TURKISH AGRI.NEWS

Citrus producers in Turkey ’s south are expecting a 10 percent increase in exports this year. Kemal Kaçmaz, president of the National Citrus Council , told Anadolu Agency that the cultivation season this year started two weeks late, but they are still hopeful about the exports since Turkey has come to a significant position in citrus production. “Last year, we exported 1.74 million tons of citrus, bringing in $732 million,” said Kaçmaz. “This year, we exported 5,800 tons of citrus in a week, worth $2.3 million. We have become an important global player in citrus. We are ranked eighth in the world in production. In exports, we are in the second place in some products and third in others. Our hope this year is to have a 10 percent increase compared to last year’s export figures. Last year, we couldn’t harvest the crops for 30 days due to heavy winter conditions. If we do not experience severe winter conditions this year, we hope to increase our existing exports to higher levels...

National Citrus Council President Kemal Kaçmaz said that the new term citrus export season will begin on September 2. Kaçmaz, in a written statement, stated that the most important sub-group of fresh fruits and vegetables sector, which constitutes the export season of citrus fruits 2019-2020. Pointing out that preparations for the season has been completed, Kaçmaz noted: "As a result of the examination for mayer early lemon by Citrus cut and export detection commission in various regions of Adana and Mersin provinces of the lemon orchards has reached the required maturity. The Commission has decided to export on September 2." Kaçmaz also added, last year, experienced severe winter conditions negatively affected citrus producer and exporter, wishing to spend a season without damage and undamaged this year.