The Turkish citrus sector is mobilizing to prevent the spread of Psyllidium (Greening) disease from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to Turkey. Hayrettin Ucak, Deputy Coordinator of the Aegean Exporters' Associations and President of the Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Exporters' Association, emphasized the necessity of initiating biological control in the TRNC's citrus and artichoke production areas to safeguard Turkey's citrus industry. Ucak highlighted Turkey's significant position in global citrus production, ranking 8th with an annual output of 4.7 million tons. The isolation of the TRNC as an island could facilitate rapid containment efforts, involving collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and other sector stakeholders. Ucak warned of the severe impact on Turkish producers and exporters if the disease spreads, citing previous losses in the US states of Florida and California.

In terms of production and export, tangerines lead in Turkey's citrus market, with 2022 figures showing 39.6% of the country's citrus output. The year 2023 saw tangerine exports reaching $577 million, while lemon exports increased by 30% to $355 million. Orange and grapefruit exports also saw significant growth, underscoring the economic importance of these commodities to Turkey.

Source - https://www.freshplaza.com