Ordu Commodity Exchange President (OTB) Nejdet Gürsoy, stated that the effects of global crisis are visible because of its impact on financial sectors, business and trades, and he added: "But this crisis is obviously a hazelnut crisis."

Gürsoy's declaration:

“First of all, we should all accept this realty. Our hazelnut economy-dependent region has entered the stage of crisis with the negative processes in hazelnut. With the psychological effects of global crisis, this has become more visible. We are not happy with these processes, but we already had the warnings 4-5 months before the season. The biggest harvest of the last 6 years is coming. 2005-2006-2007 hazelnuts in TMO storages must be melted and stored for oil production. However, introducing the 2008 products into the market to keep the balance in the sectors, created a negative impact on the free market. So, the market never had the chance to rally from this negativity. In spite of these processes, we have announced that TMO purchases should be quick and the advance payments should be made continiously. But unfortunately, the slowness in purchases and payments created a decline in the quality and problems in commercial effiency so that the hazelnut prices fell off to 2.100 thousands. 

2009 policies must be built in advance

National Hazelnut Council didn't bring the desired results in hazelnut policies because of its new establishment. We demand a report in line with the consumer benefits from the National Hazelnut Council, and it should guarantee that 2009 will not have any disturbances about hazelnut production. Hazelnut should be a state policiy, not  a governmental policy, so that there will be no worries about how the hazelnut would make progress in each year. We have all seen that putting hazelnut into storages is not a solution for this.

Hazelnut will no longer be the means of livelihood for the East Black Sea Region

Both hazelnut manufacturers and exporters have experienced great difficulties this year. We want a resolution for the necessary radical changes in 2009, and we reinforce the future support models that can create strong manufacturers.

Financial sectors should not forget that we are in the same boat

Today financial enterprises and exporters are in the same boat. We all aim to bring more foreign exchange to this country. In a sector that brings 22 billion dollars of foreign exchange to our country, it is normal to face some difficulties. But if you try to unite all hazelnut sectors in one bill, we will need to think of a financial institution that represents all. There is no need to mix these up, and create some other difficulties. Of course, taking measure does not mean to destroy. We should all focus on sustenance-oriented politics.

Ordu should use its cards in right ways 

As I always say, Ordu has a strong representation in Ankara; so if we use our cards correctly and come up with some projects, we can step up the moves of development. We should be in Political unity and togetherness with our Minister, and we should all use our time efficiently. We won't have any results if it is one-sided.”