Organic Agriculture in Turkey 2004

Export Promotion Centre of Turkey (IGEME), Department of Agriculture

Turkey ist a major producer and exporter of various agricultural products, and organic agriculture in Turkey started with the international demand from major export partners. Production has been realized according to the standards and certification systems of the importing countries, which were mainly EU countries. Currently 103'190 hectares are managed organically, which corresponds to 0.4% of the total agricultural area.

Major product groups are dried fruits, edible nuts, spices and herbs as well as fresh and processed fruits and vegetables. A state regulation on organic farming has been in force since 1994. Together with the regulation a logo to be used on organic agricultural products was introduced. In order to provide a firm legal basis for the organization and enhancement of the organic sector, a framework law was developed and put into force in December 2004.

1 Agriculture in Turkey

Historically, the agricultural sector has been Turkey’s largest employer and a major contributor to the country’s GDP, exports and industrial growth. However, as the country has developed, the importance of agriculture has declined relative to the rapidly growing industry and services sectors.

Although the share of agriculture in the Turkish economy has tended to fall over a period of several decades due to the increase in industrial and services sectors, it still accounts for a relatively larger share of total output and employment than in many other countries. Agriculture’s share of GDP declined from 35 % in 1970 to 22 % in 1980 and to 11.8 % in 2003. Although the importance of agriculture within the GDP decreases with respect to years, a great part of the population is still earning their living from agriculture (30.3% in 2003). Crop production represents 67 % of the total agricultural production, livestock represents 26 % and the rest comprises forestry and fishery products.    

Turkey is the largest producer and exporter of agricultural products in the Near East and North African region. Despite the overall trade deficit of Turkey, the agricultural trade balance is significantly positive, providing some relief to external accounts. Trade liberalization and rising demand in the region resulted in agricultural product exports (excluding agro industry) rising to a value of approximately US $ 2.5 billion in 2003 and accounted for 5.3 % of Turkey’s total export earnings.

2 History and Development of Organic Agriculture

Turkey with its immense experience in farming practices, different climatic conditions and rich biodiversity possesses a high potential for organic agriculture. Although organic farming and in-conversion land constitute a small proportion of the total agricultural land, this proportion is growing from year to year with the increasing health awareness in domestic and international markets.

Being a major producer and exporter in various agricultural products, organic agriculture started with the international demand from major export partners of Turkey. By adjusting their production system according to the demand of importing firms, production has been realized according to the standards and certification systems of the importing countries, which were mainly EU countries.

Organic agriculture was initiated in Izmir which is located in the Aegean region, in 1985 with dried fruits. The reason why this province became the major production site in organic agriculture is that major production and processing facilities are located there and since it is an important harbour, most of the products could be exported with minimum transportation costs. Therefore many producer and certification organizations are located in Izmir .

But today, organic agricultural production has expanded to all regions; Izmir, Malatya, Sanliurfa, Aydin, Bursa, Hatay, Kütahya, Isparta, Rize and Afyon are today the leading provinces in organic agricultural production. The number of farmers in Turkey applying with organic agricultural methods is also increasing year by year.

In 1992, to support to movement and development in organic production, the Ecological Agricultural Organization Association (ETO) was founded. With a close cooperation with the Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs (MARA), this Association tried to increase the awareness in organic production methods among farmers and related organizations. In 1999 and 2001, two symposia were organized by this Association.

Contract farming has been an important feature in organic agricultural production. This method enables contractors to ensure that the product meets certain standards and for producers to guarantee a previously agreed payment.

3 Development of Organic Agriculture in Figures and current statistics

At the beginning of the 1990’s, the number of organic farmers was very small and did not change to a big extent over the years. But towards the end of the decade a huge increase in the production of organic agricultural products was observed. Many farmers decided to change their conventional production methods to adaptation of organic techniques.

