Flower producer highlights sector's challenges, calls for support

As a journalist for Cumhuriyet, I'm reporting on the significant challenges facing Turkey's ornamental plant producers, as detailed by entrepreneur Şevval Kaptan. Operating on a 20-decare farm, Kaptan's business, which supplies major cities like Istanbul and Ankara, exemplifies the high-stakes nature of this sector. She emphasized that producing ornamental plants, often perceived as a luxury, requires meticulous planning and substantial capital. The reliance on imported soil, for instance, makes the business acutely vulnerable to fluctuations in the Euro exchange rate, directly increasing production costs. This vulnerability is a common theme among Turkish producers who depend on imported inputs, a reality often overlooked in international coverage that focuses solely on export potential. Kaptan also pointed out the demanding nature of the industry, where continuous innovation is necessary to meet evolving customer demands. Each new variety introduced represents a significant investment in infrastructure, labor, and materials. Furthermore, a critical bureaucratic hurdle exists for producers like Kaptan who cultivate on state-owned land. The current agricultural support system (ÇKS) registration process, tied to owned property, prevents them from fully accessing subsidies based on their actual production areas. This disconnect, as highlighted by Kaptan and echoed by CHP Niğde Deputy Ömer Fethi Gürer during his visit, requires legislative reform to ensure these vital producers receive the support they deserve. Their work is crucial not only for the economy but also for beautifying our cities and providing employment.

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