Hazelnut Council (October 10-14, 2004)
The 3rd National Hazelnut Council was held in Giresun on October 10-14, 2004. The Organizing Committee, motivated by the problems facing hazelnuts, which accounted for 75% of world production due to misguided policies implemented in all periods except the Atatürk era, called on all stakeholders involved in the hazelnut industry to participate in the council. The letter accompanying the call for participation highlighted that hazelnuts were declared our first and only national product during the Atatürk era and that the 1st National Hazelnut Congress led to the transformation of the Business Company into the Exporters’ Union, the establishment of Fiskobirlik, the first producer union, and the establishment of the Hazelnut Station, which later became the Hazelnut Research Institute. The letter claimed that in subsequent periods, political logic was applied to hazelnut-related circles, causing sensitivity towards this product to disappear. It argued that while the third hazelnut council has not yet been held, the tenth or even twentieth should be held today.
A Steering Committee comprising 70 civil society organizations, 8 political parties, and around 20 media representatives was formed for the 3rd Hazelnut Council held at the Giresun Provincial Special Administration Culture Palace. It was stated that presentations on hazelnuts were received from all sectors, especially universities, with the aim of finding fundamental solutions to the problems facing the hazelnut industry. A final declaration was published following the council. This final declaration, consisting of 29 articles, contains the following points in summary.
– Reorganizing the hazelnut planting system to increase productivity and quality
– Emphasizing scientific techniques that will not compromise quality and standards in newly established orchards
– Increasing promotional activities in domestic and international markets
– Creating a database for instruments that influence and shape domestic consumption
– Formation of an 8-person team within the Ministry of Agriculture to determine hazelnut yields
– Implementation of Law No. 2844 on the determination and delimitation of hazelnut planting areas
– Taking measures to prevent aflatoxin formation during harvest time
– The importance of the protein and fats contained in hazelnuts for human health, and the necessity of consuming hazelnuts in daily meals
– The establishment of a health unit for hazelnuts and the sale of developed products as medicines in pharmacies
– The establishment of a supreme council for hazelnuts to guide the work of all sectors related to hazelnuts
– Giving due importance to ecological hazelnut production
– The aflatoxin level is closely related to the export volume of hazelnuts. In this regard, attention should be paid to the aflatoxin level determined by the EU.
– The use of new technologies for the storage of hazelnuts should be encouraged.
- Establishment of a National Hazelnut Policy
- Transition to a licensed warehousing system
- Establishment of a Hazelnut Exchange
- Modernization of the Hazelnut Research Institute
- Exporting hazelnuts not as raw material but processed to increase added value
- Increasing yield per unit area
- Establishment of a “World Hazelnut Center”
- Organization of hazelnut fairs
- Amending inheritance law to prevent the fragmentation and downsizing of hazelnut farms through inheritance
- Implementing state subsidies for the 1st standard region
- Implementing an Agricultural Insurance System that covers hazelnuts
- Making incentives for alternative crops to hazelnuts more attractive
- Hazelnuts must be supported
In summary, the 3rd National Hazelnut Council concluded with the results statement provided above being communicated to all relevant institutions and organizations.