Table 1: Development of Organic Agriculture in Turkey

Source for number of producers and number of product varieties: Akkaya et.al, 2001
Source for Land under organic management: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA)

According to the temporary results of the Agriculture Census, which is conducted every ten years, in 2001 the total number of agricultural holdings was approximately 3.1 million, showing a reduction of one million since 1991 when the previous census was conducted. With respect to the organic agricultural sector, it therefore can be said that although still a small percentage (0.5%) of the total agricultural producers over the last ten years, the share of the organic agriculture has increased considerably.

Statistics regarding organic agriculture are collected by MARA on a provincial basis, where all production data obtained from provinces is then collected. As it can be seen from the Table 1, the area used for organic production is increasing from year to year.

Table 2: Organic Agricultural Area in Turkey for 2003

Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA)

Info: Organic Data Collection

For Information about the governent activities related to organic farming statistics check the paper "Data collecting and evaluation of the organic agriculture system in Turkey" by Erdal Süngü; published in: Recke et al 2004: Development of a European Information System for Organic Markets - Improving the Scope and Quality of Statistical Data. Proceedings of the 1st EISfOM European Seminar held in Berlin, Germany. Page 87-90, Frick, Switzerland, 2005, Available at http://orgprints.org/2935/

4 Production and Exports

Although the dried fruits sector was the pioneer in Turkey’s organic agricultural sector in 1985, today there exist nine major product groups, which are now produced extensively not only for foreign markets but for domestic consumers as well. These nine subgroups are:

• Dried Fruits
• Edible Nuts
• Spices and Herbs
• Fresh /Processed Fruits and Vegetables
• Pulses
• Cereals
• Industrial Crops
• Oil Seeds
• Other Raw /Processed Products.

Picture 2: Organic egg plants

Source: Burçak Ekolojik Tarim Sti

Picture 3: Organic Laurel Leaves and Linden Flowers

Source: Figsan Dis Ticaret Ltd. Sti

Picture 4: Sun-dried Tomatoes, Pine Kernels and Pistachios

Source: Figsan Dis Ticaret Ltd. Sti

Picture 5: (from left to right) Sesame, Nigella, Fenugreek, White Poppy Seeds, Blue Poppy Seeds, Fennel Seeds and Rosemary

Source: Figsan Dis Ticaret Ltd. Sti

Table3: Organic Agricultural Production in Turkey by Years (Tons)

Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA)

Organic livestock production is yet a minor sector in organic agriculture, but it is expected that production will increase in the following years as a result of growth in domestic demand.

Table 3: Organic Animal Husbandry Production in Turkey (Tons)

Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA)

Turkish exporters are aware of the health and environmental considerations of customers and satisfy these customer needs by offering products, which comply with both legislative and market requirements. Instruments such as ISO 9001: 2000 and HACCP are positive arguments for quality and food safety. Turkish exporters have successfully followed these developments which affect world trade.

Even though there is no separate Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System for organic agricultural products in Turkey, export figures are collected from Exporter Unions. Exporting firms submit their foreign trade data on a voluntary basis, which is then published by The Aegean Exporters’ Union, the coordinating organization for the export of organic products.

Picture 6: Peach Tree

Source: Burcak Ekolojik Tarim Sti

Turkish organic agricultural products are becoming more and more familiar to foreign importers. The destinations of Turkey's organic agricultural products’ exports reached 37 countries in 2003. The majority of exports are directed to the European Union Countries: Germany, The Netherlands, The UK, Italy and France are the major export markets of Turkey. Switzerland, The USA, Belgium, Denmark, Austria, Thailand, Spain, Canada, Australia, Sweden, Bulgaria, India, Japan, Slovenia and New Zealand are other developing export markets.

Table 5: Exports of Major Organic Agricultural Products of Turkey (Q: Quantity: Tons, V: Value: US $ 000)

Source: Aegean Exporters’ Union

Table 6: Exports of Major Organic Agricultural Products by Countries in 2003 (Q: Quantity: tons, V: Value: US $ 1000)

Source: Aegean Exporters’ Union

Picture 7: Mountain Tea

Source: Evrenler Ihr. Ith. Tur. Tic. Ltd.Sti.

