TARIS and TMO reaction from grape producers: Yield decreased, prices decreased

The problems experienced by grape producers during the harvest period are growing. Farmers' Union (FARMER-SEN) reacted to the practices of TARİŞ and TMO, stating that producers face serious losses in terms of both yield and price in the 2026 raisin season.

In the statement made by the union, it was pointed out that the amount of fresh grapes required to obtain raisins has increased due to the insufficient sweetening of the grapes. While in previous years 1 kilogram of raisins was obtained from 5-5.5 kilograms of fresh grapes, this year it was stated that 7-7.5 kilograms of fresh grapes were required for the same amount of raisins.

THE PRICE OF FRESH GRAPE HAS DECREASED TO 8 TL

According to the statement, the purchasing price of fresh suma grapes, which was at the level of 16-18 TL/kg last year, started to be traded around 11 TL/kg this year. Prices dropped to 7-8 TL/kg within a few days.

While it was stated that producers are facing cost pressure, it was stated that raisin purchasing prices were significantly reduced compared to previous years.

TARİŞ AND TMO'S PURCHASE PRICES DRAW A REACTION

There was also reaction to the raisin purchase prices of TARIS and TMO. While a price of 120 TL or more per kilogram was announced for seedless raisins in 2024 and 2025, TARİŞ announced the advance price as 80 TL for 2026.

The price announced by TMO was 90 TL.

ÇİFTÇİ-SEN stated that in addition to the purchase prices being much lower than in previous years, TARİŞ started to purchase grapes from its partners who owed money to it, as much as they owed.

AN APPOINTMENT WAS NOT GIVEN FROM TMO DUE TO THE RECORD REGISTRATION

In the union's statement, it was argued that TMO victimized the producers during procurement appointments.

Accordingly, TMO does not make a purchasing appointment on the grounds that the producers have a declaration of "seedless grapes for table sultanas" in their ÇKS records, but the records do not indicate that the product is "for drying".

ÇİFTÇİ-SEN stated that in previous years, the distinction between table and drying grapes was not questioned in the ÇKS records of producers who grew Sultaniye grapes in TMO's appointment system.

PRODUCERS ARE LEAVED AT THE MERCICE OF TRADERS

In the statement, it was emphasized that grape producers have been selling some of their products for fresh table use for years, and the remaining part is dried and used as raisins.

ÇİFTÇİ-SEN stated that it is unacceptable that producers are not given an appointment and their products are not purchased due to the absence of the expression "raisins" in the ÇKS record.

The union argued that this practice of TMO left many grape producers at the mercy of traders and called for "It means accelerating the collapse of producers who are already on the verge of bankruptcy. This mistake must be reversed."