Hazelnut Prices Fall Below Production Costs in Free Market

September 12, 2026 · GıdaTarım

Hazelnut producers in the Black Sea region are grappling with a 50% increase in costs and the brown marmorated stink bug infestation, while the Turkish Grain Board's (TMO) purchase quota has led to a sharp decline in free market prices.

Cost Pressure and Stink Bug Threat

The domestic hazelnut sector in the Black Sea Region is experiencing a severe bottleneck due to rising input costs and pest pressure. While the total harvest is expected to be around 700,000 tons this season, production costs have increased by at least 50% compared to last year. Farmers are struggling to cope with high costs while simultaneously battling quality losses in their produce caused by the brown marmorated stink bug. Buyers are further driving down prices, citing the decline in quality.

Market Prices and TMO Quotas

Hazelnut prices in the free market have fallen by 40%, settling in the range of 180-200 TL. Although the Turkish Grain Board (TMO) has announced a purchase price of 250 TL for 50% yield product, a floor price cannot be formed in the market due to the 100 kg per decare quota. As producers are forced to the free market due to TMO's purchasing conditions, traders are starting their seasonal purchases at levels below cost, such as 170 TL. Producers facing the risk of not being able to sell their produce are compelled to accept these prices.

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