Aydın fig producers call for price protections and stricter inspections

Stakeholders in the dried fig sector in Aydın, Turkey, have met to discuss the 2026-27 season and address critical industry challenges. During the meeting coordinated by the Aydın Commodity Exchange, officials reported that in the 2025-2026 season, Turkey produced 71,496 tons of dried figs, with 57,716 tons originating from Aydın. Total national exports reached 52,440 tons, of which 40,360 tons were from Aydın.

Producers have expressed significant concerns regarding pricing and market integrity. There are urgent calls for the implementation of floor prices to protect farmers from rising production costs. Additionally, producers have raised alarms regarding food adulteration, alleging that lower-quality figs from other provinces are being mixed with geographically protected Aydın figs in local businesses to increase profits.

To combat issues such as aflatoxin and ochratoxin, the Commodity Exchange has provided a 50% discount on laboratory and cold storage services. Industry representatives are calling for increased government inspections of businesses to prevent fraudulent labeling and to ensure the economic stability of the region's fig production.