Turkish agricultural producers face price drops and rising costs

Turkish agricultural producers are facing significant economic challenges across various sectors. In Alanya, avocado prices have dropped sharply from 65 TL to 35 TL in ten days, with producers suspecting the impact of Kenyan imports. Similarly, sunflower producers in Edirne are protesting a decision to advance the reduction of customs duties from 20% to 12% by two months, which coincides with the harvest period and has lowered market prices.

In the hazelnut sector, producers are navigating a gap between the Toprak Mahsulleri Ofisi (TMO) purchase prices—set at 255 TL for Giresun quality and 250 TL for Levant quality—and lower free market rates. DEVA Party leader Ali Babacan met with hazelnut farmers in Sakarya, who expressed concerns over rising input costs and insufficient returns.

To combat rising labor costs, some hazelnut producers in Samsun are adopting a net-based harvest system. This method, supported by government grants of up to 70%, reportedly reduces labor costs by as much as 70% while improving product quality by preventing contact with the soil.