Zeybek brings olive harvest declaration and registration issues to Parliament

Hüseyin Zeybek, Member of Parliament for Xanthi with the New Left Party, has raised concerns in Parliament regarding the implementation problems surrounding the Olive Harvest Declaration and the Olive Registration System (ZKS). The issues stem from Article 49 of Law 5035/2023, which mandates producers to declare their olive harvests— a process Zeybek says is placing undue burden on farmers.

Digital Barriers and Extra Costs for Olive Producers
Although the collection of harvest data is now legally required, Zeybek highlighted that the digital nature of the system, combined with a lack of information and support, makes it difficult for many producers to comply. He emphasized that many farmers require professional assistance to navigate the process, creating an additional financial burden.

Zeybek pointed out that elderly farmers and those in remote rural areas face significant difficulties accessing and using digital platforms. He criticized the current system as impractical in its present form. Furthermore, since the platform is still in a trial phase, many producers are being redirected to Regional Agricultural Offices, resulting in overcrowding and added strain on both producers and public employees.

June 30 Deadline for ZKS Registration
To submit the harvest declaration, producers must register with the Zeytin Kayıt Sistemi (ZKS) or update their existing records by June 30, 2025. However, ongoing technical shortcomings and a lack of adequate support have caused uncertainty among the farming community.

Key Questions Directed to the Minister of Agriculture
Zeybek submitted a formal written question to the Minister of Agriculture, raising four key issues:

• What steps will the Ministry take to simplify the olive harvest declaration process and make it more user-friendly?
• Is there a plan to provide training or technical support for producers who lack digital literacy?
• Will alternative methods of submission—such as through Citizen Service Centers (KEP)—be considered for those struggling with the digital platform?
• When will the digital version of the Olive Registration System become fully operational? Will the requirement to apply through regional offices be lifted before the June 30 deadline?