Improving the sustainability in the cherry supply chain in Bulgaria and Turkey

Title: Improving the sustainability in the cherry supply chain in Bulgaria and Turkey

Location: Bulgaria, Turkey

Duration: June – July 2018

Client: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Ferrero

Context

Bulgarian agriculture is characterized mainly by small farms and it accounts for 6.8 % of total employment. Bulgaria produces about 50.000 tons of cherries each year. The chain that leads to the supplier is quite short: big farms often sell directly to the supplier while small ones use collector points. Turkey’s agricultural sector is very robust and employs almost 20% of the country’s workforce. Turkey is world leader in cherry production with 500.000 tons of cherries per year. The chain that leads to the supplier is quite complex, involving traders and intermediaries.

General objective

The objective was to understand the cherry supply chain concerning agricultural and social practices and to analyze social and environmental sustainability in the short and long term both in Bulgaria and in Turkey.

Our contribution

ARCO carried out a baseline survery by interviewing cherry producers, collectors and stakeholders of the supply chain to understand their agricultural practices, and to assess the social and environmental sustainability of the supply chain.

The survey was key to identify initiatives aiming at improving the sustainability of cherry production in Bulgaria and Turkey and to set up the basis for the preparation of a strategic plan of action to be implemented in cooperation with local and international stakeholders.

An analysis of the current pricing system and of the agricultural policies was also carried out to facilitate the elaboration of a strategic plan.

Read more on our Circular Innovation & Sustainable Commodities Unit