Q&A

• Why has Fairtrade added Türkiye to its list of producer countries?

  Why has Fairtrade added Türkiye to its list of producer countries?

  The initial request to add Türkiye to the Fairtrade list of producer countries is the result of numerous requests from member organisations in response to market demands and concrete commercial interest to source hazelnuts from Türkiye. Furthermore, the addition of Türkiye supports the growth of Fairtrade, helps implement local strategies to enlarge the Fairtrade product portfolio, and responds to a market growth opportunity for hazelnuts.

• How did Fairtrade make its decision to expand to Türkiye?

  How did Fairtrade make its decision to expand to Türkiye?

  Fairtrade Germany carried out an extensive evaluation that studied Türkiye’s income per capita using data from OECD-DAC (Development Assistance Committee), its wealth disparity based on the World Bank Group’s Gini index, as well as other economic and social indicators, according to the Human Development Index.

  Based on this analysis, they recommended that Türkiye be added to Fairtrade’s list of producer countries. 

• Who made the final decision on Türkiye as a producer country?

  Who made the final decision on Türkiye as a producer country?

  In March 2025, the Fairtrade International Board of Directors, which is made up of a mix of producer network representatives, national Fairtrade organisation representatives, and independent members, approved the proposal to add Türkiye as a Fairtrade producer country.

• Aren’t there risk issues in hazelnuts, such child labour, in Türkiye?

  Aren’t there risk issues in hazelnuts, such child labour, in Türkiye?

  Yes, Fairtrade recognises there are serious risk issues in the hazelnut industry in Türkiye. These challenges arise from the fact that hazelnut harvesting is often manual and relies on migrant workers who travel for seasonal work, living in temporary accommodations and earning poor wages.

  Fairtrade works in sectors and regions where there are human rights risks because this is where our work is most needed – and hazelnut cultivation is no exception. Child labour is the product of systemic inequalities, especially endemic poverty. As long as vulnerable families are unable to achieve a decent living, ending child labour will remain very difficult.

  Fairtrade takes a rights-based and community-centred approach because it greatly increases the likelihood that communities will take ownership of the issue, rather than have harmful practices. We take actions on multiple fronts, from setting strict standards that prohibit human rights abuses, such as child labour and forced labour, and strengthening audits, to training producer organisations and developing targeted programmes with other partners.

• When should consumers expect to find Fairtrade certified products from Türkiye on store shelves?

  When should consumers expect to find Fairtrade certified products from Türkiye on store shelves?

  This will require some time but FLOCERT is ready to begin reviewing applications for product certification from Türkiye.