5 The Market

As mentioned earlier, the majority (about 80-90%) of the production of organic agricultural products is being exported. Domestic consumers show only little interest in these products due to the high price margin between organic and conventional products. These price margins are estimated to be between 50-300%, depending on the product. In a study conducted in Ankara in 2001, it was found that consumers were willing to pay 50 to 100% more without decreasing their consumption for organic tomatoes, cucumbers, poultry and eggs; but in general, they stated that they would willing to pay for a premium of 2% (Koç, 2001).

Since generally consumers with a high income level are able to afford these products, recently, especially in big cities and regions with a high income, occasionally some supermarket chains operating on a national level are trying to introduce these products to Turkish consumers. It is expected that as the income level of consumers increases, more consumers will be able to buy these products. Recently a few supermarket chains focussing only on organic and natural products have been opened. Again, some independent local organic food shops have also become available in metropolitan areas.

Another reason for the low consumption level is that most consumers are not very much aware of the difference between conventional and organic products, therefore some educational campaigns are required to increase the demand. In 1999, a study conducted by Akgüngör et.al. showed that only a small percentage (8.7%) had heard about organic agricultural production methods.

Also, many organic agricultural producers are producing on a small scale they have not established a sales network yet due to high operation costs and therefore have difficulties reaching the consumers. With the establishment of various producer organizations and increase in the production scale, it is believed that this problem will be solved over the following years.

Since many organic agriculture producers work on a small scale, high certification costs may sometimes cause the farmers to sell their products as conventional ones. But as the importance of organic farming will be better understood and the demand will increase, producers will realize the significance of certification.

6 Organic Agriculture Organisations

Ministry Of Agriculture And Rural Affairs - Tarim ve Köyisleri Bakanl

MARA is responsible for the general management of the organic system in Turkey. MARA services in Ankara include two sections: main service units and advisory and control units. These five main groups at MARA are the General Directorate of Agricultural Production and Development, General Directorate of Plant Protection and Control, General Directorate of Structuring and Support, General Directorate for Agricultural Research and Department for Foreign Affairs and EU-Coordination. Within MARA, the Secretariat of Organic Agriculture and the Organic Agriculture Committee was established in 1993 under the Department of Research, Planning and Coordination, which is classified as one of the advisory and control units. Through a decision of the Minister published in August 22, 2003 dated Official Gazette, the responsibility was taken from the Department of Research, Planning and Coordination and given to DG of Agricultural Production and Development. Currently staff dealing with issues on OA is employed at the Department of Alternative Agricultural Production Techniques Department (AAPT) within the General Directorate of Agricultural Production and Development.

The stakeholders from the civil society are consisting of three committees established: National Orientation Committee (NOC), National Trade Committee (NTC) and National Research Committee (NRC). The first two operate under the General Directorate of Agricultural Production and Development whereas the third, NRC, under the General Directorate for Agricultural Research. These three committees are established to work with the Ministry in setting up the priority lists and developing a national strategy, and in determining the weaknesses and opportunities in organic agriculture.

• Ministry Of Agriculture And Rural Affairs - Tarim ve Köyisleri Bakanl, Milli Müdafaa Caddesi No: 20, 06100 Kizilay/Ankara, Tel +90 312 424 05 80, Fax +90-312- 417 00 26, Web Site http://www.tarim.gov.tr

General Secretariat of the Aegean Exporter's Unions - Ege Ihracatçlari Birligi Genel Sekreterligi

The Exporters' Unions in Turkey undertake the following tasks and functions:

1. To establish and preserve the traditional principles and values of the sector and to establish collaboration and solidarity among the members

2. To work for the development of the exports parallel to the general benefits of Turkey

3. To make studies with the aim of harmonizing the production and export potential of Turkey with the requirements of the importing countries as regards the types, qualities and quantities of the exportable items

