Sapanca walnut obtains geographical indication registration

The 'Sapanca Walnut', which has been developed through breeding efforts by Prof. Dr. Ömer Beyhan, a faculty member at Sakarya University of Applied Sciences (SUBÜ) Faculty of Agriculture, has earned the right to be registered with a 'Geographical Indication' by the Turkish Patent Institute.

A geographical indication shows and guarantees the source of the product, its characteristic features, and the connection between these features and the geographical area. Additionally, geographical indication registration ensures the protection of products that have gained a certain reputation due to their quality, traditional nature, locally sourced raw materials, and regional characteristics.

A great contribution to farmers

Prof. Dr. Ömer Beyhan, a faculty member of SUBÜ Faculty of Agriculture, stated that the Sapanca Walnut has significant production potential for the fresh walnut market in the Sapanca Lake Basin. "The geographical indication registration of Sapanca Walnut will help local farmers generate higher income from walnut production, improve their standard of living, contribute to rural development, and support sustainable agriculture. Since 2018, we have been conducting research on the breeding and cultivation techniques of Sapanca Walnut. The findings from our research have demonstrated its potential for geographical indication registration at the initial stage," he explained.

Beyhan also mentioned that their work will continue, stating, "In the near future, one of the major research topics we will focus on will be the registration of Sapanca Walnut as a standard variety by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, determining its performance in different regions, and preserving its genetic diversity. Our faculty members from the Department of Horticultural Plants provided technical support during the preparation process of the application file for Sapanca Walnut. Its registration by the Turkish Patent Institute has become a significant example of our faculty's community-oriented work," he concluded.