Bursa black fig harvest begins amid falling prices

The harvest season for the geographically indicated ‘Bursa black’ fig has begun in Turkey. While favorable weather conditions have led to higher yields compared to last year, producers are facing significant economic concerns due to sharp price drops.

Export prices for the fruit, which is highly valued in European markets including the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands, started at 130 lira but quickly fell to 80 lira. Some purchasing firms have reportedly halted acquisitions entirely. Domestic market prices have also declined, ranging between 60 and 80 lira. Producers note that last year, prices reached levels of 190-200 lira.

In separate regional developments, producers in Nazilli are increasing the value of their fig crops by producing ‘fig chips.’ By thinly slicing and shade-drying fresh figs, small businesses and households are creating a product that sells for 2 to 6 times the price of fresh or dried figs, providing higher income and employment opportunities.