Rose harvest begins in Isparta Plain; price reaches 12,000 euros per kilogram

The annual rose harvest has commenced in Turkey's Isparta Plain, a region renowned for its vital role in the global rose oil market. Producers have begun their intensive work in the rose gardens, coinciding with the arrival of local and foreign tourists eager to witness and participate in the harvest festivities. Gülbirlik General Manager İbrahim Işıdan anticipates a total harvest of around 13,000 to 14,000 tons of rose flowers this year, projecting a productive season for Isparta. The region's rose oil, which has previously commanded prices as high as 12,000 euros per kilogram, continues to be a highly valued commodity in the international perfume and cosmetics sectors. Isparta alone accounts for 65% of the world's rose flower and rose oil production. The harvest, which gained momentum before the Eid al-Adha holiday, has transformed the province into a focal point for both producers and tourists, drawn by the fragrant rose fields. Visitors are capturing the unique scenery through photographs amidst the early morning harvesting activities. The rose season is expected to significantly boost regional tourism, as it does annually. Işıdan noted that while some areas began harvesting on May 15, the recent cooler weather has benefited the roses, increasing yield and extending the harvest period. He expects a long and fruitful harvest season, with higher production anticipated compared to last year. Gülbirlik, which has approximately 3,000 members, along with other rose producers in the region, supports the livelihoods of an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 families. Rose cultivation covers an area of about 35,000 decares in the region.

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Our rose harvest has gained momentum in the period after the holiday. In fact, harvests had started in some plain areas as of May 15. Especially in the Kılıç and Çeltikçi regions, the first rose harvests were carried out. The cool weather after the holiday had a positive effect on the roses. This situation both increased the yield and extended the harvest period slightly. We are currently in the plain areas of the Güneykent region. The roses here have started to bloom and their harvest continues. In the coming days, the roses in the higher altitudes that have not yet bloomed will also flower. For this reason, a long and fruitful harvest period awaits us.