AN OVERVIEW OF ORGANIC PRODUCER ORGANIZATIONS IN TURKEY

Abstract

As a result of globalization, large and industrialized enterprises have taken the place of small and local businesses in the food sector. These big enterprises provide cheap products anywhere in the world including underdeveloped countries. They also allow consuming out of season products. Large enterprises are getting more efficient and effective than small and local businesses and are making products cheaper. Small firms that cannot compete in the market are started to give up their production. Other small business owners who do not give up prefer organizing and ensuring the continuity of natural production.

There is an increasing trend in natural, healthy and local products in the world. Organic agriculture is intended to meet the needs of consumers of these products. In addition, organic farming ensures the sustainability in agriculture. Turkey has started organic farming for some products such as dried figs and grapes with the demand of the European organic products market. Then legislation on organic agriculture was introduced in Turkey.

Developments in organic farming have also affected cooperation positively. The producers that carry out organic farming activities are organized by associations, producer associations and cooperatives. These associations are established by partners/members such as producers, consumers, industrialists and researchers. Producers' associations were established on the basis of product group in provinces and districts according to the relevant law. There are different types of cooperatives, such as consumption cooperatives and laboring women's cooperatives, which are mainly engaged in purchasing from producers and delivering to consumers.

In this study, the organization types and purposes of organic producers in Turkey were evaluated. For this purpose, the organic producer organizations were examined.