Fruit Harvest Surge Drives Record-Breaking Exports

September 15, 2026 · AA Tarım & Ekonomi

Favorable climate conditions across Turkey boosted fruit production, stabilizing domestic prices while fresh fruit and vegetable exports surpassed the $2 billion mark in the first half, reaching an all-time high.

Favorable temperatures and rainfall patterns across Turkey this season have positively impacted agricultural yields. The Head of the Chamber of Agricultural Engineers, Kiraz, stated that there were no significant frost damages or destructive natural events in the field, and the intensive efforts of farmers have translated into higher productivity. Kiraz emphasized that the abundance of fruits has eased the domestic market and made the following assessment in his capacity as Head of the Chamber of Agricultural Engineers:

Remarkable harvest increases were observed, particularly in stone fruits during the harvest season. Highlighting the production figures, Kiraz, as the Head of the Chamber of Agricultural Engineers, presented the data as follows:

Kiraz reminded that despite Turkey's global leadership in cherry production, its annual export revenue remains at around $200 million. He noted that cherry revenue could be at least tripled compared to products like hazelnuts, which generate $2.5 billion annually.

The increase in harvest yields has also reflected record levels in Turkey's foreign trade performance. Fresh fruit and vegetable exports increased by 39% in the first half of 2026, reaching $2.353 billion. For the first time in the sector's history, the $2 billion threshold was surpassed in the first half. Kiraz, as the Head of the Chamber of Agricultural Engineers, shared the foreign trade details as follows:

It was stated that new market and processing strategies need to be implemented to ensure that the surplus production benefits producers and the national economy. Outlining the roadmap for the future of exports, Kiraz, as the Head of the Chamber of Agricultural Engineers, issued the following warning:

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