Required Report - public distribution

**Date:** 3/15/2006

**GAIN Report Number:** TU6011

TU6011

**Turkey**

**Stone Fruit**

**Annual Report**

**2006**

**Approved by:**

![](media/image1.wmf)Jim Higgiston, Agricultural Counselor

U.S. Embassy

**Prepared by:**

Yasemin Erkut, Administrative Assistant

**Report Highlights:**

Stone fruit production in 2005 has increased considerably due to
favorable weather conditions. Similarly, exports for all stone fruits
except cherries also increased. There is a growing interest in stone
fruit farming from Turkish producers as problems with citrus industry
increase.

Includes PSD Changes: Yes

Includes Trade Matrix: Yes

Annual Report

Ankara \[TU1\]

\[TU\]

Table of Contents

[**Executive Summary 3**](#executive-summary)

[Production 4](#production)

[Cherry 4](#cherry)

[Table 1: Fresh Cherries, PS&D 4](#table-1-fresh-cherries-psd)

[Apricots 5](#apricots)

[Table 2: Fresh Apricots, PS&D 6](#table-2-fresh-apricots-psd)

[Peaches-Nectarines 6](#peaches-nectarines)

[Table 3: Fresh Peaches and Nectarines, PS&D
7](#table-3-fresh-peaches-and-nectarines-psd)

[Plums 8](#plums)

[Table 4: Fresh Plums and Prunes, PS&D
8](#table-4-fresh-plums-and-prunes-psd)

[Consumption 9](#consumption)

[Cherries 9](#cherries)

[Apricots 9](#apricots-1)

[Peaches-Nectarines 9](#peaches-nectarines-1)

[Plum 9](#plum)

[Trade 9](#trade)

[Cherries 9](#cherries-1)

[Table 1: Export Trade Matrix, Fresh Cherries
10](#table-1-export-trade-matrix-fresh-cherries)

[Apricots 11](#apricots-2)

[Table 2: Export Trade Matrix, Fresh Apricots
11](#table-2-export-trade-matrix-fresh-apricots)

[Peaches and Nectarines 11](#peaches-and-nectarines)

[Table 3: Export Trade Matrix, Fresh Peaches and Nectarines
12](#table-3-export-trade-matrix-fresh-peaches-and-nectarines)

[Plums 12](#plums-1)

[Table 4: Export Trade Matrix, Fresh Plums
13](#table-4-export-trade-matrix-fresh-plums)

[Stocks 13](#stocks)

[Marketing Policy 13](#marketing-policy)

# Executive Summary

Turkey's climate has continued to support its growth as a major producer
of fruits and vegetables. After deciduous and citrus fruits, stone
fruits account for approximately 14 percent of overall fruit production
in Turkey. Most stone fruit, except for apricots, are generally consumed
domestically as fresh fruit.

Weather conditions in 2005 were very favorable for stone fruit
production in Turkey. Due to good weather conditions the total
production of all stone fruits increased in comparison to that of 2004.
In 2004, the stone fruit orchards were damaged by a frost in early
April. One of the major reasons for high production levels in 2005 is
that there was no frost. In addition the good weather conditions
contributed to the high yields, especially for apricots.

On the trade side, cherries and peaches continue to be the primary
export products in 2005. Peach, cherry and apricot exports have
increased dramatically over the past 3 years and exporters are looking
to expand production to take advantage of this situation.

The increased production levels in 2005 were reflected in the increased
export levels. All stone fruit exports, except cherry increased
considerably. One of the side effects of the immense cherry harvest,
however, was the small size of the fruits. The size of apricots and
cherries were considerably smaller than what the export markets
typically request. Besides the size issue, the quality of cherries was
also poor. As a result, Turkish apricots and cherries could not compete
well with those from Europe.

Most Turkish stone fruit producers are still using the old techniques
and varieties. As a result, Turkish competitiveness in the European
market is negatively affected. The producers' lack of understanding of
export markets and their reluctance to convert into new varieties are
among of the major problems the stone fruit sector is facing in Turkey.
These issues, in return, lead to lower exports than the total potential.

Turkish producers are showing an increasing interest in stone fruit
farming, mainly due to the harsh conditions of the citrus market in the
past years, including 2005. Especially cherry, apricot and plum are
being preferred by Turkish farmers. Therefore, stone fruit production in
the next 5 years is expected to increase in Turkey.

# Production

## 

## Cherry 

Cherry production in 2005 increased about 5 percent as expected given
improved weather conditions from 2004. It is estimated that cherry
production in Turkey was 400,000 MT in 2005. Even though there was a
rebound in production from 2004 levels, 2005 cherry exports dropped to
36,000 MT. Percentage of increase in production, indeed, was the lowest
of all stone fruits. The size of cherries, the price competitiveness,
the low quality and the lack of new varieties were the major reasons for
the decrease in exports.

Cherries are mainly grown in the Central Anatolia and Marmara regions.
Due to unfavorable conditions in citrus farming and high export
potential of cherries increasing number of producers are leaning towards
cherry production. If a cherry orchard were established in 2006 it would
take at least 3 years to harvest completely. Therefore, we expect to see
this growth in production by 2010.

Industry contacts indicate that approximately 85 percent of sour cherry
production is used in the processing sector, such as canned products,
marmalades, frozen fruits and fruit juices. The rest is usually sold
fresh on the domestic market. Processed cherries account for 15-20
percent of total sweet and sour cherry production.

