In the district of Sarıgöl in Manisa, farmers are working intensively in the world-famous seedless Sultaniye grape vineyards.
Especially the grapes harvested in December in the district are exported to many countries around the world, in addition to the domestic market.
The grape harvest in Sarıgöl Plain provides a livelihood for both producers and agricultural workers. Agricultural workers enter the vineyards early in the morning and carry out grape cutting and drying processes until noon. Ibrahim Çamkıran, who sends fresh grapes from Sarıgöl to Sakarya every year, said, 'We have started harvesting grapes from the open vineyards of Sultaniye. We first harvested the early Superiol grapes. Now, I am sending Sultaniye grapes to Sakarya. Currently, we are buying grapes from the vineyard at 28-30 lira per kilogram.'
Ali İhsan Ülgen, President of the Sarıgöl Agricultural Chamber, stated that the prices for Sultaniye grape harvests from weaker and open vineyards range between 25-30 lira per kilogram. He advised grape producers not to rush, saying, 'Do not panic, do not hurry. Quality grapes are always sold at their value. This year’s grape yield is low, so there is no need to panic. Our grapes are waiting under cover. We can continue harvesting until the end of the year.'
Ülgen, who described that the grape harvest in Sarıgöl Plain begins with early grapes in July and continues with Sultaniye variety until the end of December, also mentioned that they are expecting government support to help with costs.