Emmer (Triticum dicoccon) Production and Market Potential in Marginal Mountainous Areas of Turkey

Abstract

Underutilized plant species play a fundamental role in the livelihoods of poor communities living in harsh environments such as mountain areas, although they only have a small share in production and trade. Emmer ( Triticum dicoccon) is a typical example of an underutilized species suitable for development in mountain areas; it is important for food security and cultural value and has a very limited market share. This paper investigates the state of the market for emmer in mountainous areas in Turkey, where it is still produced. As is the case for many underutilized species, emmer is disappearing due to low yield compared to modern cereal varieties. Emmer is still grown in Turkey's mountains because of its hardiness and place in local food traditions; however, its competitiveness and persistence may be at risk because of changes in taste and the increased impact of global and regional markets.We examine the role of emmer production on mountain community livelihoods in Turkey and review potential market opportunities that may enhance the competitiveness of this underutilized crop, as happened, for example, in Italy. We surveyed market chain actors in Kastamonu and Sinop provinces in the Black Sea region, where few other crops are profitable because of poor soils. In Sinop province, emmer is less used and not marketed; in Kastamonu province, it is marketed and appreciated in local food traditions. Difficulties in processing, limited marketing, and lack of consumer demand are key factors in the decline of emmer cultivation. Despite emmer's adaptability to poor soils and its low input requirements, lack of market opportunities is a key factor restraining its revival and maintenance. However, there is a new market potential associated with emmer's nutritional and health properties; with growing appreciation by niche consumers, opportunities to maintain this valuable species are emerging.

Wheat Landraces Currently Grown in Turkey: Distribution, Diversity, and Use

“…Several regional and local collections and studies of wheat landraces were done recently (Damania et al, 1996;Karagöz, 1996;Qualset et al, 1997;Tan, 2002;Karagöz and Zencirci, 2005;Akçura & Topal, 2006;Giuliani et al, 2009). There are more than 22,000 Turkish wheat landraces in ex situ collections worldwide (https://www.…”

Observation of “Traditional” Agriculture in Kastamonu, Turkey In Relation to the Evidence of Crop Husbandry at Neolithic Çatalhöyük, Central Anatolia

“…"Traditional" Farming in Villages of Kastamonu Most of the territory of Kastamonu province in the Black Sea region of Turkey is a harsh mountainous zone covered in forests, with most of the districts of the province situated between 600 m and 1200 m elevations (Ta÷i and Jirousek 2005;Giuliani et al 2009). The difficult terrain made transportation and communication in the past difficult, and the severe climate, with heavy snowfall in winter, resulted in complete isolation of some high-mountain areas for part of the year (Ta÷i and Jirousek 2005).…”

“…limited access to agricultural resources or division of labour, and so on (e.g. Watson 1979;Ertu÷-Yaraú 1997;Ertu÷ 2000a;D'Andrea and Mitiku 2002;Giuliani et al 2009;Hajnalová and Dreslerová 2010).…”

Tapping the Potential of Neglected and Underutilized Food Crops for Sustainable Nutrition Security in the Mountains of Pakistan and Nepal

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