### Table 1: Fresh Cherries, PS&D 

+--------------------+-----+-------+-----+-------+-----+-------+------+
| **Fresh            |     |       |     |       |     |       |      |
| Cherr              |     |       |     |       |     |       |      |
| ies,(Sweet&Sour)** |     |       |     |       |     |       |      |
+--------------------+-----+-------+-----+-------+-----+-------+------+
|                    | **  | *     | **  | **    | **  | **    | **U  |
|                    | 200 | *Revi | 200 | Estim | 200 | Forec | OM** |
|                    | 4** | sed** | 5** | ate** | 6** | ast** |      |
+--------------------+-----+-------+-----+-------+-----+-------+------+
|                    | **U | *     | **U | *     | **U | *     |      |
|                    | SDA | *Post | SDA | *Post | SDA | *Post |      |
|                    | Of  | Es    | Of  | Es    | Of  | Es    |      |
|                    | fic | timat | fic | timat | fic | timat |      |
|                    | ial | e\[Ne | ial | e\[Ne | ial | e\[Ne |      |
|                    | \[O | w\]** | \[O | w\]** | \[O | w\]** |      |
|                    | ld\ |       | ld\ |       | ld\ |       |      |
|                    | ]** |       | ]** |       | ]** |       |      |
+--------------------+-----+-------+-----+-------+-----+-------+------+
| ########           |     | 01    |     | 01    |     | 01    | MM/  |
|  Market Year Begin |     | /2005 |     | /2006 |     | /2007 | YYYY |
+--------------------+-----+-------+-----+-------+-----+-------+------+
| **Area Planted**   | 26  | 26000 | 27  | 27000 | 0   | 29000 | (HA) |
|                    | 000 |       | 000 |       |     |       |      |
+--------------------+-----+-------+-----+-------+-----+-------+------+
| **Area Harvested** | 0   | 0     | 0   | 0     | 0   | 0     | (HA) |
+--------------------+-----+-------+-----+-------+-----+-------+------+
| **Bearing Trees**  | 14  | 13750 | 15  | 14500 | 0   | 15000 | (    |
|                    | 500 |       | 000 |       |     |       | 1000 |
|                    |     |       |     |       |     |       | TR   |
|                    |     |       |     |       |     |       | EES) |
+--------------------+-----+-------+-----+-------+-----+-------+------+
| **Non-Bearing      | 0   | 5900  | 0   | 5800  | 0   | 5700  | (    |
| Trees**            |     |       |     |       |     |       | 1000 |
|                    |     |       |     |       |     |       | TR   |
|                    |     |       |     |       |     |       | EES) |
+--------------------+-----+-------+-----+-------+-----+-------+------+
| **Total Trees**    | 14  | 19650 | 15  | 20300 | 0   | 20700 | (    |
|                    | 500 |       | 000 |       |     |       | 1000 |
|                    |     |       |     |       |     |       | TR   |
|                    |     |       |     |       |     |       | EES) |
+--------------------+-----+-------+-----+-------+-----+-------+------+
| **Commercial       | 400 | 3     | 450 | 4     | 0   | 4     | (MT) |
| Production**       | 000 | 83000 | 000 | 00000 |     | 10000 |      |
+--------------------+-----+-------+-----+-------+-----+-------+------+
| **Non-Comm.        | 0   | 0     | 0   | 0     | 0   | 0     | (MT) |
| Production**       |     |       |     |       |     |       |      |
+--------------------+-----+-------+-----+-------+-----+-------+------+
| **TOTAL            | 400 | 3     | 450 | 4     | 0   | 4     | (MT) |
| Production**       | 000 | 83000 | 000 | 00000 |     | 10000 |      |
+--------------------+-----+-------+-----+-------+-----+-------+------+
| **TOTAL Imports**  | 15  | 15    | 15  | 15    | 0   | 20    | (MT) |
+--------------------+-----+-------+-----+-------+-----+-------+------+
| **TOTAL SUPPLY**   | 400 | 3     | 450 | 4     | 0   | 4     | (MT) |
|                    | 015 | 83015 | 015 | 00015 |     | 10020 |      |
+--------------------+-----+-------+-----+-------+-----+-------+------+
| **Domestic Fresh   | 360 | 3     | 400 | 3     | 0   | 3     | (MT) |
| Consump**          | 015 | 43015 | 015 | 64015 |     | 70020 |      |
+--------------------+-----+-------+-----+-------+-----+-------+------+
| **Exports, Fresh   | 40  | 40000 | 50  | 36000 | 0   | 40000 | (MT) |
| Only**             | 000 |       | 000 |       |     |       |      |
+--------------------+-----+-------+-----+-------+-----+-------+------+
| **For Processing** | 0   | 0     | 0   | 0     | 0   | 0     | (MT) |
+--------------------+-----+-------+-----+-------+-----+-------+------+
| **Withdrawal From  | 0   | 0     | 0   | 0     | 0   | 0     | (MT) |
| Market**           |     |       |     |       |     |       |      |
+--------------------+-----+-------+-----+-------+-----+-------+------+
| **TOTAL            | 400 | 3     | 450 | 4     | 0   | 4     | (MT) |
| UTILIZATION**      | 015 | 83015 | 015 | 00015 |     | 10020 |      |
+--------------------+-----+-------+-----+-------+-----+-------+------+

In order to increase exports, about one third of producers are
registering under the EUREPGAP program. EUREPGAP is a program initiated
by 5 retailers in the EU to set guidelines for the import of
agricultural products. Its main focus is the production process. Major
private Turkish exporters are leading the process to obtain EUREPGAP
certification and are encouraging smaller producers to participate in
the program. Producers registered under EUREPGAP receive training, get
advice on spraying and conduct laboratory tests. Due to extensive work
of the private sector, a large number of Turkish cherry producers were
registered in 2005. This number is expected to grow in 2006 as well.
Registration in EUREPGAP will likely increase Turkish stone fruit
producers' export opportunities to the EU countries.

Cherry production is not the highest in comparison to other stone
fruits, but there are large producers and companies in cherry production
and export sector. Currently organically grown cherries account for
approximately one percent of total production. High demand for organic
products both domestically and internationally may lead to increased
number of organic cherry orchards in the future. There are also a very
small number of producers who are trying to grow cherries in
greenhouses. With the greenhouses, cherry orchards will not be affected
too severely by harsh weather conditions. The private sector is taking
the lead in greenhouse projects.

