19.09.2025 MHP Deputy Ahmet Özyürek Visits Aydın Commodity Exchange
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Sivas Deputy Ahmet Özyürek, accompanied by MYK Members Yavuz Tellioğlu, Osman Gür, MDK Member Kürşat Türker Ercan, MHP Aydın Provincial Chairman Haluk Alıcık, and members of the provincial organization, paid a visit to the Aydın Commodity Exchange (ATB).
The delegation was welcomed by ATB Vice Chairman Cengiz Ülgen, Deputy Assembly Chairman Ali Çevik, Board Member Rıza Uyar, Assembly Members Adem Türkmen, Mehmet Akkan, Mustafa Hakan Adalı, Ali Rıza Vural, and Secretary General Neslihan Duymaz.
During the visit, the delegation received information about the Exchange’s activities and discussed the contribution of Aydın’s agricultural production to both the regional and national economy. The challenges posed by rising agricultural input costs and the need to sustain production through increased support were emphasized. Considering the ongoing drought, the continuation of small-scale dam constructions was also highlighted as a priority.
Aflatoxin and Ochratoxin Issues Raised
Participants drew attention to the aflatoxin and ochratoxin problems affecting dried fig exports, noting that the European Union’s increasingly strict residue limits have negatively impacted trade. They called for these thresholds to be reassessed and for Turkey to engage in diplomatic initiatives to protect its interests.
ATB Vice Chairman Cengiz Ülgen underlined the stagnation in the dried fig market:
“Producers are unhappy. Exporters and traders are not purchasing, and figs remain in the hands of growers. Export bans are imposed when five non-compliant batches are detected, regardless of whether the batch is 5 or 100 tons. The evaluation should be proportional to the quantity. EU aflatoxin and ochratoxin limits are lowered each year. Our Ministry needs to strengthen its lobbying efforts and advocate for higher tolerance levels.”
Focus on the Arab Market
Deputy Assembly Chairman Ali Çevik stated that around 75% of fig production is exported, with 50,000 tons going to EU countries, but demand from Europe has recently declined.
“We are now turning towards the Arab market and holding meetings with exporters. To solve the aflatoxin issue, the process must start at the production stage. Proper fig selection minimizes losses,” he said.
Çevik also stressed the importance of water management, calling for the construction of 10,000–20,000 m³ capacity ponds to combat drought and prevent water waste.
ATB’s Concerns to Be Brought to Parliament
Explaining the purpose of his visit, MHP Deputy Ahmet Özyürek said:
“Under the instructions of our Chairman Devlet Bahçeli, we are here to invite you to the ‘National Unity and Solidarity Meetings for a Terror-Free Turkey’ – Denizli Regional Meeting. We are visiting civil society organizations to both extend our invitation and listen to their issues directly. Your demands will be shared with the relevant ministries and, if necessary, brought to the agenda of the Grand National Assembly.”
Özyürek emphasized the importance of supporting agriculture and livestock:
“Keeping farmers strong is essential. We must promote industry, technology, tourism, and healthcare development. Our Aydın provincial organization stands with you.”
At the end of the visit, ATB Vice Chairman Cengiz Ülgen presented a commemorative gift to Deputy Ahmet Özyürek, who in return delivered the official invitation for the upcoming ‘National Unity and Solidarity Meetings for a Terror-Free Turkey’ to Ülgen.
