The Happy Hazelnut Foundation
The Happy Hazelnut Foundation was founded jointly by Varistor AG and its long-time sourcing partner, Işik Tarim. The foundation ensures that the Happy Hazelnut initiative is funded in the long-term and is thus committed to a transparent, sustainable and child-labour free value chain for Turkish hazelnuts.
Varistor has provided the foundation with seed capital. Today, capital availability is secured by price premiums that are charged for every kilogram of hazelnuts sold.
Most of the foundation's capital was used for the renovation of existing farmer accommodations and the construction of the Happy House, an accommodation for harvest helpers with an integrated summer school in Paşalar. The foundation finances the annual renovations and maintenance of accommodation facilities.
Varistor has provided the foundation with seed capital. Today, capital availability is secured by price premiums that are charged for every kilogram of hazelnuts sold.
Most of the foundation's capital was used for the renovation of existing farmer accommodations and the construction of the Happy House, an accommodation for harvest helpers with an integrated summer school in Paşalar. The foundation finances the annual renovations and maintenance of accommodation facilities.
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“I am very happy that Happy Hazelnut has become such a large initiative over the last years. What started as a small project has developed into a long-term initiative which serves as a reference for others”.
Urs Iselin, President of the foundation |
The initiators
Varistor AG in Switzerland is an importer, initiator and founder of the Happy Hazelnut Foundation that has been engaged in its work for many years, importing raw materials, especially organic and fair trade, for the food and packaging industries.
Işik Tarim is the implementation partner in Turkey and is a leading producer, processor and exporter of dried and frozen organic fruits and nuts since 1974. Işik Tarim has been a partner of Varistor AG for more than 20 years.
