The harvest season in Sultanhisar, in western Turkey, is going at full speed. Annually 65,000 tons of strawberries are grown in greenhouses in the town on an area of 120 million square feet. 60% of the production is exported to EU countries, Russia and the Middle East.
The Sultanhisar Agricultural Chamber of Commerce Chairman, Bilal Tarhan: “The production areas are increasing every day. It is the main source of income in this town. The quality of production improves every year and now we do not have any pesticide residue problems anymore. This helps in our exports as we have more demand for our products now.
Exports directly impact the prices in the local market as well. Every day roughly 8 trucks leave for abroad carrying strawberries. The problems with Russia had impacted us negatively too but now things are getting back to normal and the balance is established in the market price-wise.
Sultanhisar is very suitable for strawberry production due to its soil and climate conditions which helps us to grow strawberries with a good taste and long shelf life.“
Strawberry grower Gamze Oren Yetim: “We grow annually 1,500 tons of strawberries in an area of 3,000,000 square feet. Last year the prices were down to 0.5 – 0.75 USD per kg due to problems in the Russia market but now with the demand from that market, the prices are at 1.25 USD per kg which is satisfying for growers.”
Source: Star