The comparison of social networks between organic and conventional hazelnut producers in Samsun province

The study was conducted with the participation of organic and conventional hazelnut producers in Samsun, the oldest organic hazelnut production area in which most of the organic hazelnuts are grown in Turkey and almost in the world. Both grower groups were compared in terms of their communication networks on the use of different fertilizers and the functioning of the network were presented by making suggestions on how to develop it. Socio-economic status of the organic hazelnut producers was better than conventional ones in terms of land size, income, cooperation capacity, risk management and agricultural supports. The results showed that the organic producers used different fertilizers such as manure, compost, nutshell and husks from their farms as well as packed organic fertilizers; whereas the conventional producers used only chemical fertilizers. Social network analysis has shown the graphs of communication networks among the producers, their relationships with different private, public and media information sources and especially revealed leader farmers whom functioned as source of information transfer (or even blocker) among them. The basic source of technical information for both groups of producers was the experienced leader farmers; as for organic producers, the heads of the local organic producers' union was the main information source in terms of commercial, legal and organizational aspects. The formal information sources such as extension staff of local public institutions and advisors of private organic marketing companies were limited and seldom used by most of the organic producers. Therefore, organic producers developed their local knowledge source based on their on-farm trials and experiences and shared this knowledge within their peer groups. However, this information needs to be supported with scientific findings