## Apricots

According to official Turkish government (GOT) statistics, apricot
production in 2005 was much higher than expected. Apricot production
(including wild apricots) in 2004 was 350,000 MT and in 2005 total
apricot production is estimated to be 850,000 MT[^1]. Industry contacts,
however, believe that this estimation is too high. They expect total
production for 2005 to be about 390,000 MT.

Turkey is the leading producer of apricots in the world. Turkey was the
biggest supplier of fresh apricots in 2005 and supplied approximately 14
percent of all fresh apricots in the world.

About 90 percent of total production is used for dried apricot
production. Due to soil type, weather conditions and sugar contents
apricot produced in Malatya, a southeastern province of Turkey, is the
best type in the world for dried apricot production. Approximately 90
percent of total dried apricot production is exported and about all of
the dried apricots used for export is from Malatya region. In addition
to Malatya, apricots are also produced in Eastern and Central Anatolia
as well as the Mediterranean Region. It takes about 4 kilograms of fresh
apricots to make 1 kilogram of dried apricot. There is also a steady
increase in the number of trees in Turkey of about 3-4 percent annually.
Turkish fresh apricots are the most delicate of all stone fruits. In
fact they are difficult to store, transport and they have a short shelf
life.

Apricot trees are the most vulnerable stone fruit trees to weather
conditions as they are the first to blossom in spring. Industry contacts
estimate that the production of apricots in 2006 is going to be lower
then 2005, as the weather is warm in early March. Trees are beginning to
blossom and any late frost in April might hit the trees severely. In
addition to this, due to the big harvest the soil is worn out and the
yield in 2006 might not be as large as 2005.

### Table 2: Fresh Apricots, PS&D

+-------------------+------+------+------+-------+-----+------+------+
| ######            |      |      |      |       |     |      |      |
|                   |      |      |      |       |     |      |      |
| ###### Turkey     |      |      |      |       |     |      |      |
|                   |      |      |      |       |     |      |      |
| **Fresh           |      |      |      |       |     |      |      |
| Apricots**        |      |      |      |       |     |      |      |
+-------------------+------+------+------+-------+-----+------+------+
|                   | **20 | **R  | **20 | **    | **  | **Fo | **U  |
|                   | 04** | evis | 05** | Estim | 200 | reca | OM** |
|                   |      | ed** |      | ate** | 6** | st** |      |
+-------------------+------+------+------+-------+-----+------+------+
|                   | **   | **   | **   | *     | **U | **   |      |
|                   | USDA | Post | USDA | *Post | SDA | Post |      |
|                   | Offi | Es   | Offi | Estim | Of  | E    |      |
|                   | cial | tima | cial | ate** | fic | stim |      |
|                   | \    | te** | \    |       | ial | ate\ |      |
|                   | [Old |      | [Old | *     | \[O | [New |      |
|                   | \]** | **\  | \]** | *\[Ne | ld\ | \]** |      |
|                   |      | [New |      | w\]** | ]** |      |      |
|                   |      | \]** |      |       |     |      |      |
+-------------------+------+------+------+-------+-----+------+------+
| **Market Year     |      | 01/  |      | 01    |     | 01/  | MM/  |
| Begin**           |      | 2005 |      | /2006 |     | 2007 | YYYY |
+-------------------+------+------+------+-------+-----+------+------+
| **Area Planted**  | 6    | 6    | 6    | 64000 | 0   | 0    | (HA) |
|                   | 3800 | 3800 | 4000 |       |     |      |      |
+-------------------+------+------+------+-------+-----+------+------+
| **Area            | 0    | 0    | 0    | 0     | 0   | 0    | (HA) |
| Harvested**       |      |      |      |       |     |      |      |
+-------------------+------+------+------+-------+-----+------+------+
| **Bearing Trees** | 1    | 1    | 1    | 11900 | 0   | 1    | (    |
|                   | 1500 | 1500 | 1700 |       |     | 2300 | 1000 |
|                   |      |      |      |       |     |      | TR   |
|                   |      |      |      |       |     |      | EES) |
+-------------------+------+------+------+-------+-----+------+------+
| **Non-Bearing     | 2000 | 2050 | 1800 | 1800  | 0   | 1600 | (    |
| Trees**           |      |      |      |       |     |      | 1000 |
|                   |      |      |      |       |     |      | TR   |
|                   |      |      |      |       |     |      | EES) |
+-------------------+------+------+------+-------+-----+------+------+
| **Total Trees**   | 1    | 1    | 1    | 13700 | 0   | 1    | (    |
|                   | 3500 | 3550 | 3500 |       |     | 3900 | 1000 |
|                   |      |      |      |       |     |      | TR   |
|                   |      |      |      |       |     |      | EES) |
+-------------------+------+------+------+-------+-----+------+------+
| **Commercial      | 35   | 35   | 37   | 3     | 0   | 38   | (MT) |
| Production**      | 0000 | 0000 | 0000 | 90000 |     | 0000 |      |
+-------------------+------+------+------+-------+-----+------+------+
| **Non-Comm.       | 0    | 0    | 0    | 0     | 0   | 0    | (MT) |
| Production**      |      |      |      |       |     |      |      |
+-------------------+------+------+------+-------+-----+------+------+
| **TOTAL           | 35   | 35   | 37   | 3     | 0   | 38   | (MT) |
| Production**      | 0000 | 0000 | 0000 | 90000 |     | 0000 |      |
+-------------------+------+------+------+-------+-----+------+------+
| **TOTAL Imports** | 0    | 0    | 0    | 0     | 0   | 0    | (MT) |
+-------------------+------+------+------+-------+-----+------+------+
| **TOTAL SUPPLY**  | 35   | 35   | 37   | 3     | 0   | 38   | (MT) |
|                   | 0000 | 0000 | 0000 | 90000 |     | 0000 |      |
+-------------------+------+------+------+-------+-----+------+------+
| **Domestic Fresh  | 34   | 34   | 35   | 3     | 0   | 36   | (MT) |
| Consump**         | 0000 | 2069 | 8000 | 80000 |     | 8000 |      |
+-------------------+------+------+------+-------+-----+------+------+
| **Exports, Fresh  | 1    | 7931 | 1    | 10000 | 0   | 1    | (MT) |
| Only**            | 0000 |      | 2000 |       |     | 2000 |      |
+-------------------+------+------+------+-------+-----+------+------+
| **For             | 0    | 0    | 0    | 0     | 0   | 0    | (MT) |
| Processing**      |      |      |      |       |     |      |      |
+-------------------+------+------+------+-------+-----+------+------+
| **Withdrawal From | 0    | 0    | 0    | 0     | 0   | 0    | (MT) |
| Market**          |      |      |      |       |     |      |      |
+-------------------+------+------+------+-------+-----+------+------+
| **TOTAL           | 35   | 35   | 37   | 3     | 0   | 38   | (MT) |
| UTILIZATION**     | 0000 | 0000 | 0000 | 90000 |     | 0000 |      |
+-------------------+------+------+------+-------+-----+------+------+

