Turkish vegetable producers hold symbolic funeral for low exports

ANTALYA

DHA Photo

Turkish fruit and vegetable producers have staged a protest to demand the removal of obstacles to the export of tomatoes, organizing a funeral on Nov. 28 in the southern province of Antalya, Doğan News Agency has reported.

A group of producers gathered in the square of wholesales market of Antalya municipality, holding aloft banners and chanting slogans. A symbolic funeral prayer was also performed by a former mayor of the Aksu district, İsa Yıldırım, behind a coffin filled with tomatoes.

Yıldırım, who dressed like imam, said they would not give their blessings to Turkish lawmakers who fail to find a solution to their plight.

A number of protesters from associations such as the Association of Commissioners of Raw Vegetables and Fruits Wholesalers in Antalya (ANTKOMDER) attended the demonstration.

The head of the Chamber of Agriculture in Antalya, Nazif Alp, said the situation was no longer bearable.

“We’ve arrive at this situation following the plane crisis [that started in November 2015 with Russia] and changes in the government,” Alp said. “The main problem is that agricultural expenses are high but the prices are low. Because of this, our famers are unable to remain on their feet. Our request from our state and statesmen is for the immediate opening of the Russian and the opening of new markets.”