financing needs, and the protection of export markets would be the key agenda items for the new season.
Developments in Chile’s hazelnut sector discussed
Emin Cenk, Secretary General of the Sakarya Commodity Exchange, delivered a presentation on Chile’s hazelnut sector, which has shown significant growth in recent years.
Noting that Chile has rapidly emerged as a noteworthy producer in the global hazelnut sector, Cenk stated that a planned and modern production model lies behind this growth. Observing that the Chilean example demonstrates that merely increasing production volume is insufficient, Cenk highlighted the importance of addressing productivity, quality, technology, industrial integration, and market-oriented planning in tandem. We must connect our producers with technology
Lokman İçöz, Chairman of the 5th Professional Committee of the Sakarya Commodity Exchange, also shared his views on the widespread adoption of modern hazelnut production techniques, the importance of informed pesticide application, and the reduction of production costs.
Highlighting the importance of farmers making greater use of technical resources and modern equipment, İçöz emphasized the need for the correct application of pesticides in hazelnut orchards, the promotion of informed spraying practices, and the prevention of unnecessary pesticide use.
Stating that providing technical support to producers and connecting them more closely with technology is vital for the sector, İçöz noted that the widespread adoption of modern and innovative production methods would also contribute to lowering production costs.
Officials from the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture provided information regarding hazelnut yield forecasting efforts.
In a presentation delivered by Crop Production Branch Manager İsa Altay and Specialist Selda Kayalak Balık, details were provided on the methods and calculation criteria used for yield forecasting, the selection of land and orchards, cluster counts, the assessment of production areas, and the process of conducting fieldwork.