Manisa Producers Await Raisin Floor Price
· Google Haberler
Nine agricultural chambers in Manisa have urgently called for the Turkish Grain Board (TMO) to announce a floor price for dried raisins, taking into account rising input costs and inflation.
Demand for Raisin Floor Price
The Manisa Agricultural Chambers Provincial Coordination Board has demanded the prompt announcement of the new season's floor price for dried raisins, a key strategic agricultural export product. During a joint meeting attended by the heads of nine agricultural chambers in the region, it was emphasized that this season's price for the product, which was announced at 120 TL per kilogram last year, must reflect inflation and input costs. Speaking on behalf of the board, Şehzadeler Agricultural Chamber President Hüseyin Altındağ addressed the relevant institutions, stating that producers are impatiently awaiting the official price announcement.
Rising Production Costs and Inputs
It was stated that producers are facing significant cost pressures during their activities in the vineyards. Manisa Agricultural Chambers Provincial Coordination Board and Şehzadeler Agricultural Chamber President Hüseyin Altındağ highlighted the need to protect producers due to continuous increases in fuel, fertilizer, pesticide, and labor costs, stating:
“Our expectation from our President, the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, the Minister of Treasury and Finance, and the TMO is to announce the dried raisin floor price as soon as possible. We expect a price increase from our President for grapes, which were 120 lira last year, based on the inflation and agricultural input price increase rates over the past year.”
Market Mechanism and Purchase Points
Producer representatives pointed to the importance of the Turkish Grain Board (TMO) playing an active role in the field, stating that the price alone is not sufficient. Hüseyin Altındağ reported that to establish a fair price balance in the free market, the TMO needs to increase the number of its purchase points and raise quota limits. The chamber presidents also called on grape traders to avoid speculative price movements in the market and to create a healthy trade environment so that producers can receive full value for their labor.
Financing Burden and Export Support
It was stated that the entire supply chain needs to be financially relieved to maintain dried raisins' share in the global market. Altındağ noted that high bank interest rates are burdening both farmers and exporting traders, explaining that reducing financing access costs is essential for sustainability. The chamber presidents emphasized that state support for exporters would boost the sector's competitiveness, thereby enabling Turkey's dried fruit export revenues to reach targeted levels.
Harvest Estimate and Ministry Announcement
Based on observations in the field this season, it is estimated that the harvest yield has increased compared to last year. Altındağ reminded that official data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry must be awaited for definitive harvest figures, adding that expectations in the market will become clearer with the official announcement. The heads of Şehzadeler, Ahmetli, Akhisar, Alaşehir, Gölmarmara, Kırkağaç, Sarıgöl, Saruhanlı, and Turgutlu agricultural chambers signed the joint declaration, publicly announcing that they will follow up on producers' demands.