## Peaches-Nectarines

Peach production in 2005 also increased and accounted for the largest
production level among stone fruits. Production of peaches and
nectarines reached 500,000 MT in 2005 from 372,000 MT in 2004. Peaches
are known to be among the most productive stone fruits in Turkey but the
dramatic increase in 2005 is mainly due to good weather conditions and
to the importation of young trees by the government. Even though peach
production is high in Turkey, the companies and producers are relatively
small.

There is no association dealing specifically with peaches or nectarines
in Turkey. Although the trend is slowly changing, traditionally the
peach orchards are relatively small and there are many small-scale
producers and exporters in the market. The season for peaches begins in
mid June and finishes at the end of October. About 60 percent of total
peach production is consumed fresh in the domestic market and 17 percent
is processed for various industries such as jam and canned fruits.

Nectarines are fairly new to the domestic market. Nectarine production
in Turkey is mainly for export. Nectarine prices in the domestic market
are usually higher than the prices for peaches. Most Turkish consumers
are price sensitive, which is one of the reasons for low consumption
domestically.

Historically, peach production was mainly in the Marmara Region in
northwestern part of Turkey, specifically in Bursa province. Currently,
peach orchards have expanded to the Aegean and Mediterranean Regions as
well. Industry contacts estimate that given the export potential, an
increasing number of farmers will be interested in converting their
orchards into nectarines in the near future.

### Table 3: Fresh Peaches and Nectarines, PS&D

### 

+-------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| ####### Turkey    |      |      |      |      |      |      |      |
|                   |      |      |      |      |      |      |      |
| **Fresh Peaches & |      |      |      |      |      |      |      |
| Nectarines**      |      |      |      |      |      |      |      |
+-------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
|                   | **20 | **R  | **20 | **Es | **20 | **Fo | **U  |
|                   | 04** | evis | 05** | tima | 06** | reca | OM** |
|                   |      | ed** |      | te** |      | st** |      |
+-------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
|                   | **   | **   | **   | **   | **   | **   |      |
|                   | USDA | Post | USDA | Post | USDA | Post |      |
|                   | Offi | E    | Offi | E    | Offi | E    |      |
|                   | cial | stim | cial | stim | cial | stim |      |
|                   | \    | ate\ | \    | ate\ | \    | ate\ |      |
|                   | [Old | [New | [Old | [New | [Old | [New |      |
|                   | \]** | \]** | \]** | \]** | \]** | \]** |      |
+-------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| **Market Year     |      | 01/  |      | 01/  |      | 01/  | MM/  |
| Begin**           |      | 2005 |      | 2006 |      | 2007 | YYYY |
+-------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| **Area Planted**  | 2    | 2    | 2    | 2    | 0    | 2    | (HA) |
|                   | 5600 | 5600 | 5800 | 5800 |      | 6000 |      |
+-------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| **Area            | 0    | 0    | 0    | 0    | 0    | 0    | (HA) |
| Harvested**       |      |      |      |      |      |      |      |
+-------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| **Bearing Trees** | 1    | 1    | 1    | 1    | 0    | 1    | (    |
|                   | 3800 | 3650 | 4000 | 3900 |      | 4200 | 1000 |
|                   |      |      |      |      |      |      | TR   |
|                   |      |      |      |      |      |      | EES) |
+-------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| **Non-Bearing     | 2150 | 2130 | 2150 | 2100 | 0    | 2100 | (    |
| Trees**           |      |      |      |      |      |      | 1000 |
|                   |      |      |      |      |      |      | TR   |
|                   |      |      |      |      |      |      | EES) |
+-------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| **Total Trees**   | 1    | 1    | 1    | 1    | 0    | 1    | (    |
|                   | 5950 | 5780 | 6150 | 6000 |      | 6300 | 1000 |
|                   |      |      |      |      |      |      | TR   |
|                   |      |      |      |      |      |      | EES) |
+-------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| **Commercial      | 37   | 37   | 37   | 50   | 0    | 50   | (MT) |
| Production**      | 0000 | 2000 | 0000 | 0000 |      | 0000 |      |
+-------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| **Non-Comm.       | 0    | 0    | 0    | 0    | 0    | 0    | (MT) |
| Production**      |      |      |      |      |      |      |      |
+-------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| **TOTAL           | 37   | 37   | 37   | 50   | 0    | 50   | (MT) |
| Production**      | 0000 | 2000 | 0000 | 0000 |      | 0000 |      |
+-------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| **TOTAL Imports** | 16   | 15   | 17   | 250  | 0    | 20   | (MT) |
+-------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| **TOTAL SUPPLY**  | 37   | 37   | 37   | 50   | 0    | 50   | (MT) |
|                   | 0016 | 2015 | 0017 | 0250 |      | 0020 |      |
+-------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| **Domestic Fresh  | 34   | 35   | 33   | 46   | 0    | 45   | (MT) |
| Consump**         | 0016 | 2015 | 5017 | 1050 |      | 5020 |      |
+-------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| **Exports, Fresh  | 3    | 2    | 3    | 3    | 0    | 4    | (MT) |
| Only**            | 0000 | 0000 | 5000 | 9200 |      | 5000 |      |
+-------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| **For             | 0    | 0    | 0    | 0    | 0    | 0    | (MT) |
| Processing**      |      |      |      |      |      |      |      |
+-------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| **Withdrawal From | 0    | 0    | 0    | 0    | 0    | 0    | (MT) |
| Market**          |      |      |      |      |      |      |      |
+-------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| **TOTAL           | 37   | 37   | 37   | 50   | 0    | 50   | (MT) |
| UTILIZATION**     | 0016 | 2015 | 0017 | 0250 |      | 0020 |      |
+-------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+

