Hazelnut Haberleri - Son Dakika Hazelnut Haber Güncel Gelişmeler

In hazelnuts, harvesting costs are being reduced with nets

In Düzce, approximately 632,000 decares out of a total of 750,000 decares are dedicated to hazelnut production. Among the highest input costs in hazelnut farming is the harvesting process. In the region, where hazelnut cultivation occurs at elevations of 0-250 and 250-500 meters, producers typically perform hand-harvesting from the branches. In orchards with mixed plantings, harvesting hazelnuts that reach maturity at different times simultaneously can lead to significant losses in yield and quality. To reduce the rising labor costs for producers in Düzce, adopting the net system for harvesting is recommended. This method helps prevent yield losses that occur with hand-harvested nuts and reduces the input costs per unit area. The net system also significantly lowers the costs associated with cleaning weeds from beneath the trees. With the net system, hazelnuts that mature on the branches can be collected by shaking the branches, which avoids damage to next year's buds and shoots that can occur during hand-harvesting. Mature hazelnuts, which fall to the ground either naturally or through shaking, have high yield since they are fully filled. Harvesting from the ground offers a yield advantage of at least 2-3 compared to hand-harvesting from the branches, especially in maintaining the market quality of exported products. Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry Esra Uzun noted that using the net system for harvesting provides a cost advantage in terms of labor. "In orchards where hazelnuts are hand-harvested, the cost of labor per decare can be 8-10 workers, whereas with the net system, a producer can harvest the hazelnuts from 1 decare of land with just 2 or 3 workers in a day," she said. Director Uzun visited Ercan İlhan's orchard and congratulated him for setting an example in the region with his production methods. She encouraged other producers to consider this system and wished all producers a fruitful and bountiful 2024 production season.

Demands of the hazelnut sector

At the '2024 Hazelnut Season Consultation Meeting' organized by the Çarşamba Commodity Exchange (ÇTB), the sector's problems were addressed. The meeting was held at the ÇTB M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu Meeting Hall with the participation of ÇTB Board of Directors and council members, as well as members engaged in hazelnut trading. The Commodity Exchange organized a consultation meeting to evaluate the season before the new hazelnut season begins. During the meeting, exchange members and sector representatives discussed their expectations for the new season and the latest developments in the hazelnut market. Recommendations to improve product quality and market demands were addressed. The meeting was hosted by ÇTB Board Vice Chairman Selim Yılmaz and the exchange council, representing Çarşamba Commodity Exchange Chairman Kazım Yılmaz. "We will continue to work for the stronger growth of our sector" The opening of the meeting was conducted by ÇTB Board Vice Chairman Selim Yılmaz, Council Chairman Hacı Toraman, and General Secretary Sercan Yaşar. In his opening speech, Selim Yılmaz stated, “We are striving to evaluate the expectations, demands, and suggestions of our producers and industrialists for the 2024 season and work towards a common understanding. We are making firm steps by finalizing the strategies for the new season with our members. We will continue to work for the stronger growth of our sector in hazelnut production and trade, which we have maintained for centuries. We thank all the members who participated in the consultation meeting. We wish our hazelnut season a successful and fruitful one. Our hope is that the new season will be productive and abundant.” The meeting discussed the demands of members active in the hazelnut sector and issues related to hazelnut trade, one of the region’s most significant economic contributors. The meeting concluded after participants shared their views and suggestions.

Harvest intensity among motorized brush cutter repair shops

In Samsun's Çarşamba district, there is increased activity at motorized brush cutter repair shops due to the hazelnut harvest. In Çarşamba, the repair work of motorized brush cutters, used for clearing weeds before the hazelnut harvest, has intensified. Farmers are not only getting their engines serviced but also procuring the necessary equipment to make the most of the season. Rising motor prices are prompting farmers to repair their faulty engines instead of replacing them with new ones. İsmail Uzunoğlu, who has been repairing motorized brush cutters in Çarşamba for many years, noted a significant increase in the number of motors coming in for repair recently. Uzunoğlu said, “Demand for motorized brush cutters is very high due to the hazelnut harvest. In the coming period, we expect an increase in interest in blowers and collection motors.” Uzunoğlu also mentioned that the rise in motor prices is driving farmers to repair their malfunctioning engines rather than buying new ones. He added, “One reason for the increase in repair work is the rising motor prices. New motors start at around 15,000 to 20,000 TL and can go up to 50,000 TL. This price increase is starting to strain farmers' budgets.” Uzunoğlu emphasized the importance of maintaining motors and warned that running motorized brush cutters continuously for long periods can lead to serious faults. He explained, “When motors run non-stop for extended periods, problems like wear and overheating can occur in their internal mechanisms. Therefore, it’s crucial to give the motor occasional breaks. Otherwise, farmers might face expensive major repairs.”

