There are developments going on for Turkish cotton growers that led them be hopeful from the future. “GMO Free Turkish Cotton” project developed by National Cotton Council (UPK) and İzmir Commodity Exchange (İTB) will be introduced under Turkey Promotion Group. Incentives for manufacturers who store their products in licensed storehouses are also in effect. İTB President of the Assembly and UPK Chairman of the Board Barış Karagöz reviewed these recent developments.
Barış Karagöz said the cotton that is grown in Turkey still do not meet the consumption. Kocagöz; “We are forced to import around 600 to 900 thousand tonnes in order to close the consumption gap for a long time now. But our production which has hit the rock bottom with 400 thousand tonnes will reach 850 thousand tonnes with the previous season throughout the right applications that has been going on for the last five years.”
Vocalizing that right steps are taken continuously for Turkish cotton, Kocagöz talked about the subject of ‘GMO Free’ branded Turkish cotton developed by UPK and İTB; “This brand advantage we have for textile products manufactured with Turkish cotton will gain a momentum from now on with the backing of Turkish textile exporters and Turkish Exporters’ Assembly (TİM). ‘GMO Free Turkish Cotton’ Project will be introduced under Turkey Promotion Group which has been established by TİM for the development of exports and the strengthening of the country image with the Made in Turkey perception. Thus Turkish textile manufacturers will have the brand advantage that only they will have; which will provide a competitive advantage in the world textile league.”
Incentives for licensed storage activities for cotton
Barış Kocagöz has also reviewed the licensed storage activities which have an admitted importance for cotton industry. Kocagöz highlighted the rapid development of the industry’s first licensed storage house ELİDAŞ in a short amount of time; which has been established with the leadership of İTB; “We have already shared our happiness with the public about ELİDAŞ’s storages being at their full capacity (100%) this year. Another giant step has been taken for licensed storage and modern agricultural marketing in our country. Incentives carrying a great importance for manufacturers; who will store their products in licensed storages has been signed and published in the official gazette.”
Kocagöz about the incentives; “Manufacturers will receive shipping support when they send their products under 25 TL/Kg to licensed storages. Much more important, all the rent for their stored products will be 100% supported. Analysis fees for check-ins and check-outs will be paid by the Ministry. We are grateful to each and every person who took place in this great step; for the future of licensed storage and modern marketing in Turkish agriculture.”