TMO to Sanction Hazelnut Producers Using Irregular ÇKS Certifications

November 6, 2026 · TMO

The Turkish Grain Board (TMO) announced that producers engaging in irregular practices will face a two-year ban on purchasing shelled hazelnuts and legal action, aiming to prevent traders from selling hazelnuts to the institution using producer certifications.

Ban on Use of ÇKS Certifications by Traders

According to the TMO's announcement, the use of Farmer Registration System (ÇKS) certifications belonging to producers by traders and greengrocers will not be permitted in shelled hazelnut purchases. The institution stated in its announcement that it has been determined that some traders attempted to sell products collected from the market to the institution using farmer certifications. Pointing to Law No. 5488 on Agriculture and Article 18 of the Farmer Registration System Regulation, TMO officials emphasized that purchases are made directly from actual producers in accordance with legislation. The statement indicated that such attempts to gain unfair profit clearly violate the purchase principles.

Two-Year Sanction for Producers Engaging in Irregularities

According to the TMO's statement, producers who knowingly allow their certifications to be used by traders will face a two-year ban on purchasing shelled hazelnuts. The institution noted that legal action will be initiated against traders, greengrocers, and producers engaging in irregular practices under Articles 158 and 204 of the Turkish Penal Code. It was reported that criminal complaints will be filed directly with the chief public prosecutor's offices for these acts, which may fall under fraud and forgery. It was reminded that producers should not hand over their certifications to third parties to avoid any loss of rights or legal grievances.

Current Situation and Targets in Hazelnut Purchases

According to TMO data, 190,000 tons of shelled hazelnuts have been purchased from approximately 152,000 producers since the purchase season began on August 24. The institution announced that, in line with current appointment applications and market conditions, they aim to purchase at least 50,000 more tons from producers by the end of the season. It was stated that hazelnut purchases will continue uninterrupted until December 31, 2026, as long as producer supply continues. The announcement stated that intervention purchases aim to maintain market balance and secure the labor of the actual producer.

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