THE GLOBAL WINDOW OF TURKISH FOOD AND AGRICULTURE The Global Window of Turkish Food and Agriculture Sector
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Producers and exporters welcomed the granting of a geographical indication registration by the European Union (EU) to Bursa black figs, which are considered ‘the world’s highest quality figs’ with their long shelf life, large and plump outer appearance and taste.
Bursa black fig, which is Türkiye’s 26th geographical indication registered product before the EU, is grown by more than 10 thousand producers in 152 rural neighbourhoods in their gardens on a total area of 30 thousand decares.
The crop, which is harvested in August and September and has an average annual yield of 30 thousand tonnes, is sent to European and Middle Eastern countries, Russia, the United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong as well as domestic markets.
Professor Dr. Senih Yazgan, Chair of the Uludağ Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters’ Association (UYMSİB), emphasised that the EU registration will enhance the competitiveness of the fruit in exports.
Pointing out that the EU registration will also ensure the protection of the value of the product in the market, Dr. Yazgan said, “At the same time, if alternative countries take place in the market with the name of our product, we will be able to stand against them in a legal sense. Therefore, it brings positive gains and advantages. Spain, Greece and Bursa will not be able to sell black figs anymore.”
“In the past, we could not defend them, they were putting the same product and even using Bursa black figs in their visuals. Now, when they do this, we will be able to legally say, ‘This product belongs to us, it is a registered product’. This is a great achievement for us,” Dr. Yazgan added…
