Photo report: GrowTech 2023, Antalya, Turkey

Turkey has been a significant exporter of fresh fruits and vegetables. Over the years, the country has seen an increase in the export of products like tomatoes, peppers, citrus fruits, and others. The horticulture sector has witnessed advancements in technology and farming practices. Modernization efforts, including the use of greenhouse cultivation and precision agriculture techniques, have aimed to improve efficiency and yield. Last week’s GrowTech showed an industry that’s continuously developing, with innovations in terms of irrigation, propagation, and breeding being high in focus of growers. At the same time, the fluctuating but seemingly immer-decreasing exchange rate of the Turkish lira affects the growth potential of the Turkish horticultural industry.

Click here for the photo report of the GrowTech 2023.

The landscape of Turkish horticulture is characterized by many crops sheltered under plastic foil or high-tech greenhouses. Greenhouses are often heated by geothermal energy, which stands as a boon for Turkish growers. The Turkish government has implemented various policies to support the agricultural sector, including horticulture. These policies often aim to boost production, enhance export capabilities, and improve the overall competitiveness of Turkish produce in international markets.

Another notable characterization is the impact of the lira, which has been volatile for many years. On the positive side, the current exchange rate facilitates cost-effective exports, such as Turkish tomatoes, to Northwestern Europe. Turkish horticultural products are competitive in the international market. This is because the cost of Turkish goods in foreign currencies becomes relatively cheaper, potentially boosting exports. However, on the flip side, importing modern greenhouse technologies is challenging due to the same exchange rate fluctuations.

The trade show addresses both the Turkish and the international market, and has traditionally been a gateway for the Middle East and Central Asia. In addition to the greenhouse builders, international suppliers reign from activities such as substrates, irrigation, greenhouse installations and equipment, and automation.

Click here for the photo report of the GrowTech 2023.

Of course, innovation awards were handed out as well. Please find the winners here:

• Seracell Bilişim ve Tarım Teknolojileri A.ş (greenhouse and technologies)
• Verta Tekno Ltd. Sti (irrigation and technologies)
• Topraq Tarım Teknolojileri San. ve Tic. A.ş (crop protection)
• Casada Tarım Anonim Şirketi (plant nutrition)
• Topraq Tarım Teknolojileri San. ve Tic. A.ş (smart agricultural applications and technologies)
• Petektar Tohum San. Tic. Ltd. Şti. (breeding)

A special audience award was granted to a research institute focused on the western Mediterranean region (Batı Akdeniz Tarımsal Araştırma Enstitüsü (BATEM)).

Click here for the photo report of the GrowTech 2023.