Unseasonably warm weather in Turkey's Black Sea region, a global hub for hazelnut production, is causing concern among local producers. The absence of snowfall and higher-than-average temperatures pose risks of fertilization and agricultural frost disasters to the country's green gold.
Atakan Akça, the president of the Altıordu Agricultural Chamber, warned of the challenges that climate change-related issues pose to hazelnut cultivation. "We are facing a climate change that affects our country, world and region. Due to these problems last year, hazelnuts experienced fertilization issues, and the yield decreased by 20 to 25 percent. We are facing the same problems this year, too."
Akça emphasized the importance of timely snowfall and expressed concerns over the potential for prolonged drought or late-season agricultural frost. He also noted the rising hazelnut prices, with current rates around 110 Liras ($3.6) per kilo, and higher for superior yields. The price surge is due to farmers holding onto their products and the low yield making the product scarce.
Despite an estimated yield of 750,000 tons, Turkey's actual hazelnut yield this year is just 500,000 - 550,000 tons. Akça urged universities and research institutes to develop climate-resistant hazelnut varieties.
Source: hurriyetdailynews.com