Hopa tea farmers protest ÇAYKUR quota cuts: 'Too much expense, no purchase'

Tea farmers in Hopa, a district in Turkey's Artvin province, are voicing strong opposition to ÇAYKUR's recent quota adjustments. Producers are particularly angered by a sudden reduction in the purchase limit for tea leaves, which they say has been lowered to a mere 25 kilograms.

This drastic cut has left many farmers struggling, with one producer lamenting, "They dropped the quota to 25 kilograms all at once. Isn't this a disgrace to our people? Everyone is ruined."

The situation is compounded by perceived regional disparities. Another farmer pointed out that Hopa's quota differs significantly from that in neighboring Arhavi, where higher purchase amounts are reportedly allowed. "While Arhavi allows a higher purchase, Hopa applies 25 kilos. Why is it so low in Hopa?" the farmer questioned, seeking an explanation for the discrepancy.

The producers are calling for transparency and a reconsideration of the quota system, arguing that the current arrangement is unsustainable and disproportionately affects them.