Türkiye is grappling with the aftermath of one of the most severe agricultural disasters in decades, as unseasonal frost and cold weather in April devastated fruit crops across key producing regions. The frost event, described as the most destructive in 30 years, caused a sudden 10°C temperature drop nationwide, severely impacting blossoming fruit trees. Parliament has formed a commission to assess the damage and recommend emergency measures, FreshPlaza informs.
The cherry sector has been particularly hard hit. Major producing provinces such as İzmir, Manisa, Denizli, and Kütahya saw widespread damage, with estimated yield losses as high as 80 per cent in some areas. Despite harvests being completed in several regions, market supply remains scarce and expensive. Low-quality cherries now sell for 150 to 300 Turkish Liras (€4.3–€8.7) per kilogram, while high-quality varieties like Napolyon and Salihli command between 600 and 700 liras (€17.3–€20.2) per kilogram, if available at all.
Hadim, a late-harvest district in Konya, is one of the few areas still preparing to harvest. Yet even there, cherry production has fallen by more than 75 per cent. Producers face financial strain, with starting prices around 400 liras (€11.5) per kilo. Sector representative Tefik Ateş warned that many are exploiting the shortage to raise prices, even though current “good quality” fruit remains below usual standards. Other regions, like Denizli, saw protected varieties such as the Honaz cherry fail to develop, and the longstanding cherry festival in Amasya was cancelled due to the poor crop.
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The frost’s impact extends beyond cherries. According to agricultural officials, fruit production nationwide has dropped from an expected 28 million tons to just 21 million tons. Apricots were especially affected. Malatya Commodity Exchange Chairman Ramazan Ozcan noted that Türkiye’s global share of fresh apricot production has fallen dramatically, with annual yields declining from 170,000 to 70,000 tons in recent years. Maintenance costs for damaged orchards have doubled.
Grape growers in Manisa also suffered major setbacks, with projected yields cut by more than half after two frost events. Commodity Exchange Chairman Sadik Ozkasap reported a drop from 300,000 to just 125,000–150,000 tons.
Agricultural leaders are calling for urgent support. Baki Remzi Suicmez of the Chamber of Agricultural Engineers highlighted recovery plans involving pruning, irrigation, fertilization, and pest control, while stressing the need for loan deferrals and a new support package. Without financial relief, Türkiye could face lasting damage to its agricultural economy.
Official forecasts from the Turkish Statistical Institute predict a 24.4% decline in fruit output in 2025, and the central bank has raised its food inflation forecast to 26.5%, citing the frost as a key driver.
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