4. To make research, to organize courses and seminars, to provide similar services to its members in order to promote and increase the exports of its members

5. To help the members in their disputes with the importers, to make necessary attempts for protecting the rights of the members when it is proven that the exporter has suffered losses due to the fault or fraud of the importer

6. To establish and develop relations with the international organizations, to protect the interests of the members and the country as a whole

7. To establish branches in the foreign countries in order to realize the tasks and functions expected from it

8. To buy, sell and hire estate in order to provide better service to the members

9. To establish and/or buy the shares of the other institutions like laboratories, research centers etc. in order to meet the common needs of the members

10. To make exhibitions, to participate in fairs and exhibitions, to prepare and launch publicity and promotional activities, to establish laboratories, to develop common sales contracts

11. To perform other duties given by the Prime Ministry's Undersecretariat for Treasury and Foreign Trade.

• General Secretariat of the Aegean Exporter's Unions - Ege Ihracatçlari Birligi Genel Sekreterligi, Atatürk Cad. No: 382 Alsancak / IZMIR, Tel. + 90- 232 - 488 60 00, Fax. + 90 232 - 488 61 00, E-mail info@egebirlik.org.tr, Web Site: http://www.egebirlik.org.tr
  
  

Ecological Agricultural Organization Association ETO - Ekolojik Tarım Organizasyonu Derneği

ETO was established in 1992 in Izmir by producers, processors, academic researchers, control organizations and consumers in order to support the development of organic agriculture. Today, this organization has about 200 members.

The aim of this organization is:

• To increase the general awareness of organic agriculture and participate in scientific activities
• Organization of activities involving people technical and commercial areas of organic agriculture, support of studies and develop educational activities.
• Involvement in activities with research organizations and academic institutions, development of the domestic and international market
• Support of certification and control activities and promotion on the use of the label of this organization in domestic and international markets
• Solution of problems related to production, management and marketing with the cooperation of domestic and international public and civil organizations, conducting studies and inform the public.
  
  
  • Ecological Agricultural Organization Association - ETO-Ekolojik Tarım Organizasyonu Derneği, Ege Üniversitesi Ziraat Fakültesi, Bahçe Bitkileri Bölümü Kat: 3, Tel. +90 232 388 40 00-1396, Bornova/İZMİR, Web Site http://www.eto.org.tr, E-mail : info@eto.org.tr

Organic Food Producers and Industrialists Association, ORGÜDER

ORGUDER was founded in 2004 with the aim to increase the cooperation, establish an information exchange network between the organic product producers and processors, both in Turkey and foreign countries, contribute to the general awareness of organic agriculture in the civil society and participate in promotional organizations. Currently having 12 members, specific facilities of this organization include these:

• Contribute to the development of the organic agriculture in Turkey
• Improve the competitiveness Turkish organically grown products with quality and standards that increase the demand both in domestic and international markets
• Participate in organizations which aim is to develop the organic agricultural sector in Turkey
• Acting as an advisory organization to governmental organizations
• Establishing a data base on the production area and structure, processing capacity of firms involved in organic agriculture and supply statistical information related to this sector to their members
• Following the latest developments in this area and passing them to their members
• Participating in activities which object is to protect the environment
• Organizing and participating in activities that would contribute to the development of the organic agricultural sector in Turkey
  
  
  • Organic Food Producers and Industrialists Association, ORGÜDER – Organik Ürün Üreticileri ve Sanayicileri Derneği, Bankacı Sok. 4/6, Kocatepe, 06640 Ankara, Tel. + 90 312- 419 40 25, Fax +90-312- 419 40 11, Web Site http://www.orguder.org.tr, E-mail orguder@orguder.org.tr

Environment, Education, Health and Social Cooperation Foundation

Aiming to protect the natural resources in Turkey, this organization was established in 1989. With this respect, projects that protect the environment and increase the sustainability of natural resources are developed and therefore organic agriculture has become an important part in the activities of this organization. The aim of the so-called ‘Organic Agriculture Project’ implemented by Çesav is to increase the general knowledge on organic agriculture with various seminars and panels and the publication of informational resources and books. Çesav also has signed a protocol with the Agricultural Faculty of Uludağ University, which is located in Bursa, in order to finance and support the studies related to organic agriculture.

