Exports rebound – Frost and disease damages bloom
- Exports in March were 8,523 tons compared to 4,685 tons last month and 7,392 tons March last year
- Year to date exports are 62,563 tons compared to 64,701 tons last year
Exports in March rebounded after the slowdown following the earthquakes on the 6th of February. We expect shipments to slow down somewhat for the remaining 4 months of the season due to tight supply, and for Turkey to close out the season between 75,000 and 80,000 tons, similar to 2021 crop. With domestic consumption of around 8,000 tons, there will be limited carryover again.
There were 3 nights of frost from 30th March to 1st April during the height of the bloom. Damage has occurred but it is too early to quantify. As we reported from our visit prior to the frost the bloom was already looking poor due to rain throughout March (which has continued into April), restricting pollination and accelerating the spread of Brown Blossom Rot (Monilya) . Many farmers have been unable to buy protective sprays as no shops in Malatya are open. Those that have been able to get the fungicides have struggled to get tractors into the orchards due to the rain.
Please keep everyone in the region in your thoughts and prayers, the news coverage may have gone, but there are a million people homeless, many who have lost everything.
Brown Rot affects bloom and branches
Prices have moved higher in Malatya as pessimism for the new crop’s prospect grow. Supply is tight as we get to the tail end of the crop