Increasing its export of cut flowers to 12 months, Turkey sells flowers throughout the year to 83 countries, especially those in Europe.
Having more than 3,500 endemic plant species in its flora, Turkey mainly exports cut flowers, indoor and outdoor plants, bulbs, seedlings, saplings, wreaths and moss sprinkled between flowers.
The flowers, which are produced on an area of approximately 55 thousand decares throughout the country, are sold both to the domestic market and abroad throughout the year, especially on special occasions such as New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Women’s Day and Mother’s Day.
Ismail Yilmaz, Chairman of the Ornamental Plants and Products Exporters’ Association, which includes the export of cut flowers, indoor and outdoor plants, bulbs and wreaths, said that exports increase every year.
Reminding that they closed the previous year with $147 million, Yilmaz said, “Our exports were $62 million in the first 4 months. There is an increase in exports compared to last year. This year we set a target of $180 million, we think we will reach it.”
Stating that New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day shipments were also realized above expectations, Yilmaz noted that they sent 70 million branches of flowers abroad on Mother’s Day and an income of approximately $10 million was provided.
The largest market is the Netherlands
Stating that they send flowers to 83 countries as Turkey, Yilmaz said, “Our biggest market is the Netherlands. England and Germany are in the top three. Romania, Bulgaria and Russia are also among our important markets. The high transportation costs in flower supplier countries such as Colombia, Ecuador and Kenya have increased Europe’s interest in Turkey.”
Noting that the most important export product among cut flowers is carnation, Yilmaz said that carnations are produced in the desired color according to the demands of the countries.
Flowers are produced for 12 months in Turkey
Ismail Yilmaz stated that Antalya has the greatest potential in cut flower production and said, “Production continues in the country for 12 months. Antalya in winter and Antalya in summer are completed by Isparta. There is also a small amount of export-oriented cut flower production in Izmir and Yalova. Outdoors, we have a serious potential in Izmir and Sakarya. We can say Adana, Mersin and Yalova indoors.”
Stating that the greenhouses in Isparta, which are damaged by the heavy snowfall in winter, continue to be improved, Yilmaz noted that they are trying to grow this place for June production.
Source: Trthaber / Translated by Irem Yildiz