Samsun hazelnut producers warned over quality and pests

Muammer Aydemir, President of the Çarşamba Chamber of Agriculture, has issued guidance to hazelnut producers in Samsun following visits to the Turkish Grain Board (TMO) Epçeli procurement warehouse. During a busy season where approximately 600 tons of hazelnuts are being purchased daily, Aydemir advised farmers to pre-sort their crops to avoid rejection. While most products are being accepted, hazelnuts with high rates of rot or those failing to meet quality criteria are being returned to producers.

Aydemir also highlighted the ongoing threat posed by the brown marmorated stink bug. Although previous spraying efforts were successful, this season has seen renewed issues due to the pest. He emphasized that the fight against the insect must continue through the winter months, as the pests tend to migrate to homes, barns, and gardens for shelter.

Regarding market economics, Aydemir noted a discrepancy between TMO prices and the free market. While hazelnuts are trading between 170 and 180 lira with traders, production costs have reached approximately 200 lira, a gap that directly influences producer decision-making.