Baku, Azerbaijan, April 6
By Anvar Mammadov – Trend:
Azerbaijan intends to significantly increase hazelnut production in 2018, a source in the Azerbaijan Hazelnut Producers and Exporters Association told Trend April 6.
The association plans to increase production by almost 48 percent, according to the source.
“In 2018, we plan to produce 60,000-65,000 tons of hazelnut, which is much more than last year,” the source said. “As for exports, this depends not only on increasing production, but also on prices in world markets. If prices don’t drop, we expect the exports to grow 10 percent.”
Last year, Azerbaijan produced 45,500 tons of hazelnut, which is 32.9 percent more than in 2016. Last year, Azerbaijan exported hazelnuts worth over $100 million.
Noting the importance of increasing production, the source said it is necessary to apply correct agro-technical measures in hazelnut gardens.
“To this end, the association has set up a new training center for 60 people,” the source noted. “Three times a week we hold the necessary training for farmers, and last year we sent a delegation of exporters to a hazelnut processing facility in the US state of Oregon to get familiar with the process.”
The source noted that the work will continue to expand the geography of exports this year.
“This year we aim to sign agreements with big companies,” the source added. “With the necessary advertising, it will be possible to conclude more profitable contracts with such companies.”
Azerbaijani hazelnut is mainly exported to Italy, Russia and Germany.