##  Plums

Unlike peaches and apricots, increase in plum production in 2005 was
minimal. In 2005, plum production is estimated to be 218,000 MT in
comparison to 210,000 MT in 2004. Even though plums have traditionally
had the lowest production, plum production increased about eight percent
in 2005, which is high for plums. This was mainly due to good weather
conditions and increasing demand for plum orchards. More and more
farmers are transforming their orchards into plum since plums grow
faster than most other stone fruits and bear fruit faster. This has led
to an increase in investment in plum production.

There are also some disadvantages of the current production process.
About 90 percent of plum orchards are grown with other fruit trees. Only
about ten percent of plum orchards are exclusively devoted to plum
production. This creates difficulties in spraying and fertilization and
it also affects pest control. Mixed fruit orchards also inhibit pruning
of plum trees. Despite the disadvantages of current plum tree orchards
the production in 2005 and estimates for the future is still high.
Although 218,000 MT production level is still an estimate as of March
2006, this production level is a record since 1995.

### Table 4: Fresh Plums and Prunes, PS&D

+--------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| ####### Turkey     |      |      |      |      |      |      |      |
|                    |      |      |      |      |      |      |      |
| **Fresh Plums &    |      |      |      |      |      |      |      |
| Prunes**           |      |      |      |      |      |      |      |
+--------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
|                    | **20 | **R  | **20 | **Es | **20 | **Fo | **U  |
|                    | 04** | evis | 05** | tima | 06** | reca | OM** |
|                    |      | ed** |      | te** |      | st** |      |
+--------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
|                    | **   | **   | **   | **   | **   | **   |      |
|                    | USDA | Post | USDA | Post | USDA | Post |      |
|                    | Offi | E    | Offi | E    | Offi | E    |      |
|                    | cial | stim | cial | stim | cial | stim |      |
|                    | \    | ate\ | \    | ate\ | \    | ate\ |      |
|                    | [Old | [New | [Old | [New | [Old | [New |      |
|                    | \]** | \]** | \]** | \]** | \]** | \]** |      |
+--------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| **Market Year      |      | 01/  |      | 01/  |      | 01/  | MM/  |
| Begin**            |      | 2005 |      | 2006 |      | 2007 | YYYY |
+--------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| **Area Planted**   | 1    | 1    | 1    | 1    | 0    | 1    | (HA) |
|                    | 8400 | 8400 | 8400 | 8400 |      | 8500 |      |
+--------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| **Area Harvested** | 0    | 0    | 0    | 0    | 0    | 0    | (HA) |
+--------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| **Bearing Trees**  | 7500 | 7600 | 7500 | 7600 | 0    | 7700 | (    |
|                    |      |      |      |      |      |      | 1000 |
|                    |      |      |      |      |      |      | TR   |
|                    |      |      |      |      |      |      | EES) |
+--------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| **Non-Bearing      | 1100 | 1160 | 1100 | 1100 | 0    | 1100 | (    |
| Trees**            |      |      |      |      |      |      | 1000 |
|                    |      |      |      |      |      |      | TR   |
|                    |      |      |      |      |      |      | EES) |
+--------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| **Total Trees**    | 8600 | 8760 | 8600 | 8700 | 0    | 8800 | (    |
|                    |      |      |      |      |      |      | 1000 |
|                    |      |      |      |      |      |      | TR   |
|                    |      |      |      |      |      |      | EES) |
+--------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| **Commercial       | 20   | 21   | 20   | 21   | 0    | 22   | (MT) |
| Production**       | 0000 | 0000 | 0000 | 8000 |      | 5000 |      |
+--------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| **Non-Comm.        | 0    | 0    | 0    | 0    | 0    | 0    | (MT) |
| Production**       |      |      |      |      |      |      |      |
+--------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| **TOTAL            | 20   | 21   | 20   | 21   | 0    | 22   | (MT) |
| Production**       | 0000 | 0000 | 0000 | 8000 |      | 5000 |      |
+--------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| **TOTAL Imports**  | 10   | 15   | 10   | 10   | 0    | 10   | (MT) |
+--------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| **TOTAL SUPPLY**   | 20   | 21   | 20   | 21   | 0    | 22   | (MT) |
|                    | 0010 | 0015 | 0010 | 8010 |      | 5010 |      |
+--------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| **Domestic Fresh   | 19   | 20   | 19   | 21   | 0    | 21   | (MT) |
| Consump**          | 4510 | 7115 | 4010 | 3010 |      | 9010 |      |
+--------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| **Exports, Fresh   | 5500 | 2900 | 6000 | 5000 | 0    | 6000 | (MT) |
| Only**             |      |      |      |      |      |      |      |
+--------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| **For Processing** | 0    | 0    | 0    | 0    | 0    | 0    | (MT) |
+--------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| **Withdrawal From  | 0    | 0    | 0    | 0    | 0    | 0    | (MT) |
| Market**           |      |      |      |      |      |      |      |
+--------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+
| **TOTAL            | 20   | 21   | 20   | 21   | 0    | 22   | (MT) |
| UTILIZATION**      | 0010 | 0015 | 0010 | 8010 |      | 5010 |      |
+--------------------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+

