In Isparta, one of Turkey's major apple production hubs, producers say they are going through difficult times due to the purchase prices announced this year and difficulties in sales. According to the producers, the price of juicing apples, which reached up to 12 liras per kilogram last year, has fallen to the 2.5-3 lira level this year.
Speaking to the ANKA News Agency, producers stated that costs have increased across many items, from labor to fertilizer, pesticides, and diesel; however, the prices offered do not cover these expenses. Expressing that they are having trouble finding buyers in the region, the producers stated that their losses are growing due to products waiting in warehouses.
Producer Tahsin Taşbaş stated that the juicing apples they sold for 12 liras last year have dropped to 3 liras this year, adding that companies are constantly changing prices. Taşbaş said, "This juicing apple that the farmer sold for 12 liras last year is currently 3 liras. Companies that feel like it sometimes lower it to 3. It's as if they are toying with the farmer."
Emphasizing that the apples grown in Isparta and Eğirdir, especially in the Boğazova region, have a high-quality aroma, Taşbaş said that the product must be protected. Stating that traders are not present in the region this year, Taşbaş reported that cold storage warehouses are full and it is uncertain when the product in the hands of the producers will be purchased.
Ali İhsan Ünver, who says he has been farming for about 30 years, noted that apple production requires labor and expense throughout the year. Ünver stated that for apples that could be sold for up to 50 liras per kilogram last year, they have received offers in the 10-15 lira range this year, and that the price of juicing apples has fallen from 12 liras to 3 liras.
Ünver stated that a worker's daily wage has reached 2 thousand liras, adding, "There are apple pesticide costs, fertilizer costs, water expenses, electricity expenses, and diesel expenses. So, according to the offers given, the price offers, we are at a loss."
Ali Çiftçi, who has been in the apple business for about 40 years, said that products remaining from last year are waiting in warehouses and some of them have rotted. Çiftçi explained that the price per kilogram of apples on the branch varies between 15-30 liras, those who can sell their product do so, and those who cannot store their apples in cold storage warehouses.
Pointing to the importance of exports to overcome the problem, Çiftçi said, "If you ask how the path will be cleared, it is through exports abroad. This is one of the main reasons. As long as this export does not happen, apple production is excessive across Turkey. Therefore, it is not being absorbed. When it is not absorbed, the apples end up waiting in warehouses like this."
News Source: 12punto
