organic watermelon bound for europe!

Turkey's first organic watermelon is on its way to Europe
Monday, August 18, 2008
SAMSUN - Referans

Ay-Pi Group, which entered organic farming with egg production in the northern province of Samsun, is now ready to ship organic watermelons to European markets. Initial plans call for Ay-Pi to export one thousand tons of watermelon within a year. Ay-Pi Group, which holds a 60 percent share in Turkish organic egg production in the northern province of Samsun, has now begun growing organic watermelons. The company plans to export the watermelons to Germany, Ahmet Aydın, Ay-Pi Group Chairman said, adding that the company's goal is to triple watermelon exports from this year's one thousand tons.

Ay-Pi the leader in organic egg Yeşil Küre, an Ay-Pi Group subsidiary, is responsible for organic farming and Samsun's Bafra town enjoys significant advantages in organic farming, said Aydın, an ex-deputy, who invested $15 million in organic agriculture in the region.Aydın noted that organic farming in Bafra is brand new. “Bafra has a great potential for organic farming, but we do not have the adequate means to exploit it. We are trying to find ways to improve Bafra so its future will be bright. We are trying to make a contribution to have a better country,” he continued. “Today, products without additives can be sold easily and at higher prices, both in foreign and domestic markets. Now, we have to do our job by changing our perspective. With good planning, Bafra Plain can contribute a lot to the nation's economy.” Ay-Pi Group has a 60 percent share in organic egg production and is the leader in the market with production of five million organic eggs per year, said Aydın. This production can increase in line with the demand, he said, adding the firm also plans to soon launch organic chicken meat production. Aydın noted that the firm seeks to vary the production of organic products. “Our watermelon production does not involve any additives, and is entirely organic. Watermelons will be exported to Germany,” he said. “Turkey's first organic watermelons are on their way to Europe. We are expecting 250,000 euros from the export of organic watermelons.” The firm's goal for 2009 is to produce 5,000 tons of organic watermelons and deliver three thousand tons to the foreign market. “If produced conscientiously, we can take a share from European and Russian markets,” said Aydın.

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