Short summary...
Turkey has an important place in the world in olive and olive oil production, but the sector faces challenges such as low domestic consumption, counterfeit products, price fluctuations and the zoning of olive groves. The health benefits of olive oil and its increasing global demand offer Turkey great opportunities for exports. However, in order to fully utilise this potential, it is critical to protect production areas, increase quality standards and raise consumer awareness.
Olcay Aydilek: Dear viewers, today we have two very valuable guests in our studio. Professor Dr Mücahit Taha Özkaya, Director of the Food Safety Institute at Ankara University, and sociopolitical expert Dr Oğuz Topak are with us. Sir, welcome. Today we will talk about olive and olive oil production in Turkey. Hodja, let me ask you this first: What has been the trend of olive and olive oil production in Turkey in recent years? Is our olive production sufficient? Do citizens have any difficulties in accessing these products?
Prof. Dr. Mücahit Taha Özkaya: First of all, thank you, we are addressing a very good topic. Olive and olive oil production in Turkey has gained a positive momentum in recent years. Especially in the Aegean, Mediterranean and Marmara regions, olive trees are planted in a large area. However, olive trees do not bear the same amount of fruit every year; fluctuations in production may occur depending on weather conditions, climatic conditions and maintenance methods. In other words, there may be an abundance of products one year and relatively less production the next year. However, there is an increase in our olive production in general.
However, there is an important issue to be considered here: Olive oil consumption is not as high as production. Unfortunately, olive oil consumption per capita in Turkey lags behind European countries. One of the main reasons for this is economic conditions. Olive oil prices can be quite high from time to time, which can lead consumers to alternative oils.
Olcay Aydilek: Well, the issue of counterfeiting in olive oil is an important problem. Many citizens are worried about encountering fake olive oil. How can we recognise fake olive oil? What are the points that consumers should pay attention to in this regard?
Prof. Dr. Mücahit Taha Özkaya: This is a very important question. Unfortunately, the issue of fake olive oil is very common and rightly one of the most curious issues for consumers. However, there is no simple way to recognise fake olive oil. It is not possible to tell if it is fake by looking at its colour, smell or density. It takes a trained palate to distinguish real olive oil. Olive oil tasting panels come into play at this point. We have a tasting panel in Ankara where trained tasters can determine the quality of olive oil.
Some practical ways we can pay attention as consumers are to buy olive oil from reliable producers and brands and to carefully examine the label. Fake olive oils are usually made up of blended oils, so it is important to avoid products with very low prices.
Olcay Aydilek: The zoning of olive groves has also been on the agenda recently. Doesn't this pose a great threat to olive production? Are enough steps being taken to protect olive groves in Turkey?
Prof. Dr. Mücahit Taha Özkaya: Unfortunately, zoning of olive groves is a major problem. The conversion of agricultural areas into residential areas or industry has a negative impact not only on olives but also on agricultural production in general. However, the portability of olive trees can be considered as an advantage. In other words, if an olive grove area is being developed, the trees can be protected by moving them to another location under favourable conditions. However, this process is quite costly and may not always be successful. In order for the relocated trees to yield in their new location, suitable soil, water and climate conditions must be provided. For this reason, stricter legal regulations should be enacted to protect olive groves and prevent their development.
Olcay Aydilek: Olive oil has become a product that has become more prominent in recent years, especially in terms of health. What can you say about the benefits of olive oil for human health? It is said that olive oil has a role especially in cancer treatment. Is this true?
Prof. Dr. Mücahit Taha Özkaya: The effects of olive oil on health are scientifically proven. Polyphenols and antioxidants in olive oil help prevent many diseases by fighting free radicals in the body. In particular, a component called oleocanthal is one of the substances responsible for the anti-cancer properties of olive oil. Studies show that oleocanthal can destroy some cancer cells. Olive oil is also very beneficial for cardiovascular health. Due to its unsaturated fatty acids, it reduces the risk of heart diseases and lowers bad cholesterol.
For these reasons, olive oil is frequently included in the Mediterranean diet and the positive effects of this diet on healthy lifestyle are also known. Regular consumption of olive oil can be very beneficial for general health.
Olcay Aydilek: So, what is Turkey's position in olive oil production worldwide? What is our production capacity and export potential?
Prof. Dr. Mücahit Taha Özkaya: Turkey has an important place in world olive oil production. Worldwide, an average of 3 million tonnes of olive oil is produced annually and Turkey produces approximately 300 thousand tonnes of it. With these figures, Turkey is one of the world's largest producers together with countries such as Spain, Italy, Greece and Tunisia. However, olive oil consumption in Turkey is quite low. Our annual consumption is around 160 thousand tonnes. We export the rest of the olive oil.
Turkey's olive oil export potential is quite large and our export amount is increasing every year. However, it is important that we also increase domestic consumption. As Turkish people, we should consume more olive oil and keep this healthy oil on our tables.
Olcay Aydilek: What measures should be taken to prevent counterfeiting in olive oil? What can be done to raise public awareness?
Prof. Dr. Mücahit Taha Özkaya: A number of measures can be taken to combat the problem of fake olive oil. Firstly, consumers need to be made aware and educated. It is important that they learn how to distinguish the right olive oil by tasting it. Therefore, tasting trainings should be organised and more people should be informed about olive oil tasting.
In addition, increasing inspections on olive oil producers will be an important step in the fight against counterfeiting. Turning to reliable brands and avoiding production under the stairs can also be an important measure for the consumer. Label reading habits also come into play here. Consumers should carefully examine the labels of the products they buy and check the place of production and content.
Olcay Aydilek: Another important issue is the mining activities in olive groves. How does this situation affect olive groves?
Prof. Dr. Mücahit Taha Özkaya: Yes, mining activities are another threat to olive groves. Olive trees can be uprooted and moved, but this is not always an ideal solution. More sensitive work needs to be carried out to prevent damage to olive trees in areas where mining activities are carried out. We also need stricter regulations to protect olive groves from mining activities. Olives are a strategic product for our country; therefore, protecting these areas is of great importance for both the agricultural sector and environmental sustainability.
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