Farmers' Views on Organic Grape Production in Adıyaman Province: Method Adoption and Problems

Abstract

Healthy life in a sustainable environment is possible with accessible food production. The Covid-19 epidemic is a serious threat worldwide. This epidemic has revealed the importance of agricultural products. One of the most important areas of the epidemic affecting the whole world is exports; however, increased demand for agricultural products and exports in the epidemic process in Turkey. Turkey has a say in the trade of seedless dried grapes in the world. Seedless dried grape is on the healthy products list of the WHO. In 2019/2020, it had a share of 36% of world exports (with 246 thousand tons of export). This study was performed to evaluate their thoughts and farmers’ problems with the adoption of organic farming in Besni district of Adıyaman. The research conducted in-depth interviews with the farmers producing organic grapes. Also, a face-to-face survey was conducted with 50 farmers. According to the findings, the land width of the farmers is not much. It has an average growing area of 37.52 decares. An average yield of 1.808 kg da-1 is obtained from this area. Serious differences have been found between conventional and organic farming. Moreover, government supports, high product prices, income, health, sustainability, and environmental protection are reasons farmers switch to organic farming. However, farmers argue that organic farming is less costly than conventional farming. Access to chemicals and marketing are major problems. As a result, farmers should be informed about organic farming. Additionally, it is thought that these studies will increase the productivity and product quality of the farmers. It is predicted that it will prevent rural to urban migration in the region.