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Agricultural value chains play a vital role in food security and the sustainability of production and consumption systems. However, about 30% of food is wasted within these chains, which poses a major challenge to balancing the interests of producers and consumers. Developing efficient value chains by reducing losses and increasing productivity is an effective solution to this problem. This development also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12 regarding responsible consumption and production, and it holds economic, social, and environmental significance.This applied and mixed-methods (quantitative and qualitative) research was conducted using both documentary and field data. The hazelnut value chain was examined using Porter’s model and through questionnaires and interviews with stakeholders in Gilan Province, and various marketing indicators were calculated. Additionally, the status of hazelnut waste and by-products in Iran and globally was analyzed using literature review, surveys, and snowball sampling methods.Findings in three main areas—value chain links, marketing indicators, and waste management—show that the hazelnut value chain in Iran includes production, processing, and marketing. Iran, with over 29,000 hectares under cultivation and more than 22,000 tons of production, is among the top ten hazelnut-producing countries. Low productivity is due to the use of local varieties, climatic issues, inadequate orchard management, and a lack of modern technologies. The shortage of modern processing industries, the absence of strong cooperatives, and economic challenges have limited the development of the processing and marketing sectors. To improve, research programs, financial support, farmer training, and the development of export markets are necessary to enhance Iran’s position in global markets.The study of processed hazelnut marketing in Gilan Province showed that there are three main distribution channels, with the shares of the producer, wholesaler, and retailer being approximately 53.85%, 21.9%, and 24.61% of the final price, respectively. The average margins for wholesale, retail, and total were 1.37, 1.6, and 3 million rials, respectively, and the marketing service cost per kilogram was about 1.12 million rials.Hazelnut waste has diverse applications in various industries: hazelnut shells, due to their vitamin E and antioxidant content, are used in the cosmetics industry and as a natural additive in the food industry. In the pharmaceutical field, these shells have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and can be converted into activated carbon and drug carriers. In construction, they are used as thermal and sound insulation and in the production of lightweight materials. They are also used in animal husbandry and agriculture as feed supplements, organic fertilizers, and natural mulch. In recycling and environmental industries, they are used for paper production, compressed charcoal, and natural chemicals, and in the energy sector as biomass for biofuel production.Hazelnut shell powder, a by-product obtained from milling lignocellulosic shells, has various uses in the food, agriculture, and composite material industries. From each kilogram of in-shell hazelnuts, about 400 to 450 grams of powder is produced. The economic value of this product is estimated at 8 to 9 billion dollars globally and about 155 to 174 million dollars in Iran. Utilizing this powder can contribute to economic value addition, substitute imported compounds, and promote sustainable development.
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