The Contribution of Aromatic Plants to the Western Black Sea Region, Regional Development and New Generation Agricultural Opportunities

The New Star of the Western Black Sea Region – Aromatic Plants

Western Black Sea Region (Our region, which includes the provinces of Samsun, Sinop, Kastamonu, Karabük, Bartın, Düzce, Bolu and Çankırı) has long been known for its walnut, corn, fodder crop and small-scale livestock production, but in recent years a new agricultural value has been gaining prominence: medicinal and aromatic plants. The global shift towards natural products, increasing demand for plant-based ingredients in the cosmetics and food industries, and support from rural development projects have begun to position the region as a leader in this field.

The vast geography stretching from Samsun to Bolu and from Kastamonu to Çankırı, with its climate diversity, clean soil structure and extensive forests, forms one of Turkey's most suitable ‘aromatic plant basins’.

The Region's Aromatic Plant Potential

There are many valuable plants that grow naturally and are cultivated in the Western Black Sea region:

- Mint varieties

- Sage

- Thyme varieties

- Rosemary

- Medicinal chamomile

- Hare's ear / Forest rose subspecies

- Caper (Çankırı – Kastamonu)

- Blue anemone – St. John's wort species

- Hemp (Samsun – Vezirköprü pilot regions)

- Lavender (Sinop – Durağan, Kastamonu – Daday distribution areas)

This diversity creates significant income opportunities for both industrial processing and rural producers.

Economic Contribution: Big Income from Small Areas

The most important advantage of aromatic plants is that they provide high added value at low cost.

Even a 1-decare aromatic garden can generate a good level of income.

Sample data:

- Lavender: 40–60 kg of essential oil per decare

- Sage – Thyme: 150–250 kg of dry leaves per decare

- Rosemary: High demand for oil and dried leaf exports

In the region, the transformation of particularly barren and marginal land into productive land provides an opportunity for villages that have abandoned agriculture to return to production.

Contribution to Employment: A Model Reversing Migration

Aromatic plant production:

- Suitable for family businesses,

- Appealing to women and young entrepreneurs,

- Provides sustainable income in villages with no non-agricultural employment opportunities.

In recent years, drying, oil extraction and packaging activities carried out by women's cooperatives in Sinop, Kastamonu and Bartın have increased employment in villages.

Contribution to the Industry and Processing Sector

Small-scale facilities to be established in the region:

- Volatile oil distillation centres

- Drying and packaging units

- Herbal tea and spice production facilities

- Cosmetics and soap workshops

- Honey – propolis – aromatic plant mixture products

Bolu, Düzce and Samsun have a logistical advantage for processing facilities.

Integration with Livestock Farming: Added Value on Farms

When aromatic plants are combined with livestock farming:

- Antiseptic plants strengthen pastures,

- Feed additives increase productivity in small livestock,

- Lavender gardens combined with beekeeping enable the production of highly aromatic honey.

Farms generate diversified income not only from meat and milk but also from aromatic products.

Tourism Dimension: Aromatic Villages

Lavender villages, aromatherapy trails, plant exhibition areas, and rural holiday homes hold significant potential, particularly in the highlands of Kastamonu – Daday, Bolu – Gölcük, and Sinop.

State Support

Aromatic plant production can benefit from the following support:

- TKDK (IPARD) plant production and processing support

- 50–65% Rural Development grants

- Permits for forest villagers to plant aromatic plants

- Special support packages for cooperatives

Conclusion

The Western Black Sea region, stretching from Samsun to Çankırı, is one of Turkey's strongest regions in terms of aromatic plants.

This sector offers a great opportunity to accelerate rural development, encourage young people to return to their villages, and establish the region as a brand for natural products.