Local Grapes Grown in Elazığ Open to Russian Market
· NTV Ekonomi
Özel Çetin, who returned to his hometown from Germany and established a 300-decare vineyard on the shores of Keban Dam Lake, exports his Elazığ Beyazı grapes to Russia as well as the domestic market.
Vineyard Cultivation Stretching from Germany to the Shores of Keban
Özel Çetin, a 50-year-old producer who returned to his hometown after working in the construction sector in Germany for 13 years, has made a large-scale vineyard investment in Elazığ. Çetin, who started production on lands along the shores of Keban Dam Lake in Yurtbaşı Town and the villages of Güzelyalı and Kıraç, has been growing his production capacity every year by cultivating the lands inherited from his father. The producer, who has increased his total vineyard area to over 300 decares, cultivates Öküzgözü, Boğazkere, Şirfoni, Ağın white, Elazığ red, and predominantly Elazığ white grapes on his lands. Local employment is also contributed during the seasonal pruning and harvest periods.
Export Success with Elazığ Beyazı
Grape Producer Özel Çetin provided information about his production strategy:
"After working in construction for 13 years in Germany, I returned to my country and started grape cultivation with my father's support. I operated the lands left by my father, increased the capital, and then expanded the area, increasing our production to over 300 decares."
Grape Producer Özel Çetin emphasized shelf life in his variety selection:
"Our focus is on Elazığ Beyazı. Because it can be harvested last, we have the opportunity to keep it on the vine for a long time, and due to its long shelf life, we can harvest even when grapes are scarce in the market."
The harvested grapes are sent to all corners of Turkey and exported to the Russian market through traders.
European Market Target and Sustainability
Grape Producer Özel Çetin shared details about his marketing network:
"We can market our products to every province in Turkey."
Touching upon his export goals, Grape Producer Özel Çetin continued:
"In fact, we export to the Russian region through traders. Our main goal is for our products to be grown in a controlled manner, brought up to European standards, and to gain a place in the European market. We expect support from the authorities in this regard."
Grape Producer Özel Çetin highlighted the importance of agricultural discipline and institutionalization:
"As someone who stayed in Germany for 13 years, I can say that our country's nature and the opportunities it offers are truly a blessing. The courage and diligence of our people are unmatched anywhere else. Our only problem is a lack of discipline and getting discouraged easily. Reaching the peak and staying there is essential. This is possible by loving your job, branding, and acting with a corporate consciousness. When discipline, sustainability, and love for the job are achieved, success comes automatically."