The Link Between Geographic Indication, Sustainability, and Multifunctionality: The Case of Table Olive Groves in Western Turkey

As in all branches of agricultural production, it is thought that the concepts of sustainability, geographical indication, and multifunctionality are very important in table olive farming. The main purpose of this study is to examine the holistic and organic link between geographic indication, sustainability, and multifunctionality parameters in table olive cultivation. Table olive production supplied by Manisa has unique attributes. Of the 12 varieties of table olives with geographical indication registration in Turkey, two belong to Akhisar district. These cultivars are named ‘Akhisar Domat Zeytini’ and ‘Akhisar Uslu Zeytini’. Therefore, Akhisar district was chosen as the study area. A survey was conducted with a total of 121 olive farmers between February and July 2020. In the survey questions, besides continuous and discrete data, the answers and data obtained from the questions formed with the yes/no options were evaluated. Basic descriptive statistics such as arithmetic mean and percentage rates were used in the analysis. It can be emphasized that table olive farming in the region has become an important habit and culture that has a long cultivation experience. The effects of parameters such as marketing possibilities and price advantages are very important. The fertilization and plant protection practices are carried out in a coordinated manner in the region and with as little damage to the environment as possible. It is clarified that geographical indications are an important tool in the sustainability of table olive cultivation and that the principle of multifunctionality in agriculture is ensured by keeping the farmers in table olive farming.