Turkish fruit farmers face losses as market prices fall below production costs

Farmers across Turkey report that the cost of producing fruit such as peaches, apricots, plums, grapes and figs now ranges from 20 to 25 Turkish lira per kilogram, yet they are forced to sell at 10 to 15 lira, well below their expenses. The price gap leaves growers operating at a loss while consumers pay up to 60‑100 lira per kilogram in city markets.

In the Aydın province town of Buharkent, the early fig harvest has begun with record‑high yields. Despite the strong quality and volume—30,000 to 35,000 tonnes annually—prices have dropped sharply. Local officials, including mayor Mehmet Erol, note that the abundant supply has pushed kilogram prices down to around 6 lira, far below the cost of production. The situation is prompting some farmers to consider abandoning their orchards, raising concerns about food security and the sustainability of Turkey’s agricultural sector.