Cross efficiency comparison in olive oil sector: A case study of Aydin and Balikesir province

The main purpose of the study is to reveal whether there is a relationship between the efficiency values of olive squeezing facilities in Aydın and Balıkesir provinces and location, quality, environmental criteria and what are the factors affecting the efficiency.The main material of the research is the data to be collected by face-to-face survey method in olive oil factories in Aydın and Balıkesir provinces. Secondary data were obtained from institutions such as the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, Provincial Directorates of Agriculture and Forestry and the Turkish Statistical Institute. Random stratified sampling (95% confidence interval and 10% margin of error) method was used to determine the sample volume, and it was determined that a total of 131 factories, 63 in Aydın and 68 in Balıkesir, would be surveyed.The amount of olives processed and the amount of olive oil produced are higher in Balıkesir than Aydın for both production seasons. The values of the quality and environment indices were calculated and it was concluded that the index values were higher in Balıkesir than Aydın. In addition, it has been determined that the number of fully efficient firms is higher in Balıkesir than in Aydın in both production seasons. Considering the meta-technology ratios, it has been calculated that the values in Aydın and Balıkesir provinces are close to each other and that the output is 95% and above with the current technology.As a result of the analyzes made it has been found that there is a significant relationship between the efficiency values of olive squeezing facilities in Aydın and Balıkesir provinces and the criteria of location, quality and environment.