Organic agriculture: the case of Turkey

Abstract

Organic agriculture has grown rapidly throughout the world in recent years as a result of increasing consumer interest in healthy food and environmental concerns. The use of land in this operation helps to conserve the environment and promotes the sustainable use of natural resources. The demand for organic products has increased, especially in Europe, North America and Oceania, and hence has created export potential for developing countries. Turkey is a typical case among developing countries of the establishment of organic agriculture based on export potential. About 85% of its current organic production is exported to EU countries, and this is predicted to expand further. The main objectives of the study were to define the concept of organic agriculture and to describe the state of organic agriculture both worldwide and specifically in Turkey. The paper also describes major issues affecting Turkish organic agriculture and presents recommendations for developing this and related sectors in the hope that they will help to solve common problems faced by developing countries and improve policy programmes along with extension and research activities.