Nowhere else in the world are as many hazelnuts produced as in Turkey. But this year, a cold snap and heavy rain have destroyed parts of the harvest. It's not just chocolate lovers who will have to brace themselves for rising prices.

Ordu

Hazelnut farmers in Turkey's Black Sea region are facing significant losses after a severe frost destroyed much of this year's crop. Some farmers report losing more than half of their harvest, with experts projecting a national decline in yield of up to 40%. Climate change is cited as a key factor, with rising temperatures causing earlier flowering and increased vulnerability to late frosts. 

The crisis has led to a surge in global hazelnut prices and concerns about the future of the industry, as Turkey is the world's largest supplier. Farmers are also battling new pests, higher costs, and low state-regulated prices, prompting calls for greater government support. The situation threatens the livelihoods of many in the region who depend on hazelnut production.

Extreme weather in Turkey causes hazelnut crisis

The hazelnut plantations in Ordu on the Black Sea are a lush green. But the aerial view is deceptive. This year has been a disaster for many hazelnut farmers. Farmer Zekai Zara tells us that more than half of his harvest has been destroyed. He hasn't experienced anything like it. Look, this bush here should be weighed down with hazelnuts. But as you can see, that's not the case this year. The culprit was a severe frost in late April. Some farmers were hit even harder than he was. At higher altitudes, there are almost no hazelnuts on the bushes. And since the frost was so severe, we think it might have permanently damaged the plants. Experts are projecting a decline of up to 40% in Turkey's total crop yield this year. Climate scientist Mehmet Levent Kornas says the problem is caused by climate change. We are seeing increasingly severe frosts that sometimes last right into May. On its own, that wouldn't be a problem. But now, with global temperatures rising, the trees are flowering earlier and earlier, and that makes them more susceptible to frost. The problem isn't going away any time soon. And the impact is global. Since Turkey is by far the world's largest hazelnut producer, wholesale prices have surged by at least 30% this year. Experts are calling it climateflation. That's when climate change affects food prices. Popular hazelnut products are set to become more expensive in the near future. The problem is there's no quick fix to finding alternative sources. Back near the Black Sea, Zekai Zara is visiting a farmer friend who has already started harvesting. What difference do you see compared to last year? This year it's not just the crop yield that's down. The nuts themselves are smaller too. Last year they were this big, this year they're this small. Another big problem for the farmers is this little beetle, originally from Southeast Asia. It damages the bushes and feeds on the nuts. Experts say climate change is contributing to its rapid spread. Farmers feel they've been left to cope with these challenges alone. They're especially angry with the state-regulated prices which are still far too low. Together, Zekai and I have already spent more on pest control and fertilizer alone, more than what we make. Now there's the crop failure, and I also have to pay the workers. How are we supposed to make a living? Some farmers, they say, have already given up. For many in the region, that means losing an important source of income. So many people depend on this work. There are the drivers, there are the farmers. There are the drivers, pickers, factories, the workers and the retailers. If the hazelnut farmers can't make a profit, they'll eventually stop altogether. A lot of them have already moved to the big cities. Zekai Zara calls for more support from the state. The problem can't be solved by the farmers alone. There are hundreds of agricultural faculties in our country. And the politicians need to tackle the issue at that level. Otherwise, he tells us in parting, the future doesn't bode well for Black Sea hazelnuts.

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