Ordu, a city in the Black Sea Region of Turkey, grows kiwis that are the second most profitable product in Ordu after hazelnuts. Ordu kiwis are sold before the harvest and they are known for their long shelf life.
These popular kiwis have now been awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) by the Turkish Patent Institute. Producers were very pleased with the news.
Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry Kemal Yilmaz said that kiwi growing in Ordu has been increasing over the past 20 years. Producers grow kiwis in the coastal and middle part of the city in an area of nearly 300 hectares, said Director Yilmaz. While the current production is 8 thousand tons, Yilmaz contended that there is enough land for growing another 8 thousand tons of kiwis.
Yilmaz said that they had worked hard to get the award and explained: "Buyers who came to our city told us that Ordu kiwis are more durable in the storages. They told us that they prefer our product due to its taste and durability. Then, we decided to apply for Geographical Indication."
"Research shows that Ordu kiwis are more durable"
In the first application, the Turkish Patent Instituted asked for scientific proof, Yilmaz stated. Then he continued: "Following this, we collaborated with the university here and we compared our kiwis with other kiwis from different cities. This research has shown that Ordu kiwis are more durable when stored."
Yilmaz said that they filed a new application in January and after all the procedures have been completed, Ordu kiwis were officially patented on September 16.
Source: AA