Aydın Fig Regulations Tightened to Protect Export Quality

The governor of Turkey's Aydın province issued a new decree to safeguard the quality of the region's figs, a key export commodity. The order bans the use of early‑ripening chemicals such as Ethephon and requires any facility storing figs to obtain a registration certificate from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Producers, traders, municipalities and police are assigned new inspection duties, and a Plant Health Control Certificate must accompany all shipments. Violations will be penalised with administrative fines under the Veterinary Services, Plant Health, Food and Feed Law.

Governor Osman Varol presented the decree at a meeting with district officials, agricultural officers and industry representatives, emphasizing that the aim is to raise awareness rather than punish. He noted that the updated rules also improve post‑harvest storage conditions and that authorities will monitor producers' warehouses electronically. The measures aim to reduce mycotoxin risk, maintain the Aydın fig's reputation in national and international markets, and support the livelihoods of thousands of local farmers.