A late frost and heavy rain have cut hazelnut yields in Turkey’s Ordu Province by up to half, threatening incomes for growers in one of the world’s most important hazelnut regions. Turkey produces about 73% of the world’s hazelnuts, so a projected 40% output drop could push global prices up roughly 30%. Short-term frost-protection and long-term adaptation strategies can help, but experts say reducing greenhouse gas emissions remains the most effective way to stabilise weather patterns and protect future harvests.
Late Frost and Heavy Rains Devastate Turkey’s Hazelnut Crop — Implications for Farmers and Global Supply
A late frost and heavy rain have cut hazelnut yields in Turkey’s Ordu Province by up to half, threatening incomes for growers in one of the world’s most important hazelnut regions. Turkey produces about 73% of the world’s hazelnuts, so a projected 40% output drop could push global prices up roughly 30%. Short-term frost-protection and long-term adaptation strategies can help, but experts say reducing greenhouse gas emissions remains the most effective way to stabilise weather patterns and protect future harvests.
06:17, 05.11.2025Environment
Unexpected late frost and heavy rain slash hazelnut yields in Ordu
Farmers in Turkey’s Ordu Province are reporting severe losses after a late cold snap combined with heavy rain damaged hazelnut blossoms, cutting yields by as much as half in some areas. Ordu is one of Turkey’s key hazelnut-producing regions, and growers say the timing of the frost — after trees had already begun to flower — made the damage particularly acute.
Why this happened
Warmer average temperatures have pushed spring forward in many regions, causing hazelnut trees to bloom earlier than usual. When earlier flowering coincides with unseasonal cold nights and heavy precipitation, the tender blossoms and young nuts become highly vulnerable to frost damage and rot. Farmers describe whole stretches of orchards that will produce little or no harvest this season.
Global impact
Turkey supplies roughly 73% of the world’s hazelnuts, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization. Because of this market concentration, significant losses in Turkey reverberate through global supply chains and can drive prices upward. Industry reports estimate that a roughly 40% drop in Turkish output could push global hazelnut prices up by around 30%.
Economic pressure on growers
Higher commodity prices do not necessarily translate into higher incomes for growers. Domestic prices in Turkey are relatively low and subject to state regulation, meaning many farmers may receive little additional income despite tighter global supply. Smaller harvests combined with regulated prices, higher input costs and limited financial buffers put many producers at serious financial risk.
Short-term responses and long-term adaptation
In the short term, growers may turn to measures such as targeted frost protection (wind machines, sprinklers, orchard heaters), improved drainage to reduce rot following heavy rains, and adjusted pruning or harvest timing. Researchers are also working on longer-term solutions, including breeding more resilient varieties, improving pest and disease management, and refining agronomic practices to cope with greater climate variability.
Why climate action matters
Scientists stress that while local adaptation can reduce some risks, the most effective way to limit widespread crop losses is to stabilise the climate by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Slowing global warming would help reduce the frequency of mismatched seasonal events — such as early blooming followed by late frosts — that are already disrupting agriculture in many regions.
What this means for consumers and policymakers: Consumers may see higher prices for hazelnut-containing products, while policymakers must weigh targeted support for affected farmers, investment in resilient agriculture, and stronger climate mitigation efforts to limit future shocks.