The news of the elimination of the restrictions on tomato exports from Turkey to Russia was met with delight but also with a sense of missed opportunity in Antalya, the center of greenhouse production in Turkey.
As the limitations to which companies are allowed to export to Russia were completely removed by Russian authorities, as of May 1st, there is only 20 days left in the tomato season for the growers, so the growers are now just waiting for the next season to start. Some growers who have already shifted some of their production from tomato due to the aforementioned restrictions, will shift it back to tomato in the new season.
Some growers also claim that, even though that the restrictions are being lifted officially, Russian authorities are demanding extra specifications from Turkish tomatoes which they do not ask for from Morocco or Jordan.
The growers also added that local produce in Russia is coming through in 20 days when the import will go down significantly to 5 % of the consumption, and that they are competing in unfavorable conditions with other tomato exporting countries.
Antalya Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Wholesalers Association Chairman Nevzat Akcan: “We are anxiously waiting for the new season. There are rumors at the market that prices have gone up after the export path to Russia has been cleared. These rumors are just hearsay, it does not reflect reality. Tomato prices even went down a bit to around 0.6 USD per kg.
We have shifted our exports to Belarus, Ukraine and Bosnia after the problems with Russia. So this has been a lost season for us in terms of exporting to Russia and we will look to recoup our losses in the upcoming season. The growers need to also make preparations to ensure that their products can comply with the specifications required by Russia on Turkish tomatoes.”
Source: Hedef Halk