Natural Fruits in Bolu Forests Brought into the Economy Through Women's Cooperative
Thanks to a project implemented in Bolu, medicinal wild forest fruits are processed by women and transformed into value-added food products.
Within the framework of a special project carried out in Bolu with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, wild raspberries, blackberries, rosehips, and wild strawberries growing naturally in the forests are collected by women's cooperative members and brought into the economy as jams, marmalades, and dried fruits.
Project Supporters and Application Area
The activities, implemented with the support of the General Directorate of Plant Production of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, are coordinated by the Bolu Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry. The activities and harvesting operations are carried out in areas officially certified and permitted by the Bolu Regional Directorate of Forestry.
Safe and Chemical-Free Production Areas
The approximately 2,900-decare area where the operations are carried out consists of a total of 4 separate compartments. It is officially stated that these regions have not experienced any forest fires in the last 3 years and have definitely not been exposed to any chemical applications.
Production Process of the Women's Cooperative
Unique fruits such as raspberries, blackberries, rosehips, and wild strawberries, meticulously gathered from nature, are processed by the members of the Demirciler Gelincik Hanımeli Women's Cooperative. The women process these products using traditional and modern methods to make them ready for consumption.
Value-Added Product Diversity
The collected fresh forest fruits are transformed into high-value-added products such as jams, marmalades, and dried fruits. Thus, fruits that are consumed raw or wasted are turned into long-lasting commercial goods.
Main Goals and Achievements of the Project
The project aims to effectively protect natural resources. At the same time, it encourages the sustainable harvesting of forest fruits, ensuring that the balance of nature is respected.
Rural Employment and Income Diversity
With this meaningful initiative, women's labor is strongly supported. New income sources are created for citizens living in rural areas, and the regional economy is diversified.