Turkey's hazelnut industry sets 2026 wages, seeks higher base price

Local chambers in Sakarya province have determined the daily wages for hazelnut workers for the 2026 season.

Hazelnut producers are awaiting the base price to be announced by the Toprak Mahsulleri Ofisi (TMO). Industry representatives say the price must be at least 300 TL per kilogram to cover sharply rising input costs, which have risen 80‑100% and pushed the estimated production cost to 243 TL per kilogram.

The 2026 harvest is projected at about 650 000 tons nationwide, with the Ordu region expecting roughly 170 000 tons. Producers argue that a base price below 322 TL would not cover costs and could force them out of production. The sector also urges a shift from selling raw hazelnuts to producing higher‑value products.