The hazelnut purchase price has been set

Accordingly, the price for Levant quality hazelnuts has been set at 130 TL per kilogram, while the price for Giresun quality hazelnuts is set at 132 TL per kilogram. A written statement from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry stated, "For the 2024/2025 season, the purchase prices for in-shell hazelnuts have been determined based on 50% sound nut basis; 130 TL/kg for Levant quality and 132 TL/kg for Giresun quality." Additionally, producers will be able to make appointments through TMO offices and e-Government starting from August 12. In-shell hazelnut purchases will begin on August 19, and purchases will be conducted through an appointment system.

Hazelnuts reached 105 Turkish Liras in the free market in Ordu

In Ordu, hazelnut prices in the free market have risen to 105 Turkish Liras. Arslan Soydan, Board Member of the Union of Turkish Agricultural Chambers, stated, "Our producers stood firm and only brought to the market the amount of hazelnuts needed, which contributed to the increase in prices." Ordu, which produces the highest amount of hazelnuts in Turkey, announced a yield of 198,838 tons in 2023. On August 28, the Grain Board (TMO) started purchasing hazelnuts with 50% yield at 82.5 liras, while high-quality hazelnuts from Giresun were traded at 84 liras. With TMO's purchases, hazelnuts started trading at 70 liras in the free market and eventually reached 100 liras. However, after a period, prices fell back to around 85 liras when producers refrained from bringing hazelnuts to the market. When producers held back hazelnuts from the market, prices rose again to 105 liras. "Our producers stood firm" Arslan Soydan, a Board Member of the Union of Turkish Agricultural Chambers, mentioned that hazelnut prices, which had been around 85-90 liras for about two months, reached 105 liras again when hazelnuts were not supplied to the market. Soydan stated, "Our producers did not sell hazelnuts at 90 liras because they did not sell them at 100 liras. Our producers stood firm and only brought to the market the amount needed, which contributed to the increase in prices. During this process, our export figures continue to be good, and there is demand for hazelnuts. Producers expected the price to rise above the falling price, and now, due to the firm stance and patience of our producers, prices have increased. Currently, hazelnut prices continue at around 105 liras." "We expect prices to increase, and this price will positively impact the 2024 harvest season." Soydan explained that hazelnuts are gradually entering the market, producers still have stock, and the current price will positively affect the 2024 harvest season. He stated, "Our expectation is that it may exceed 105 liras. If the hazelnut yield is good, it finds buyers above 105 liras. The fact that hazelnut prices have reached these levels and will increase further will positively impact the 2024 harvest season. Prices higher than the current ones will be achieved."

Over 137 thousand tons of hazelnuts were sold in three months

In a written statement from the Giresun Commodity Exchange, information was provided regarding hazelnut sales transactions conducted at 21 commodity exchanges in the hazelnut-producing regions. According to the statement, a total of 137,507 tons of hazelnuts were sold on the exchanges during these months this year. The highest transaction took place in Sakarya with 39,718 tons. It was followed by Ordu with 25,489 tons and Düzce/Bolu with 17,237 tons.

9 million 730 thousand tons of hazelnuts were exported

In 2023, 9 million 730 thousand tons of shelled hazelnuts were exported from Düzce to European Union countries. Turkey, holding 70% of the world hazelnut market, exports hazelnuts to many countries worldwide, especially in Europe. Hazelnuts, in which we rank first in both production and export globally, are produced by thousands of families in Turkey. In Düzce, this year, 489 tons were exported in January, 265 tons in February, 421 tons in March, 255 tons in April, 603 tons in May, 487 tons in June, 534.6 tons in July, 424.9 tons in August, 1,172 tons 750 kilograms in September, 933 tons in October, 1,909 tons in November, and 2,236 thousand tons in December, totaling 9 million 494 thousand tons and 25 kilograms of shelled hazelnut exports.

