# Karacabey pepper producer price crisis

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/karacabey-pepper-producer-price-crisis
> Updated: 2026-08-24T18:49:00.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

Kapya pepper producers in Turkey’s Karacabey Plain continue to face an economic crisis driven by declining market prices. While fresh market prices initially stood at 25 to 30 lira per kilogram, field prices have dropped to approximately 18 lira per kilogram, nearing the production cost of 15 to 17 lira.

Producers have accused roasting factories of intentionally delaying purchases and idling machinery to manipulate the market and lower prices. Local agricultural representatives and producers are calling for urgent intervention from government officials and members of parliament to protect the sector and ensure sustainable farming.

In a separate regional development, the red pepper harvest for paste production has commenced in Kahramanmaraş. In that region, prices are currently ranging between 25 and 30 lira per kilogram, with local producers noting high crop quality despite elevated input costs.

Previously, the Ministry of Trade concluded an investigation into reports of tomatoes being dumped in pastures in Karacabey. The Ministry determined that factories refused the products because they were physically unsuitable—described as bruised, rotten, and mixed with soil and stones—rather than due to market manipulation. While no evidence of market disruption was found, the Ministry initiated administrative proceedings against the producer for violating environmental and waste management regulations regarding improper waste disposal.

## Claims

- Kapya pepper prices in the fresh market were initially between 25 and 30 lira per kilogram. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Field prices for kapya peppers have dropped to 18 lira per kilogram. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Roasting factories allegedly delayed purchases and halted machinery to force lower prices. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Producers are calling for government and parliamentary intervention to address the price crisis. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-24: Turkey agriculture: Record fruit exports and pepper price crisis

Turkish agriculture sees record fresh fruit exports exceeding $1 billion, while kapya pepper producers in Karacabey report financial distress due to falling prices and factory purchase delays.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karacabey-pepper-producers-face-price-crisis-amid-factory-purchase-delays

### 2026-08-02: Çermik pepper harvest in Turkey sees price plunge from 450 to 60 lira per kg

Turkey’s Çermik pepper harvest reports high yields and delayed start due to rain, driving prices down from 450 lira to 60‑80 lira per kg; farmers stress the pepper’s unique aroma and regional importance.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ermik-pepper-harvest-in-turkey-sees-price-plunge-from-450-to-60-lira-per-kg

---
Cite as: Karacabey pepper producer price crisis. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/karacabey-pepper-producer-price-crisis