Cebi explained that the kiwi adaptation studies, which had started 14 years ago in the eastern Black Sea region, have finally paid off, and said that, "major steps have been taken in the field of growing kiwis in the region."

Cebi continued:

* We encouraged kiwi production with the aim of improving the product line in the region, and also to help provide additional income for the hazelnut growers.

* The adaptation studies, which had started 14 years ago, have finally paid off.

* The local people in the region have embraced kiwi production. We are having a hard time providing kiwi saplings for everybody because of the high demand.

* The Giresun Provincial Office of Agriculture and the Hazelnut Research Institute (FAE), produce an estimate of 17 thousand kiwi saplings each year and distribute them to the local people.

* The goal is to provide the local people with a minimum of 20 thousand kiwi saplings this year. (NK/BB/EA/NM)