Category: Back to the Planet

Project title: SCS & SCF Sustainably Cultivated Sultanas & Sustainably Cultivated Figs

Project type: Business Implementation or Operational Initiative

Relevant SDG(s):

• Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• Goal 13: Climate Action

Primary topic(s):

• Advanced Processing and By-product Utilization
• Nature-positive Solutions and Regenerative Agriculture
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Community Development and Engagement
• Workforce Weel-being and Fair Practices
• Supply Chain Transparency and Traceability
• Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Integration
• Other: 100% Solar Powered

Relevant product(s): Dried figs, Dried grapes

Project end date: January 2027 Duration: 2 years, but not limited

Location: Türkiye

Is this a multi-collaborative project? Yes, it is multi-collaborative with Akca Energy.

ABSTRACT:

Both Sultanas and Figs are symbolic fruits since ancient times. Latin names are Vitis Vinifera and Ficus Carica. They are dedicated as symbol of fertility and cultivated in Anatolia especially in Aegean region. Turkey has been the biggest producer and exporter of these fruits globally. Both dried sultanas and figs are famous for their taste and texture. They natural source of energy, vitamin, minerals and famous for no added sugar for daily portions of children, pregnant women and elder people. As they are considered as sacred fruits, they are both part of recipes during holy times for different religions such as Christmas and Ramadan. Turkey, especially Aegean region has the best micro climatic conditions for the cultivation of the fruits. Their growing, harvest and drying periods are almost at the same time during second half of August and beginning September depending on climatic conditions. Naturally, every season there might be climatic challenges which affect marketing conditions and export volumes directly.

We as Osman Akça have been one of the exporter champions of dried fruits in Turkey for decades. Our founder Mr. Osman Akca established our company in 1955. He was born in growing area and fully dedicated for well grown of both products and business. For the moment third generation of the family is active in business. While becoming a holding company, continues growing is the most important rooth of all operations and investments. The company has diversified in five different sectors such as dried fruits, energy, textile, green house, gas, vehicle inspection and each company sustains inherited leadership mission at their sectors and always has been in champions leagues.

This project is performed by the company Osman Akca which is one of dried fruit export champions exporting annually about 40.000 metric tons of dried fruits to about 40 countries. Sustainability is top priority for our sector. We have initiated SCS and SCF projects to cultivate Sultanas and Figs using Good Agricultural practices with respecting workers, nature and environment. Projects are promoting sustainability practices in growing regions with their multiplier effect. Projects fields are good models for the regions, contracted farmers, their families, neigbours, process plants, workers & families. They appreciated by clients. Good practices and examples are exchanged. We aim projects’ wider dissemination. Because they create awareness about UN SDGs. 9 of 17 SDGs have been integrated to our SCS and SCF projects.

We have Sustainability Coordination Unit at our company. The Unit has subordinate committees for:

• Water Management
• Energy and Climate
• Waste Management
• Circular Economy
• Governance
• Occupational Health and Well being
• Supply Chain Management
• Social Compliance
• Logistic

The committees have wide range of scope and scale within SCS and SCF Projects. As INC has pinpointed 5 of 17 SDGs, we have selected 2 of 5 SDGs within this project to be submitted for 43rd World Nut & Dried Fruit Congress in Macao. They are:

• Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• Goal 13: Climate Action

OBJECTIVES:

To create consciousness about sustainability to cultivate Sultanas and Figs using Good Agricultural practices with respect to workers, nature and environment. Our Code of Conduct is adapted to SCS and SCF. Soil, water and climate are key components of our industry. Efficient component use is vitally important. Responsible production and process applications are considered as prerequisites for climate action. We aim to adapt sustainability practices to all levels from farm to package including all participants. Osman Akca is 100 % solar powered and we are unique at our sector.

IMPACT AND OUTCOMES:

Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

According to UN SDG, 13% of food is lost along supply chains whereas 19% is wasted at the consumer level. Supply chain includes harvesting, transport, storage and processing. Within SCS and SCF, our project team guide member farmers about efficient use of resources during farming practices. We promote and apply underground drip irrigation systems. We follow efficient forecasting systems to plan agricultural practices to reduce waste during harvest and drying periods. Our factories are located in the heart of growing regions. Thus, we eliminate adverse effects of transport. Our storage areas are well isolated. Within the project, we have adapted barcode system which is in correlation with SAP and traceability of quality assurance. At the factory level, we are 100% solar powered. Before switching solar power, we were using 950 kWh. Our Sultanas and Figs factories are Zero Waste certified. We encourage our farmers, workers and business partners to adopt environmentally friendly practices. We organize training and events to inform them about sustainability. Our Chairman Mr. Ahmet Bilge Goksan supervises the project directly. Within this project, we had a meeting at our factory as soon as we were back from INC Mallorca. He has made a presentation to summarize outcome of INC, informed our farmers and colleagues about developments at other origins and sustainability practices.

Goal 13: Climate Action

We work for the future we want. We deal with 100% natural sun-dried fruits. Our factories have no chimney and thus we do not pollute air. By our 100% solar powered system:

• CO2 reduction 7200 tons
• Saving from coal 2917 tons
• Tree plantation is equivalent to 393.000 trees
• Our production is equivalent to meet consumption of a town with 1500 inhabitants

We have organized an event at our factory for the children of our workers and farmers called “Where Do Parents Work”. 400 children attended the event. They are grouped. Sustainability Committee has prepared presentations according to their ages to inform them about our factory, products and sustainability activities where we present what it does mean and how we can apply in daily activities. At the end of training, they see the theatre performance specially prepared to emphasize sustainability. Then children recited the sustainability pledge aloud to affirm their commitment to sustainability. Children were awarded with hero’s cape and medal for their participation. Content of the pledge:

I will fulfill my duties to the Earth

I will work for the conservation of nature

I will always be careful for efficient use of natural resources

I will keep the Earth as clean as my home

I promise to do my best for the sake of better and more beautiful Earth

I will share with my friends what I have learned about sustainability

In what ways is the project innovative?

The project is innovative as it is pioneering dried sultanas and figs. Its effects are measurable. Achievement requires awareness and active participation of all parties from farm to fork. UN SDGs have been officially adapted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 whereas our project is the outcome of 70 years of experience at dried fruit sector. It is initiated as part of our leadership mission. We are inspired by INC and proud of sharing our know-how with members.

More information: https://osmanakca.com.tr/scf-scs/