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September, 2026…
Agricultural engineers propose converting surplus produce into “value-added products”…
Fehmi Kiraz, Chairman of the Turkish Association of Agricultural Engineers, stated that this year’s surplus produce must be managed through the right strategies to ensure benefits for both the farmers and the country.
ANKARA…
Speaking to an Anadolu Agency (AA) correspondent, Kiraz noted that weather temperatures and precipitation levels throughout the season were favourable, with no instances of severe agricultural frost or adverse natural events.
Emphasizing that the increase in field crop and orchard yields was primarily due to favourable climatic conditions and the farmers’ diligent efforts, Kiraz continued:
“The 57.8 percent spike in the production of fruits, beverages and spice crops helps prevent exorbitant price hikes in the domestic market and makes it easier for consumers to access fruit. This abundance of fruit is reflected in the domestic market as a decline—or at least a stabilization—in prices. Consequently, this situation can serve as a mechanism to curb the rise in food inflation.”
“It must be leveraged through the right strategies”
Pointing out that this year’s surplus produce needs to be managed using the right strategies—ensuring gains for both the farmers and the country—Kiraz outlined the necessary steps:
“In addition to our traditional markets—Russia, Iraq, and Europe—new markets must be established in the Gulf, North Africa, Central Asia and the Far East, including regions affected by the war. Direct contact should be established with supermarket chains, wholesale distributors, hotel and restaurant groups and food importers in target countries, rather than relying solely on brokers. The Ministry of Trade’s planned implementation of support for multi-channel chain stores in 2026 confirms the importance of this approach. The product must move beyond being merely a ‘raw material.’ Instead of attempting to sell the entire surplus in its fresh state, it would be more rational to process and market it as dried fruit, frozen fruits and vegetables, concentrates and purées, tomato paste, fruit juice or chopped, ready-to-use packaged products.”
Highlighting the importance of effectively utilizing government incentives for market entry, trade fair participation, promotion, marketing, market access documentation and export financing, Kiraz added that consumption levels also need to be increased…
