Kars goose producers begin fattening season amid quality concerns

In Kars, Turkey, the fattening period for geese has begun, marking a critical stage for the region's traditional goose production. The Kars goose received a geographical indication registration from the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office on October 3, 2023.

Ali Yeğin, a former mayor of the Susuz district, has been raising geese on his farm for approximately six years. Following traditional methods, geese that grew naturally during the summer are now being fed barley to prepare them for slaughter. Producers note that the cold weather and snowfall are essential, as the geese become fattier and the meat more flavorful when they encounter the winter climate.

Local producers have expressed concerns regarding market competition. Yeğin reported that geese brought from outside the region are sometimes sold under the “Kars goose” name, despite not meeting local production standards. Producers warn that these external geese may be fed differently to increase weight, potentially impacting the quality and authenticity of the registered product.