Baris Kocagoz

Basak Tarim, Turkey

Hi, I’m Baris Kocagoz, and I grow organic pomegranates for Nature & More in Turkey. Our company is called Basak Tarim, and we have been producing pomegranates for over 12 years. Thank you for buying our pomegranates, and I hope you enjoy this beautiful and healthy fruit!

Our company, Basak Tarim, is located in the west of Turkey, near the cities of Söke and Aydin. My family has been involved in agricultural production since I was eighteen, continuing a tradition of cotton farming for over 90 years. However, I wanted to introduce a new approach with an organic focus, and the magic fruit of the pomegranate was the perfect choice. We started our organic farming journey in 2007, and today we work with four farms in the area.

Although pomegranates have been known for over 10,000 years, many people around the world are just now discovering this incredible fruit. We’re excited to share its beauty and health benefits with a growing global audience.

Interview with Baris Kocagoz

N&M: Why did you choose to go organic?

Our time on this planet is brief, especially compared to the earth itself. During this short time, humans have significantly altered the ecological balance. It is our responsibility to think about the future and produce food that respects this balance. If we respect nature, we respect ourselves, because ultimately, we are what we eat!

N&M: Was it difficult to convert to organic?

Organic production requires dedication, especially in the beginning. From the first flower on the tree to the moment the pomegranate reaches your shopping bag, you need to continuously care for the tree and the fruit. Our organic pomegranates may look a little different from conventional ones, with small scratches or dots on the outside, but inside, they are perfectly bright red, tasty, and completely free of chemical residues.

N&M: What’s it like to produce organic food in Turkey?

In Turkey, not many people are familiar with organic products, and the price difference between organic and conventional crops is minimal, so there is almost no domestic market. This is why we are grateful to partner with Nature & More, which allows us to reach larger markets. I enjoy being able to share my story and passion with so many people through this platform.

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soil

In organic production, no synthetic fertilizers or chemical toxins are used, promoting biodiversity in the soil. A living soil exhibits better water retention, enhanced porosity, and nutrient availability through natural biological activity. At Basak Tarim, weeds are manually cut and left on the soil alongside clippings from the trees. These materials naturally decompose on the orchard floor, creating a natural mulch that nourishes the soil, reduces evaporation, and helps prevent erosion.

biodiversity

A river crosses through our fields, creating a vibrant ecosystem that supports diverse wildlife. In the Soke region, over 130 different species of birds, including storks, swallows, quails, and eagles, thrive. Birdwatchers from around the world visit annually to experience this biodiversity. Since we don’t use insecticides, our soil hosts a wide range of life such as earthworms, spiders, and other small creatures. The organic plant material left on the orchard floor also attracts various insects, contributing to a balanced ecosystem.

Pomegranate trees, being drought-tolerant, are well-suited to the Mediterranean climate. The absence of herbicides further enhances plant biodiversity around the orchards. All our orchards are completely GMO-free, preserving the natural biodiversity of the environment.

society

At Basak Tarim, we believe that freedom of the mind comes from the opportunity for personal development, and education plays a vital role in this. Beyond providing on-the-job training, we actively support social associations that promote education for agricultural workers. Baris Kocagoz is involved in local humanitarian initiatives that provide educational support to students in need. Each harvest season, Baris also organizes an educational tour for about 40 friends and acquaintances, offering them a firsthand experience of farming and nature.

Justice represents equality for all, and this principle is central to our operations. Basak Tarim employs eight full-time workers and an additional 30 seasonal workers during harvest. Baris practices hands-on leadership, working side by side with his employees both in the fields and in the packing house. “This allows me to monitor product quality and stay connected with the team,” says Baris. “If anyone has a question or suggestion, I’m right there with them.”

Solidarity means recognizing basic human needs and helping people achieve a decent living standard and financial security. In Turkey, the Farmers Agricultural Association sets the daily wages for workers each year before harvest begins, ensuring both farmers and workers know what to expect. Permanent employees receive competitive salaries, and social security and medical care are provided by the Turkish government.

climate

Turkey enjoys abundant sunshine, and solar energy is a key power source in our pomegranate production. Since no chemicals are used in organic farming, we avoid reliance on fossil fuel-derived inputs. Much of the work on our farms is done by hand, further reducing energy use. We dry our seeds and flowers using the natural power of the sun in drying tunnels. While our cold storage facilities do consume a considerable amount of electricity, we aim to transition to wind energy in the future, depending on government regulations.

In our organic orchards, we avoid the use of chemical fertilizers, which helps reduce emissions of nitrous oxide—a potent greenhouse gas. Additionally, we avoid air pollution from agricultural toxins. Overall, the lower energy usage in our organic pomegranate farming results in reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional farming, though the energy consumption for cold storage remains similar.

water

At Basak Tarim, we predominantly use drip irrigation to conserve water. The Meander River runs through our area, providing ample water, but due to pollution from upstream conventional farms, we prefer to use underground water resources. These underground reserves are naturally replenished and are tested annually to ensure their quality. We are also considering constructing rainwater tanks to collect water during the winter season.

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