# Consumption

## 

## Cherries

Sour cherries and sweet cherries have separate consumption markets.
About 85 percent of sour cherry production is used in processing
industry. The rest is consumed fresh in the domestic market and a small
amount is exported. The changes in consumer preferences and also the
precautions taken to improve food safety lead to higher demand for
cherries in Turkey and abroad. The biggest export market for Turkish
sweet cherries are the EU countries and the consumers in this market
prefer bigger sized cherries. Turkish producers that aim to export use
special techniques and saplings to meet the demand abroad.

## Apricots

The majority of the fresh apricots are consumed domestically as apricots
are very vulnerable to damages during transportation and also the
varieties produced in Turkey are usually too small for the export
markets. Turkish consumers prefer to consume both fresh and dried
apricots. Apricots that are traditionally grown in Turkey are smaller
than what the export markets are demanding. European community prefers
bigger sized apricots whereas domestically, the smaller size is more
popular. Producers are not expecting a change in taste of consumers in
major export markets.

## Peaches-Nectarines

Peaches are popular among domestic consumers. Nectarines, however, are
not as popular as peaches in Turkey. Approximately 80 percent of all
peach and nectarine production is consumed fresh. The rest are used
mainly for canned fruits, jam and dried products. Nectarines are quite
new to the Turkish consumers and the prices of nectarines are usually
higher than peaches domestically.

## Plum

There are certain plum varieties in Turkey that are not very well known
abroad but are popular domestically. This is mainly green and small
variety that comes to the market first, in mid April. Plums are mainly
consumed fresh but some varieties are good for dried fruit. Plum
production is also used in the processing industry for jam, marmalade
and dried fruit.

## 

# Trade

## Cherries

The biggest export market for Turkish cherries are the European Union
countries, particularly Germany and United Kingdom. The consumers in
European markets prefer bigger sized cherries for fresh consumption.
Even though there was an increase in production last year cherry size
was generally smaller than in 2004. Turkish cherry production also could
not compete well with European markets in terms of pricing. 1 kilogram
of cherries was exported for approximately USD 2.5 in 2005. One of the
significant problems is the lack of new varieties. Most Turkish cherry
producers are still using the old techniques and varieties. As a result,
Turkish competitiveness in the European market is affected. The
producers' lack of understanding of export markets and their reluctance
to convert into new varieties are among of the major problems stone
fruit sector is facing in Turkey. The size of cherries, the price
competitiveness, the low quality and the lack of new varieties were the
major reasons for the decrease in exports. These issues, eventually,
lead to lower exports than the total potential. Since 2001 approximately
15 percent of total cherry production was exported. Unexpectedly in 2005
cherry exports dropped about 10 percent to 36,000 MT from 2004.

Industry contacts do not expect a tremendous increase in cherry exports
in 2006 either. In 2006, cherry exports are expected to return to 2004
levels. Industry contacts predict that the number, size and quality of
cherry orchards will increase in Turkey in the next 5 years. They also
claim that Turkish sweet cherry exports will reach 100,000 MT by 2010
because of the increasing number of cherry orchards and better
techniques.

Given the high export potential and problems in other fruit sectors such
as citrus, the number of orchards is expected to increase in the near
future. With the adoption of EUREPGAP program by more producers, exports
to EU countries are expected to increase as well. Major export markets
in 2005 for Turkish sweet cherries are Germany, United Kingdom and
Belgium.

### Table 1: Export Trade Matrix, Fresh Cherries

+-----------------+---------------+---------------------+-------------+
| ####### Turkey  |               |                     |             |
|                 |               |                     |             |
| **Fresh         |               |                     |             |
| Cherries        |               |                     |             |
| (Sweet&Sour)**  |               |                     |             |
+-----------------+---------------+---------------------+-------------+
| **Time Period** | **Jan-Dec**   | **Units:**          | **Metric    |
|                 |               |                     | Tons**      |
+-----------------+---------------+---------------------+-------------+
| **Exports       | **2004**      |                     | **2005**    |
| for:**          |               |                     |             |
+-----------------+---------------+---------------------+-------------+
| **U.S.**        | **0**         | **U.S.**            | **0**       |
+-----------------+---------------+---------------------+-------------+
| **Others**      |               | ######## Others     |             |
+-----------------+---------------+---------------------+-------------+
| **Germany**     | 17452         | **Germany**         | 16049       |
+-----------------+---------------+---------------------+-------------+
| **United        | 5700          | **United Kingdom**  | 6743        |
| Kingdom**       |               |                     |             |
+-----------------+---------------+---------------------+-------------+
| **Netherlands** | 4937          | **Belgium**         | 2969        |
+-----------------+---------------+---------------------+-------------+
| **Italy**       | 4382          | **Netherlands**     | 2329        |
+-----------------+---------------+---------------------+-------------+
| **Russia**      | 2566          | **Italy**           | 2289        |
+-----------------+---------------+---------------------+-------------+
| **Belgium**     | 2227          | **Russia**          | 1316        |
+-----------------+---------------+---------------------+-------------+
| **Austria**     | 996           | **Austria**         | 1224        |
+-----------------+---------------+---------------------+-------------+
| **Sweden**      | 572           | **Sweden**          | 510         |
+-----------------+---------------+---------------------+-------------+
| **Northern      | 246           | **Bulgaria**        | 424         |
| Cyprus**        |               |                     |             |
+-----------------+---------------+---------------------+-------------+
| **France**      | 230           | **Norhern Cyprus**  | 382         |
+-----------------+---------------+---------------------+-------------+
| **Total for     | 39308         |                     | 34235       |
| Others**        |               |                     |             |
+-----------------+---------------+---------------------+-------------+
| **Others not    | 440           |                     | 1561        |
| Listed**        |               |                     |             |
+-----------------+---------------+---------------------+-------------+
| **Grand Total** | 39748         |                     | 35796       |
+-----------------+---------------+---------------------+-------------+

