Manisa grape producers face economic strain amid harvest season

Grape producers in Manisa and surrounding regions are facing significant economic challenges during the current harvest season. The TARİŞ Grape Sales Cooperatives Union set the 2026 season advance purchase price at 80 TL per kilogram, a figure producers claim is insufficient to cover rising production costs, which are estimated at 53,750 TL per decare. Farmers expressed concerns regarding the ability to remain profitable given the high costs of fuel, fertilizer, and labor.

Despite these financial pressures, various grape harvest festivals and cultural events are underway to promote the region's agricultural heritage. The Bağbozumu (Grape Harvest) Festivals in Manisa and the Alaşehir International Culture, Art, and Grape Festival feature competitions, gastronomy showcases, and local product exhibitions. These events aim to strengthen the brand value of Manisa's grapes and support local women's labor, even as officials acknowledge the difficult market conditions for growers.

In addition to traditional production, there is growing interest in new grape varieties, such as the Sweet Sapphire black grape being trialed in Sarıgöl. Meanwhile, in Nevşehir, the 54th International Ürgüp Grape Harvest Festival was held to celebrate the region's long-standing viticulture culture.