This year in Manisa, the grapes were cut late because they were sweetened late due to the late arrival of summer. Therefore, the grape drying process is expected to continue until the end of this month. While the grapes evolve into Sultana Raisins and farmers sweat under the sun, farmers’ eyes are on TMO’s purchase price.
Uncertainty in the market
The yield is expected to be 35-40 percent lower due to Mildy Mildew disease. In Turkey, where purchasing power has decreased considerably due to high inflation, farmers are watching TMO’s purchase prices. The prices announced on 20 August last year have not been announced yet, even though the first week of September has arrived. This situation causes uncertainty in the market.
Mildew disease
Most producers cannot harvest at the desired level this year due to Mildy Mildew disease. Due to the lack of quality grapes and low yields, export grape prices and rejected grape prices continue to rise day by day. In these days, when the prices of rejected grapes are up to 10 liras and the prices are in an upward trend day by day, the raisin purchase prices, which will affect the market, have not yet been announced.
Low yield pushing prices up
The fact is that the low yield and quality problems are pushing the grape prices upwards every day. Due to the fact that the prices of raisins have not been announced, the prices of rejected grapes are increasing day by day, leaving most farmers undecided. Last year’s price of 27 TL for number 9 raisins is expected to increase by at least one hundred percent this year. Of course, this is only the expectation of farmers. We will see how the government will announce a price.