Harvest Yields Increased, But Producer Prices Declined
· GıdaTarım
Despite a bumper crop following the previous season, the abundance of produce has not brought relief to farmers. Rising input costs, coupled with low free market and purchase prices, have left growers facing debt pressure.
High Yields Pushed Prices Down
The agricultural sector, which struggled with drought, frost, and flood disasters in the previous period, has not achieved the expected income despite experiencing a product abundance this season. High yields in hazelnuts, raisins, green lentils, garlic, and apricots have caused free market prices to decline. Producer representatives demand that state institutions intervene more effectively in the market to ensure price stability and protect producers by withdrawing surplus products from the market.
Input Costs Strain Producers
Basic input costs in agricultural production, such as diesel, fertilizer, labor, and pesticides, have increased by at least 50% in the last year. Despite this heavy burden of rising costs, the announced public purchase prices and free market transaction prices remained well below producer expectations. The market abundance did not bring joy to producers; calls for the removal of quota applications in purchases and the acceleration of payment terms gained strength across the sector.
Free Market Pressure on Hazelnuts
Hazelnut prices, which experienced a yield loss due to frost last year and reached the 370 TL band in the free market, did not meet expectations in the new season. While the Turkish Grain Board (TMO) announced a purchase price of 250 TL, the free market remained at the 170-180 TL level. Despite the producer's expectation of 300 TL, FİSKOBİRLİK announced a price of 195 TL for its members and 185 TL for non-members. Representatives warned producers against leaving their products on consignment.
Price Disappointment in Raisins
On the raisin front, TARİŞ announced an advance price of 80 TL for grade 9 raisins; free market transactions are hovering around 60-65 TL. Cem Yalvaç, Chairman of the Manisa Salihli Chamber of Agriculture, stated that vineyard costs have increased by 70% in the last year and made the following statement:
"In 2023, the producer sold their product at 100-120 TL, and in 2025, at approximately 120 TL. We have reached 2026, and the announced price is 80 lira. Moreover, this is a gross figure, and it is not clear what deductions will be made from it."
Demand for Market Intervention and Support Prices
Stating that producers are under debt pressure immediately after the harvest, Manisa Salihli Chamber of Agriculture Chairman Cem Yalvaç explained the necessity of intervention purchases with the following words:
"In Salihli, traders are buying grapes at 65-70 TL. The state needs to announce prices and determine purchase points before the season begins. As soon as the producer cuts their grapes, the pesticide dealer, diesel supplier, fertilizer supplier, and laborers demand their money. By the end of September, early October, the farmer has no product left. They sell their product and pay their debts."