Total information system and networks of organic and conventional hazelnut growers in Turkey

Abstract

This paper analyses the structure and workings of information systems for organic and conventional hazelnut growers and also the professional staff resources available in Turkey. This was done in order to identify problems within these systems and to help improve their performance. The main function of the total system analysis and its networks was to generate and disseminate hazelnut-related information. Our findings revealed that the system mainly functioned within a framework that involved buying organic hazelnut from organic growers to then export, rather than develop a domestic organic hazelnut industry as a serious alternative to conventional production in Turkey.