Measures to be Taken for the Development of Organic Agriculture in Turkey

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine measures to be taken to develop organic agriculture in Turkey. In the study, firstly the legislation related to organic agriculture has been discussed in two parts as before and after the Organic Agriculture Law. Then the developments in organic agriculture in Turkey were examined considering number of organic farms, area under organic production and amounts of organic products. The measures to be taken for the development of organic agriculture in Turkey, which is the main purpose of the study, are analyzed under eight headings. Issues addressed within the scope of organic agriculture measures were; eliminating the perception of low yield in organic production, highlighting certain products according to regions, increasing control and certification and reducing costs, increasing the amount and variety of organic products in mainstream retailers, saving organic production from being dependent on exports, establishing local organic farmers markets in every province and district, provide training and extension services to farmers on a regular basis, and raise the awareness of consumers about organic products.

Keywords

• organic agriculture
• organic production
• ecological agriculture
• sustainable agriculture
• sustainability