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ETKO -
Turkey
In Turkey organic production was started in the early 80’s by European importers and Turkish businessmen living in Europe by motivating exporters to deal with the organic production. Exporters mobilized the producers and farmer group projects were established. Inspection bodies from Europe were dealing with the certification and a local one was missing. As a result ETKO was founded in 1996 in Turkey and was first granted ISO65 accreditation by the IOAS in 2006; accreditation scope is EC Regulation 2092/91, Turkish Organic Regulation 25841/2005 and ETKO Textile Standards.
ETKO was established by two agronomist dealing with consultancy work for organic farming since the beginning of the organic activities started in Turkey. The aim was to provide more economical service to the organic producers and promote more local market developments.
ETKO was authorized by the OTK Organic Farming Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture in 1996. In 2002 accreditation was given by the USDA USA for NOP certification and 2003 by Canada for CAAQ Standards certification.
ETKO is active in Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Ukraine, Russia and Azarbaidjan. ETKO has 7 full-time inspectors employed together with 4 part-time workers in Turkey and 3 subcontracted inspectors abroad. An independent certification committee was set up including 7 members who represents producers, processors, academicians and the ministry of agriculture.
ETKO is involved with other activities such as public and technicians trainings for Organic and Eurepgap certification in Turkey. ETKO organises several seminars for public awareness for ecological farming and healthy food consumption.
As an agriculture country Turkey has a big potential of farming of various varieties including several tropical fruits and vegetables including wild collection of herbs and medicinal plants. Turkey exports several products processed and as raw material for processing to organic products; mainly dried fruits and nuts. Processed vegetables and fruits such as dried, concentrates, frozen and pastes. Organic consumption started to develop since few years in Turkey and tends to grow slowly but surely.
ETKO developed its own organic textile standards and several textile producers have been certified.
Mr Mustafa Akyuz - Managing Director
Mr Mertol Dogru - Office Manager
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Last updated:
31/01/2008
ETKO
160 Sokak 13/7
35040 Bornova, Izmir
Turkey
Tel: + 90 232 33 97606
Fax: + 90 232 33 97607
Email: ma@etko.org
Web: www.etko.org
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