Apple harvest begins in Turkey's Isparta and Karaman regions

Apple harvesting has commenced across major Turkish production regions, including Isparta and Karaman, driving significant seasonal employment and economic activity.

In Isparta, which produces approximately one-quarter of Turkey’s apples, officials expect a yield of 1.25 million tons. Harvested fruit is being moved to cold storage facilities, where it can be kept for up to a year to maintain freshness for export markets.

In Karaman, where 16 million trees cover 245,000 decares of land, the region aims for a 700,000-ton yield this season. More than 30,000 seasonal workers are involved in the process, with daily harvests averaging 15,000 tons. To maintain export standards, workers are instructed to limit their daily collection to under 500 kilograms per person to prevent bruising or fingerprints, which can disqualify fruit from international markets.