Antalya Wholesale Hall Fruit and Vegetable Brokers Association President, Cuneyt Dogan, has a strong response to the regularly raised allegations of high pesticide levels in his country’s fresh fruit and vegetables.
Dogan considers that Turkish agronomists are undermining themselves in their own sector, because the problems with pesticide residues have now been eliminated, he said. The Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock have carried out very intensive checks on pesticide residues, as Dogan stated “Pesticide residues in products have been detected at very low levels. But by saying there are residues, we are shooting ourselves in the foot.”
Exports to Europe
For exports being made to Europe and Russia, intensive customs checks are carried out, according to Dogan, “Europe is hypersensitive about chemical residue. Nevertheless, a very limited amount of our product is returned. Moreover, the pesticide residue level applied to Turkey, by Europe, is below the rate applied to Spain and Holland,” he said. Dogan considers that tomato exports to Europe are low, he says “Quotas are applied to tomatoes produced in Europe. Therefore tomato exports to Europe are more restricted.”
Pomegranate season begins
Pomegranate export season has begun, as Dogan describes: “Pomegranate exports have begun. Our biggest competition in pomegranate exports are Iran and Egypt. We are exporting to Russia and Europe.” Pomegranates cost between €0.15-0.30 a kilo from the branches, Dogan explains “"Prices are at the same level as last year. Products are now being removed to storage. Pomegranate exports will continue until the end of February." Dogan also added that the export season will continue with tomato and pepper exports.
Source: sabah.com