Idle Hazelnut Orchard Revitalized with Isabella Grapes, Boosting Economy

October 6, 2026 · Tarım TV

An idle hazelnut land in Trabzon, unused for 10 years, has been transformed into a modern vineyard through a government-supported project, opening an alternative income stream for local producers against hazelnut dependency.

Yeşim Hellaç Elmas, a 28-year health professional in Kendirli Neighborhood, Ortahisar district of Trabzon, has brought back to cultivation a 3-decare hazelnut garden that had been idle for about 10 years. Elmas, unable to cultivate the sloping land inherited from her family for a long time due to her busy work schedule, began a research process by meeting with officials from the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, aiming to grow a sustainable alternative product to hazelnuts. The producer decided on the fragrant Isabella grape, which adapts well to the region's climate, and succeeded in transforming the idle land into a productive vineyard.

Within the scope of the 'Dissemination of Isabella Grape Cultivation Project,' carried out in cooperation with the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry and the Eastern Black Sea Development Agency (DOKA), a 60% grant subsidy was provided for the garden. A modern trellis vineyard system was established by planting 130 grapevines in the 3-decare area, which was cleared three years ago. Entrepreneur Producer Yeşim Hellaç Elmas, evaluating its suitability for regional conditions, made the following statement:

The vineyard, established through the agricultural project, has reached 50% capacity this year, and the excitement of the first harvest is palpable. Entrepreneur Elmas stated that they expect to obtain approximately 1 ton of yield from the land with 130 grapevines this season. With the development of the vines in the garden, the aim is to reach full capacity next year. In line with the plans, the total yield is projected to increase to about 6 tons in the next harvest period, providing a much higher economic return than the hazelnut land.

The maintenance of the vineyard, which will be technically monitored by officials for 5 years as part of the project, is being carried out collaboratively by the Elmas family. Stating that they meticulously carry out annual maintenance and weed control, Entrepreneur Producer Yeşim Hellaç Elmas described the process on the land as follows:

Thanks to regular care, the yield potential of the vines increases every year.

Isabella grapes, which have not been produced on a commercial scale in the region to date, also constitute an important raw material source for the industry. The approximately 1-ton first harvest expected this year will be delivered to a fruit juice and food processing factory with which an agreement has been reached for processing. The direct introduction of the product to the industry eliminates the farmer's marketing concerns and adds value to the local economy. The contractual model established at the regional level proves that idle lands can regain commercial value.

The female entrepreneur has become a source of inspiration for her neighbors seeking alternatives to hazelnuts. Entrepreneur Producer Yeşim Hellaç Elmas, whose project initially met with skepticism, said:

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