Social and environmental production standards

The farmers are certified according to the Happy Hazelnut Standard, which was specially developed for the hazelnut production in Turkey. Social requirements must be met, such as the provision of good accommodations for workers and the guarantee that no children are employed.
 
The farmers receive a price premium for compliance with the standard and are audited annually by an external body. In addition to this standard, all farmers are also certified organic and UTZ certified. Today, Happy Hazelnut has the highest requirements regarding working conditions and child labour in Turkey.

“What was new to us in the past has become a normality. Today, it is a matter of course that we use the premium money to benefit the harvest helpers”.

Mustafa Yilmaz, Hazelnut Farmer from Paşalar

What makes Happy Hazelnut different?

The Happy Hazelnut Standard includes a comprehensive catalogue of criteria that regulates the social aspects of employing migrant workers during the harvest. Because tent camps are prohibited in the Happy Hazelnut Standard, harvest helpers are either accommodated in the Happy House or hosted by the Happy Hazelnut farmers.
 
The accommodations provided must meet high standards. For example, housing must have adequate sanitary facilities and cooking facilities. Every accommodation is checked by the local team. If not enough comfortable accommodation options are available, we support the team by providing the necessary renovations. We guarantee that every harvest helper has a nice temporary home.

“We like to come to Paşalar every year and have a trustworthy relationship with our hosts”.

Hasan Cangir, Harvest Helper

Standards & certifications of the farmers

Find out more at ra.org