Tomato Crisis in Antalya: Seedling Prices Soared, Tomatoes Hit Rock Bottom
Tomato Producers in Antalya Face a Crisis: Seedling Prices Doubled, Tomato Prices Hit Rock Bottom
Tomato producers in Antalya are facing a severe crisis as seedling prices have doubled, while the selling prices of tomatoes have dropped. The rising costs are putting farmers in a difficult position, and the agricultural sector is on the verge of a serious deadlock.
Antalya, one of Turkey’s most important greenhouse agricultural regions, holds a significant share in greenhouse farming. Due to its mild climate, the city can produce crops for most of the year, but farmers are struggling with economic fluctuations.
Particularly tomato producers are facing a heavy burden this season. Tomato seedling prices have increased by over 100% in recent months, while the selling price of tomatoes has dropped below even the level of three years ago. Farmers are either forced to sell at cost or are working at a loss.
'PRODUCTION COSTS ARE RISING, PROFITS ARE FALLING'
In a statement regarding the issue, CHP Antalya MP Aykut Kaya expressed the dilemma farmers are facing with the following words:
“Tomato producers in Antalya are in the midst of a severe economic crisis. In August, the price of tomato seedlings was 8 TL, and now it has risen to 15 TL. However, the selling price of tomatoes remains stagnant. Input costs have almost doubled, and farmers are forced to sell at a loss. Unfortunately, no one is hearing the producers' voices.”
Kaya pointed out the serious decline in agriculture and agriculture-based exports in Antalya's economy, stating, “There has been a 7% decrease in fresh vegetable and fruit exports compared to the same period last year. If we can’t expand our market share, the greenhouse production in Antalya will be at serious risk. At this rate, we may have to import many products, especially tomatoes.”
'URGENT ACTION MUST BE TAKEN IN AGRICULTURE'
Kaya, highlighting the growing difficulties in the agricultural sector, called on the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Ministry of Trade, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take urgent action. He emphasized that without support for farmers, production will continue to decrease, and Turkey could become dependent on agricultural imports.
Producers are urgently waiting for solutions, particularly in the form of fuel, fertilizer, and seedling subsidies. If necessary measures are not taken, tomato production in Antalya could face serious danger.
