Samsun farmer transitions from textile industry to aronia and strawberry production

Birsen Yıldız, a former textile worker from Istanbul, has transitioned to agricultural production in the Kavak district of Samsun. Operating on a 25-acre plot in the Ahırlı neighborhood, Yıldız focuses on cultivating aronia and strawberries.

Currently, 17 acres are dedicated to aronia and 1.5 acres to strawberries. Yıldız noted that strawberry production was initially started to cover expenses while waiting for the aronia crops to reach maturity. Following a period of frost damage last year, the aronia plants have now reached their third year and are producing fruit.

Due to high demand, Yıldız plans to expand the strawberry production area next year. The farm emphasizes natural production methods, avoiding chemical fertilizers, and allows customers to harvest products directly from the garden.