## Apricots

Apricot exports also increased about 25 percent and reached 9,845 MT in
2005. Unexpectedly, in 2005 there were 7 MT of imports of fresh apricots
from Russia. Even though there was a tremendous amount of increase in
apricot production in 2005, Turkey also imported about 7 MT of apricots
from Russia as well. Traditionally Germany and Russia are the major
export markets for Turkish fresh apricots. Most fresh apricot production
is used for dried apricot production and 95 percent of dried apricots
are exported. In 2005 the average price of 1 kilogram of fresh apricots
was USD 1.

### Table 2: Export Trade Matrix, Fresh Apricots

+------------------+------------+---------------------+--------------+
| **Turkey**       |            |                     |              |
|                  |            |                     |              |
| **Fresh          |            |                     |              |
| Apricots**       |            |                     |              |
+------------------+------------+---------------------+--------------+
| **Time Period**  | ######     | **Units:**          | **Metric     |
|                  | ## Jan-Dec |                     | Tons**       |
+------------------+------------+---------------------+--------------+
| **Exports for:** | **2004**   |                     | **2005**     |
+------------------+------------+---------------------+--------------+
| **U.S.**         | 0          | **U.S.**            | 0            |
+------------------+------------+---------------------+--------------+
| **Others**       |            | **Others**          |              |
+------------------+------------+---------------------+--------------+
| **Germany**      | 2897       | **Germany**         | 3309         |
+------------------+------------+---------------------+--------------+
| **Russia**       | 2658       | **Russia**          | 2632         |
+------------------+------------+---------------------+--------------+
| **Netherlands**  | 805        | **Saudi Arabia**    | 1526         |
+------------------+------------+---------------------+--------------+
| **Saudi Arabia** | 740        | **Romania**         | 779          |
+------------------+------------+---------------------+--------------+
| **United         | 182        | **Netherlands**     | 529          |
| Kingdom**        |            |                     |              |
+------------------+------------+---------------------+--------------+
| **Romania**      | 171        | **Austria**         | 290          |
+------------------+------------+---------------------+--------------+
| **Kuwait**       | 121        | **Latvia**          | 100          |
+------------------+------------+---------------------+--------------+
| **Austria**      | 80         | **Kuwait**          | 94           |
+------------------+------------+---------------------+--------------+
| **Belarus**      | 71         | **United Kingdom**  | 88           |
+------------------+------------+---------------------+--------------+
| **France**       | 31         | **Moldova**         | 77           |
+------------------+------------+---------------------+--------------+
| **Total for      | 7756       |                     | 9424         |
| Others**         |            |                     |              |
+------------------+------------+---------------------+--------------+
| **Others not     | 175        |                     | 420          |
| Listed**         |            |                     |              |
+------------------+------------+---------------------+--------------+
| **Grand Total**  | 7931       |                     | 9844         |
+------------------+------------+---------------------+--------------+

## 

## Peaches and Nectarines

Among all stone fruits exports of peaches, nectarines and cherries are
the highest. The level of exports, however, is not very high when
compared with the total production of peaches and nectarines. Less than
10 percent of total production of total peaches and nectarines are being
exported. In 2005 exports almost doubled in comparison to 2004 but still
exports were only about 8 percent of the total production. Exports of
peaches in 2005 were 39,294 MT. The estimated export price of 1 kilogram
of peaches was USD 0.5 and export prices for nectarines was USD 1 in
2005.

The farmers tend to sell their product to the established exporting
firms, which have packing and transportation facilities. Turkey mainly
exports peaches to Saudi Arabia, Russia and Germany. Both peach and
nectarine imports are minimal in comparison to exports. There was a
noticeable increase in peach imports in 2005. In 2005 peach imports were
242 MT in comparison to 14 MT in 2004. Industry contacts believe that
this is due to re-exports from Iran.

Russia is one of the biggest export markets for the Turkish peaches.
Peach and nectarine producers and exporters faced a big problem in early
June when Russia banned all fresh fruit and vegetable imports from
Turkey based on the presence of Mediterranean fruit fly in Turkish
fruits. The ban occurred at a time when the season for peach exports was
about to begin. Luckily for Turkish exporters the issue was resolved
with efforts of Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs in
early July.

