Certified Wild Forest Berry Harvest on 2,900 Decares in Bolu

September 19, 2026 · Tarım Pusulası

Wild forest berries collected from 2,900 decares in Bolu are processed into value-added organic products through a women's cooperative.

Within the scope of the project implemented with institutional support from the General Directorate of Plant Production of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the 'Wild Forest Berry Collection Event' was organized by the Bolu Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry. This initiative aimed to collect high value-added natural forest berries, which grow spontaneously in Bolu's flora, in full compliance with organic certification rules. Bolu Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry Zekeriya Ar, Aladağ Forest Management Director Osman Özdemir, Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Ferudun Kaya, and Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Prof. Dr. Mustafa İmren participated in the field application.

The field activity for collecting wild forest berries was conducted in 4 separate forest compartments officially documented by the Bolu Regional Directorate of Forestry. During the harvest process, which took place over a total permitted area of 2,900 decares, it was determined that the area had not experienced any fires for the last 3 years and had not been exposed to any chemical applications. In the program, which was also monitored on-site by representatives of the control and certification body, correct harvesting techniques required to maintain organic product standards were practically demonstrated to the producers in the field.

Natural species such as raspberries, blackberries, rosehips, and wild strawberries, carefully collected from the region, are processed by Emine Özdoğan, President of the Demirciler Gelincik Hanımeli Women's Cooperative, and the cooperative's members. The harvested berries are transformed into value-added processed products such as jams, marmalades, and dried fruits, and then offered to the market. Officials from the Bolu Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry reported that by collecting natural resources through sustainable methods, women's employment is directly supported, and local income sources in rural areas are diversified.

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