Harvest begins with the first light of day, lasts only 1 month: 1 kilogram costs a full 12,000 Euros!

The fragrant fields of Isparta, Turkey, a region renowned for producing some of the world's finest oilseed roses, are bustling with activity as the annual harvest season commences. This critical period, lasting only about a month, sees farmers rise with the dawn to meticulously collect the delicate rose blossoms.

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I have a 6-decare rose field. The harvest went well this year. There is a collection fee of 35 liras per kilo, and I employ 6 workers in my garden. The harvest work, which starts at 05:00 in the morning, ends at 11:00. The collected roses are delivered by noon. Then, preparations begin for the next day's harvest. I have been growing roses since 1986. Rose oil is used not only in the cosmetics industry but also in the production of food products such as jam and Turkish delight. This year, due to abundant rainfall, the yield is good. The process, which started with pruning in February, continues with spraying.

These freshly picked roses are then swiftly transported to factories for immediate processing. The production of rose oil is an intensive process, requiring an average of 3 to 4 tons of rose petals to yield just 1 kilogram of the precious oil. This year, favorable weather conditions, including ample rainfall, have contributed to a strong yield, with an estimated 13,000 tons expected.

Isparta's Ziraat Chamber President, Müstahattin Can Selçuk, noted that the harvest, which began on May 1, is expected to continue until June 20. He highlighted that last year's production suffered a 30-40% loss due to frost, making this year's anticipated bounty particularly welcome. Beyond its use in cosmetics, rose oil and its derivatives are also incorporated into food products like jams and Turkish delight, showcasing the rose's multifaceted value.

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We expect a harvest of approximately 13,000 tons this year. Last year, we suffered a loss of 30-40% due to the frost event.

Despite the positive outlook for the harvest volume, producers are expressing concerns about the price. While last year's kilogram price was around 110 Turkish Lira, the announced base price for this year is 80 Lira. Producers are advocating for a minimum price of 130 Lira, citing rising production costs. The delicate nature of the roses and the labor-intensive extraction process underscore the economic sensitivities surrounding this valuable crop.

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We are demanding that the base price be 130 liras.