### Table 3: Export Trade Matrix, Fresh Peaches and Nectarines

+-------------------+--------------+-------------------+-------------+
| **Turkey**        |              |                   |             |
|                   |              |                   |             |
| ####### Fresh Pea |              |                   |             |
| ches & Nectarines |              |                   |             |
+-------------------+--------------+-------------------+-------------+
| **Time Period**   | **Jan-Dec**  | **Units:**        | **Metric    |
|                   |              |                   | Tons**      |
+-------------------+--------------+-------------------+-------------+
| **Exports for:**  | **2004**     |                   | **2005**    |
+-------------------+--------------+-------------------+-------------+
| **U.S.**          | **0**        | **U.S.**          | **0**       |
+-------------------+--------------+-------------------+-------------+
| **Others**        |              | Others            |             |
+-------------------+--------------+-------------------+-------------+
| **Saudi Arabia**  | 11338        | **Saudi Arabia**  | 16894       |
+-------------------+--------------+-------------------+-------------+
| **Russia**        | 5611         | **Russia**        | 12912       |
+-------------------+--------------+-------------------+-------------+
| **Germany**       | 1241         | **Romania**       | 3949        |
+-------------------+--------------+-------------------+-------------+
| **Kuwait**        | 475          | **Germany**       | 2173        |
+-------------------+--------------+-------------------+-------------+
| **Northern        | 388          | **Kuwait**        | 749         |
| Cyprus**          |              |                   |             |
+-------------------+--------------+-------------------+-------------+
| **Romania**       | 258          | **Northern        | 717         |
|                   |              | Cyprus**          |             |
+-------------------+--------------+-------------------+-------------+
| **Netherlands**   | 214          | **Netherlands**   | 382         |
+-------------------+--------------+-------------------+-------------+
| **U.A.E.**        | 187          | **Belarus**       | 376         |
+-------------------+--------------+-------------------+-------------+
| **Oman**          | 137          | **Bulgaria**      | 200         |
+-------------------+--------------+-------------------+-------------+
| **Austria**       | 64           | **Austria**       | 139         |
+-------------------+--------------+-------------------+-------------+
| **Total for       | 19913        |                   | 38491       |
| Others**          |              |                   |             |
+-------------------+--------------+-------------------+-------------+
| **Others not      | 240          |                   | 803         |
| Listed**          |              |                   |             |
+-------------------+--------------+-------------------+-------------+
| **Grand Total**   | 20153        |                   | 39294       |
+-------------------+--------------+-------------------+-------------+

## Plums

Even though the increase in total production of plums was not very high
in 2005 the exports almost doubled compared to 2004 and reached 4,992 MT
in 2005. This is still not as high as export levels of 2003 but still a
significant increase from the 2004 level. Average export prices for
plums was USD 0.9 per kilogram in 2005. The sector is expecting an
increase in exports in 2006 as well.

Typically Germany is among the top importers of plum from Turkey but in
2005 exports to Germany dropped about 80 percent. According to the
exporters this was mainly due to high residue levels for plums and
Turkish plums could not meet the German standards.

### Table 4: Export Trade Matrix, Fresh Plums

+----------------------+-----------+----------------------+------------+
| ####### Turkey       |           |                      |            |
|                      |           |                      |            |
| **Fresh Plums &      |           |                      |            |
| Prunes**             |           |                      |            |
+----------------------+-----------+----------------------+------------+
| **Time Period**      | **        | **Units:**           | **Metric   |
|                      | Jan-Dec** |                      | Tons**     |
+----------------------+-----------+----------------------+------------+
| **Exports for:**     | **2004**  |                      | **2005**   |
+----------------------+-----------+----------------------+------------+
| **U.S.**             | **0**     | **U.S.**             | **0**      |
+----------------------+-----------+----------------------+------------+
| **Others**           |           | Others               |            |
+----------------------+-----------+----------------------+------------+
| **Saudi Arabia**     | 1400      | **Germany**          | 2424       |
+----------------------+-----------+----------------------+------------+
| **Germany**          | 514       | **Saudi Arabia**     | 1030       |
+----------------------+-----------+----------------------+------------+
| **Russia**           | 298       | **Russia**           | 343        |
+----------------------+-----------+----------------------+------------+
| **Netherlands**      | 236       | **Netherlands**      | 329        |
+----------------------+-----------+----------------------+------------+
| **Sweden**           | 63        | **Austria**          | 132        |
+----------------------+-----------+----------------------+------------+
| **Northern Cyprus**  | 63        | **Northern Cyprus**  | 122        |
+----------------------+-----------+----------------------+------------+
| **Romania**          | 54        | **Bulgaria**         | 95         |
+----------------------+-----------+----------------------+------------+
| **Kuwait**           | 40        | **Sweden**           | 79         |
+----------------------+-----------+----------------------+------------+
| **Austria**          | 37        | **Iraq**             | 74         |
+----------------------+-----------+----------------------+------------+
| **Switzerland**      | 36        | **Romania**          | 62         |
+----------------------+-----------+----------------------+------------+
| **Total for Others** | 2741      |                      | 4690       |
+----------------------+-----------+----------------------+------------+
| **Others not         | 165       |                      | 302        |
| Listed**             |           |                      |            |
+----------------------+-----------+----------------------+------------+
| **Grand Total**      | 2906      |                      | 4992       |
+----------------------+-----------+----------------------+------------+

# Stocks

There are no official stocks for stone fruits.

# Marketing Policy

The GOT is not taking an active role in stone fruit production and
export sector. The major activities from the GOT side are being
conducted by IGEME, the Export Promotion Center of Turkey, which
operates under Undersecretaries of Foreign Trade. IGEME does not provide
any specific support either to stone fruit producers or to stone fruit
exporters. They, however, do conduct general activities such as
organizing fairs and trade shows abroad and they carry out training
(workshops, seminars, educational programs).

Apart from Kayisibirlik, cooperative that operates in the apricot and
dried apricot sector, there is no specific cooperative for stone fruits
in Turkey. Turkish stone fruit producers, as well as other farmers in
Turkey, enjoy direct income payment, payment made to farmers per dekar
(0.1 of hectare) of their farm. Most producers are expecting the direct
income payment regime to change slightly in the near future. The GOT
recently announced a reduction in electric fees used for irrigation
projects. It, however, does not include fruit producers yet, but MARA
officials stated that in the near future it would include fruit
producers.

The private sector takes the lead in marketing of stone fruits. Major
exporters encourage small farmers to register under EUREPGAP. They also
put effort in educating of producers and modernizing agricultural
facilities in rural areas.

[^1]: Data from State Institute of Statistics