Yarn, crochet hooks, paper bags, cloth, beads and braid purchased with funding from the UN Small Grants Programme were distributed to local women, and inspired by Ayse’s examples in just a few days they had produced many variations that demonstrated their own creativity. 
Meanwhile, broken and small sized almonds were used to make almond toffee and marzipan with honey. We thank all the women of Sindi village and Ayse for their magnificent efforts.
Omer Onan, president of the Sindi Village Agricultural Development Cooperative, has devoted years to founding the cooperative and marketing the almonds, honey and olive oil produced in the village. Enhanced by the new packaging, the market value of local produce will increase. The utilisation in confectionery of produce like the small sized almonds that were previously unmarketable will generate a new source of income for the village.
Currently only three of the 57 local almond varieties are marketable, but thanks to the new packing and diversification of production, it is hoped that more of these varieties will be preserved. This will contribute to Datca’s rich agricultural biodiversity, and thereby help to prevent the deterioration of the soil and depletion of water resources.