Geographically Indicated Salıpazarı Chestnut Honey Harvest Begins in Samsun

In Samsun's Salıpazarı district, the harvest season for geographically indicated chestnut honey has begun.

The Salıpazarı Local Action Group Association organized the 2nd Traditional Chestnut Honey Festival in the Düzdağ area of Yayla Neighborhood. During the festival, beehives were opened and honeycombs were extracted.

Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry Kemal Yılmaz made a statement to journalists. Yılmaz stated that beekeeping is an important sector for the economies of Samsun and Salıpazarı.

Yılmaz emphasized that in Salıpazarı, in addition to hazelnut production, beekeeping also provides significant income to producers. He explained that the district's geographical structure, rich vegetation, and chestnut forests are suitable for beekeeping activities.

It was noted that there are approximately 98,000 bee colonies in Samsun province, and about 1000 tons of honey are produced annually by 1785 beekeepers. In addition to chestnut honey production, beekeepers also benefit from the vegetation in different regions through migratory beekeeping.

Yılmaz pointed out that the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has increased its support for beekeepers, stating: "Producers engaged in migratory beekeeping who are members of an association receive 266 lira per hive, while non-member producers receive approximately 170 lira. In 2025, approximately 14.5 million lira in support payments were made to beekeepers in Samsun."

Yılmaz stated that an average of 5-6 kilograms of product is obtained per hive for chestnut honey. "Although its yield is not very high, it is a quality honey with a distinct aroma that leaves a slight burning sensation in the throat. Its geographical indication adds special value to our honey. There are 8 honey forests and approximately 40,000 decares of chestnut forests in our province. This makes chestnut honey quite important for Samsun." he said.

Ali Korkmaz, Branch Manager of the Samsun Metropolitan Municipality Rural Development Department, also stated that Salıpazarı has significant potential in terms of both hazelnuts and chestnut honey. Korkmaz noted that efforts are underway to obtain geographical indication registration for chestnut honey in the European Union as well.

Salıpazarı Deputy Mayor Hasan Şimşek, Provincial Culture and Tourism Director Süleyman Demirtaş, as well as guests and producers, attended the festival.