The National Citrus Council (UTK) Chairman Kemal Kacmaz reports that by 2023 they are aiming to generate 3.5 billion dollars in citrus exports, “We have started work on increasing the export season from 5 months to 11 months,” he said.
Attending the mandarin harvest festival in Mersin’s Erdemli district, Kacmaz assessed the objectives concerning citrus exports.
Kacmaz states that citrus is the most important sub group of fresh fruit and vegetable exports, “Close to $1 billion of citrus exports are realised annually. Our aim is $3.5 billion by 2023. In line with the strategic plan which was prepared by the Turkish Exporters Assembly, we aim to conduct our work according to this plan, with all citrus stakeholders,” he said.
“We want to extend the export season to 11 months”
Kacmaz explains that work is being carried out to stop the season being limited to 5 months, “In this regard, our Citrus Promotion group, Alata Horticultural Research Station, West Mediterranean Research Institute, and the Cukurova University of Agriculture are conducting a series of studies for the extension of the season. We currently have a 5 year project implemented. With an 11 month season we will be able to offer citrus products to the whole world. Similar studies are being carried out on increasing citrus exports to provide net foreign currency inflow. I believe that citrus exports will continue to grow in the coming years. In line with the want of the world market, market-oriented production will continue.” he said.
“Global players”
“Turkish producers are now producing and exporting conscientiously,” says Kacmaz, “We are now global players. The most concrete example of this is that in 2020, the 14th Global Citrus Conference will be held in our country, in Mersin. We are expecting academics and doyens from close to 60 countries. This proves that Turkey’s citrus has become a global player.”
“No problems concerning quality”
Kacmaz also commented on this year’s expected quality in his speech: “The export season started on September 28. Our products are just reaching the markets. There are no problems at all concerning quality. Of course we have some cyclical problems. The devaluation of the rouble in the Russian Federation and exports reaching countries has been problematic because of the situation with our neighbours. When these problems end, citrus exports will gain momentum and in this way will continue to increase.”