Hazelnut prices have started 2024 with an increase

In the final days of the year, hazelnut prices saw an increase in the free market, following the statements made by AK Party Giresun Deputy Ali Temür during the budget discussions in the Turkish Grand National Assembly, stating that the Grain Board (TMO) would not sell hazelnuts in the market. The prices reached levels around 105 Turkish Lira. Mustafa Kankaya, a hazelnut market trader in Giresun Center, mentioned that hazelnut prices remained stagnant between 98 and 100 Turkish Lira in the last months of 2023. He stated, 'There were reasons for this, one of which was the threat of the over 100,000 tons of hazelnuts in TMO stocks to the market and the rumors that TMO would sell hazelnuts in the market. As a result of the meetings of our deputies from the AK Party Giresun Province with our Minister of Agriculture and Forestry and the General Manager of TMO in the TBMM Hazelnut Working Group, after the statements of our AK Party Giresun Deputy Mr. Ali Temür during the budget discussions in the parliament that TMO would not sell hazelnuts in the market, hazelnut prices quickly reached 105 Turkish Lira.' Kankaya stated that, as of today, Giresun quality hazelnuts are traded at 105 Turkish Lira in the free market, while Levant quality is traded between 98 and 100 Turkish Lira. Regarding producers who have not yet sold their hazelnuts, he said, 'If the government's policy on hazelnuts continues in this way, and if excess product is not introduced to the market before the producers sell their hazelnuts, I anticipate that hazelnut prices will continue to rise in the new year.' Sharing his views on the impact of climate conditions on the upcoming season's harvest, Kankaya said, 'Not experiencing winter fully is crucial for hazelnut farming and the upcoming season's harvest. Although we are traders and not agricultural engineers, based on my experiences, I can say that as of the first week of January, unfortunately, there is still no snow in the center. For hazelnut blossoms to form in our villages, the required, expected cold weather has not yet occurred. If you ask where I see this, we are all hazelnut producers at the same time. When we go to our village on the weekend, we observe the situation of this year compared to the previous year and reach this conclusion. Hazelnut is a very valuable agricultural product for the Black Sea region and our country. The correct timing of climate conditions for the birth, growth, and formation of hazelnuts is of great importance. When weather conditions deviate from seasonal norms, it directly affects hazelnut prices.'

28% of Turkey's annual hazelnut exports come from Trabzon

In 2023, Turkey exported 284,141 tons of hazelnuts, generating a foreign exchange income of 1 billion 866 million 735 thousand 417 dollars. The hazelnut export in 2023 experienced a 9% decrease in quantity and a 7% increase in value compared to the previous year. The major share in hazelnut exports to a total of 121 countries was held by traditional export markets in European countries. In 2023, Trabzon alone accounted for 28% of the total hazelnut export, exporting 82,392 tons of hazelnuts and generating a foreign exchange income of 531 million 17 thousand 330 dollars. Despite a 22% decrease in the quantity of hazelnuts exported from Trabzon compared to the previous year, there was a 4% decrease in export value. Trabzon exported hazelnuts to 59 different countries, with the top export destinations being Italy, Germany, Poland, France, and Brazil. Sebahattin Arslantürk, Vice Chairman of the Hazelnut and Products Sector Committee of the Eastern Black Sea Exporters Association, stated that due to the highest inflation in recent years in traditional export markets, primarily European countries and other global markets, there were significant declines in orders, affecting hazelnut exports. Arslantürk emphasized that alongside the negative situation caused by global inflationary pressures abroad, high-rate increases in production costs, especially in energy and labor costs, difficulties in accessing finance, and high-interest rates have negatively affected exporters. However, despite these challenges, hazelnut exporters have managed to end the year with an increase. Arslantürk expressed expectations of a partial recovery in European markets in 2024 but noted that buyers would continue to be cautious. He mentioned that they anticipate a season where orders will be based on market dynamics. Arslantürk emphasized that the recovery may only be felt in the second half of 2024, considering the cautious approach of buyers. He highlighted the need to consider 2024 as a cautious year for hazelnut exports. Discussing the importance of increasing yield per unit in hazelnut production and exports to maintain Turkey's traditional advantage, Arslantürk noted, 'Despite having a production area of 750,000 hectares, the production quantity remains below 700,000 tons. The average for Turkey is 85 kg per hectare, and in Trabzon, we cannot even reach 50 kilograms per hectare. We are in a position to have the least efficient production in the world with a yield of 85 kg. With such low efficiency, it is not possible for producers to sustain this production quantity with these supports. If more emphasis is given to orchard renewal efforts, it is possible to increase the yield 4-5 times. Therefore, supportive policies in Turkey should encourage producers toward more quality and yield-increasing production. In terms of hazelnut exports, which are the most significant source of foreign exchange income in our country, it is crucial to take precautions against the global threat of climate change, which is a threat to all agricultural products. If improvement efforts are not made considering the annual yield losses caused by global warming, significant losses will be experienced in the sector.' Arslantürk pointed out that all countries with agricultural superiority have become the most important strategic sectors for agriculture and food products to protect against the risk of climate change and ensure food security for the population. He urged Turkey to show the necessary sensitivity to this situation and for the ministries to urgently implement policies necessary to ensure the sustainability of agricultural products and encourage producers for production. He also emphasized that supporting exporters would be an important investment to maintain our strategic advantage in hazelnuts.

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