Grape producer in Hatay reacts to market prices: "We sell grapes for 10 TL, but they are sold for 30-40 TL in markets"

The grape harvest has begun in Hassa, Hatay, where the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes caused massive destruction. The hot weather, which reached 50 degrees during the summer months, affected the grape yield. While there is almost no product in many regions, it has declined by two-thirds in some areas. The Hassa grape, which leaves a sweet taste, is finding buyers in the field for between 10 and 13 TL. Agricultural worker Hatun Aslan pointed out that their work is difficult, saying, "Our work is hard; it wouldn't be right to say it's easy. The daily wage is low compared to our labor."

Stating that the harvest is lower compared to previous years, Mehmet Güler said, "The harvest is less than in previous years, but the prices are good. Prices are between 10 and 12 TL."

Reacting to the price difference between the field and the market shelf, İsmet Teke said, "The Söğüt grape is famous in the Hassa region. This year, due to the heat, yields are one-third of what they were last year. But the prices are satisfactory. What worries us is the high cost of diesel and fertilizer. Prices are between 12-13 TL. After labor costs, it's 10 TL. We sell the grapes here for 10 TL, but they are 30-40 TL in the market. The producer definitely does not earn as much as the middleman. Our people cannot consume grapes as they would like," he said.

News Source: 12punto