Antalya Commodity Exchange Demands Strategic Support in Medium-Term Program
· Tarım Pusulası
Antalya Commodity Exchange Chairman Ali Çandır stated that agriculture should be positioned as a strategic sector within the new Medium-Term Program, and support models should be developed in line with input costs.
Strategic Approach to Agriculture within the Medium-Term Program
Speaking at the Antalya Commodity Exchange's August Assembly Meeting, Chairman of the Board Ali Çandır emphasized that agriculture should be defined as a strategic sector within the new Medium-Term Program planned for announcement in September. Stating that farmers are struggling with fertilizer, fuel, energy, and labor costs, Çandır noted that the commercial sector is also under financing pressure. Reminding that support models should align with input costs, Antalya Commodity Exchange Chairman of the Board Ali Çandır made the following statement:
"Support should be compatible with costs and predictable"
Çandır drew attention to the importance of long-term financing opportunities and competitive exchange rate policies for the agricultural production chain.
Grain Harvest Yields and Costs
Ali Çandır stated that the grain harvest across Turkey has largely been completed and the yield has been high, pointing to regional yield differences in Antalya. While excessive rainfall in the coastal strip and floods in the Elmalı Plain reduced yields, it was recorded that the yield in highlands and well-maintained areas increased up to 400-600 kilograms per decare. Reporting that high humidity and the sun pest caused quality loss, Çandır said that if producers are not protected against rising input costs, planting decisions for the next season will be disrupted.
Unfair Import Competition for Manavgat Sesame
Addressing the market pressure on Manavgat Golden Sesame, which has geographical indication registration, ATB Chairman Ali Çandır announced that imported products threaten the domestic market with their price advantage. Çandır reported that significant unfair competition is occurring, especially because sesame from Egypt resembles Antalya sesame in terms of color, emphasizing that the geographical indication alone is insufficient. He stated that market inspections and protective measures must be implemented urgently to protect producer income, enhance brand value, and ensure the sustainability of domestic production.
Sectoral Water Management for the Future
Reiterating that the primary condition for keeping producers in the field is support, Antalya Commodity Exchange Chairman of the Board Ali Çandır issued the following warning:
"If we do not support producers today, we will risk food supply"
Çandır stated that the Exchange has determined water as its theme for 2026 activities, noting the vital importance of water for agriculture, industry, and urban life. The Antalya Water Dialogue meetings, with the participation of sector stakeholders, will be held on September 15-16, organized by ATB. Subsequently, agricultural drought and water security strategies will be discussed at the comprehensive Antalya Water Summit to be held on September 23.