Turkey has a total acreage of more than 61,000 hectares of greenhouse production, spread out over mid, low and high tech cultivation in both plastic (polyethylene) and glass greenhouses. The major part of the acreage is used for vegetable production, with the most concentrated production area situated in Antalya; hence the Growtech is organized here every year.
With that many domestic greenhouse productions you would suggest that the show is an important event just for the local industry; but that is not the case. The Growtech Antalya is an event that is also very important for greenhouse development in neighbouring countries like Russia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Armenia. On the other hand the show is also named as the best gateway for the middle east; many decision makers from Iran, Lebanon, and Irak find their way to the Growtech Antalya, as well as major investors from North Africa and the UAE.
Click here for our Photo Report of Growtech Eurasia
Click here for our Photo Report of Growtech Eurasia
Price driven local market
The show housed many Turkish breeders, greenhouse suppliers and greenhouse constructors. We learned from them that the domestic market in Turkey is very competitive; most of the growers are not looking to buy quality; they demand cheap supplies. But despite this, there were also a large amount of suppliers exhibiting that are active in a higher price segment; according to them, some Turkish growers are becoming more interested in better technology to produce better quality, in order to distinguish themselves on the market. Growers are willing to invest in high end poly greenhouses and even in Venlo structures.
Russia
Due to the bans of Russia against European produce, the Turkish growers made a lot of money last year. As a result of this, more greenhouses will be built in Turkey the coming year; the export to Russia is increasing significantly and the warm relationship between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will only take this to the next level.
But also Russia and neighbouring countries like Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan are also increasing their greenhouse production. And again the Turkish relationship with Russia plays a key role in this development; At the show we met several Turkish consultants that are responsible for bringing the right technology and project management for the development of large greenhouse structures in these countries, as well as in the Caucasus.
In the coming weeks we will publish several articles about greenhouse development in and around Turkey. For now, please enjoy the photo report we made at the show.