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Price Drop in Greenhouse Products

ANKARA – April 20, 2024 The President of the Turkish Chamber of Agriculture (TZOB), Şemsi Bayraktar, shared the latest developments in greenhouse farming in Turkey, highlighting price drops and farmers’ expectations during a press conference.

Bayraktar noted that greenhouse farming has become a significant sector worldwide, and Turkey’s position in this field is strengthening day by day. Turkey ranks fourth globally and second in Europe after Spain in greenhouse production. In Turkey, covered agriculture is carried out on a total area of 764,207 decares across 73 provinces. Approximately 40.7% of these areas are located in Antalya, 24.6% in Mersin, 15.6% in Adana, and 4.3% in Muğla.

In 2023, total greenhouse production reached 8,956,951 tons, with vegetables accounting for 89% of this amount. According to information from the Agricultural Chambers of Antalya and Mersin, a significant price drop is observed in covered vegetable products after the holiday. For instance, in the last 15 days, the price of peppers dropped from 45 Turkish Lira to 15, cucumbers from 17 to 3, tomatoes from 21 to 15, and eggplants from 27 to 6 Turkish Lira. These price levels are causing losses for farmers.

With rising temperatures, an increase in greenhouse productivity and early ripening of products has led to a marked increase in supply. Moreover, slowing exports and particularly reduced purchases from chain markets due to the Ramadan holiday are contributing to the decline in prices.

Marketing Issues Need Resolution

Bayraktar emphasized the necessity of resolving marketing difficulties to prevent farmers from selling their products at low prices. He pointed out that the quick spoilage of fresh fruits and vegetables exacerbates marketing challenges and stressed the importance of addressing these issues. Although there are producer unions and cooperatives in provinces engaged in covered production, he noted that these organizations have not been effective in influencing the market, with some even having closed down. He called for necessary legal regulations to strengthen product marketing units.

Establishment of Local Markets

Bayraktar asserted that municipalities should make purchases during peak supply periods of perishable fruits and vegetables to prevent farmers from incurring losses. He reminded that, according to the Regulation on Market Places, at least 20% of market areas must be designated for producers, urging municipalities to increase this ratio. He advocated for the establishment of producer markets in every district where farmers can sell their products directly. Additionally, he highlighted the need for stricter oversight against those profiting unfairly from food prices.

Municipal Support for Farmers

Bayraktar remarked that major municipalities have increased responsibilities concerning the agriculture sector ahead of local elections, reiterating the demands of farmers. He underscored the obligation of municipalities to support local producers and listed the farmers’ main demands:

  • Protection of agricultural lands from being opened to construction.
  • Increase in social areas in rural areas.
  • Collaboration between municipalities and Agricultural Chambers.
  • Support for the establishment of marketing cooperatives.
  • Provision of support for inputs, machinery, and equipment.
  • Strengthening of rural infrastructure.
  • Assistance in the maintenance of agricultural irrigation systems.
  • Establishment of agricultural product processing facilities.
  • Promotion of renewable energy sources.
  • Increase in income through rural tourism.

Bayraktar emphasized the importance of meeting these demands to foster the development of the agricultural sector.

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Source: Tarım Haberleri