The harvesting of field and greenhouse strawberries is at full speed in the district of Silifke in Mersin, a city located in the southern part of Turkey. Silifke is known as one of the best strawberry production areas in Turkey and the products started to attract the interest of foreign markets as well.
Speaking to the reporters, the Chairman of the Silifke Chamber of Commerce Nurettin Kaynar: “We are harvesting strawberries from our fields and greenhouses. Buyers from different countries have showed interest in these products. Right now we are directly exporting strawberries through air freight to countries such as Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. We also continue to supply products to the local market. For the first time, we have also received orders from Russia. I would like to emphasize that we currently grow 40% of all strawberries produced in Turkey and our strawberry exports make up for the 60 % of our country’s exports for this particular product. Silifke strawberries are becoming well-known internationally as well.”
A local strawberry grower: “Strawberries are a significant source of income for the area, we contribute to the local economy and also to the country’s economy through these exports.”
A female employee in a greenhouse: “The production of strawberries creates employment opportunities for us. We work in every step of the production and thıs way we contribute to our household financially. Strawberries from this area have terrific taste and smell and we are glad to be working in these facilities.”