Buğday Ecological Life Association, Buğday Ekolojik Yaşam Kapıs

BUĞDAY (stands for 'wheat' in Turkish) was the name of a little pioneer restaurant opened many years ago in the town of Bodrum located at the Aegean coast of Turkey. Initially being a friendly spot offering health food and education activities in a modest two-story building, Buğday gradually became a catalyst for ecological awakening in Turkey.

The need for a platform of communication to spread the word in a wider scope led to the publishing of a magazine. Today, with 6'000 subscribers and 14'000 prints in circulation, the “Buğday” magazine is seen as a point of reference for

• organic agriculture
• eco-tourism
• ecological architecture
• personal development
• production & consumption awareness
• fair-trade
• and many other related areas.

Bugday is a member of IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements), CAT (Centre for Alternative Technology) and publishes the newsletter of GEN-Europe (Global Ecovillage Network) in Turkish. Bugday's contribution to the field also includes joint projects with national and international NGO’s, GO’s, NPOs, POs, universities and field specialists.

• Buğday Ecological Life Association, Buğday Ekolojik Yaşam Kapıs, Lüleci Hendek Cad. Aslan Han No:120 Kat:1 Beyoğlu, İIstanbul, Tel. +90 212 252 52 55, Fax +90 212 252 52 56, Web Site http://www.bugday.org, E-mail dernek@bugday.org

8 Standards and Certification

In order to specify the rules for the production, processing and marketing of the vegetal and livestock products produced by organic methods, organic product regulations are modelled on the EU’s, and a new draft law revising the existing regulations is being developed.

According to this regulation, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) is the authorised agency for organic cultivation.

Private organizations can certify products as organic, but these organizations must be registered by MARA and have received a permit from MARA to conduct certifying activities in Turkey. Currently, there are seven companies active in Turkey, five from Europe.

9 Implementation of the State Regulation on Organic Farming

Although, organic farming firms were applying organic agricultural rules and were being certified individually by certification bodies abroad, there was no domestic regulation or law before 1994.

In 1994, the Regulation on “The Production, Processing and Marketing of Plant and Animal Products produced by Organic Farming Methods” was introduced by MARA. This Regulation dined the contents of organic agricultural activities, the duties of the control and certification bodies and other rules to be applied in organic agriculture. This regulation was in put in force accordance with Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2092/91.

A revision of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2092/91 was introduced in 2002 which is still used today. According to this Regulation, rules on production, processing, labelling, storing and marketing of organic agricultural products were updated and the duties of the control and certification bodies as well as certification procedures were redefined.

Furthermore, a logo to be used on organic agricultural products was introduced with this regulation.

Picture 8: Turkish State Logo for Organic Products

Also, with this Regulation, the “Committee for Organic Agriculture”, the “National Steering Committee of Organic Agriculture“, the “National Research Committee and Project of Organic Agriculture” and the “National Committee for Trade of Organic Agriculture” were established by MARA, which focus on various policy implementation and developmental issues.

Being in compliance with EU legislation, the current legislation requires the incorporation of latest amendments; it lacks a clear legal basis, since it was originally developed in the absence of legislative act governing organic agriculture. To fill this gap and provide a firm legal basis for the organization and enhancement of the organic sector, a framework law was developed and put in force in December 2004. This framework law provides MARA with the necessary authority to amend and update organic agriculture regulations, in order to respond to future institutional, technical or scientific changes in the sector, as well as to adapt to future amendments to the EU Regulation. The framework law also provides penalties and sanctions, which are not mentioned