"Aegean Exporters in Brussels: EU Gives Full Marks to Turkish Dried Figs"

The Aegean Dried Fruit and Products Exporters Association (EKMİB), which targets strengthening food safety and sustainability standards in exports to the European Union (EU)—Turkey's largest market for dried figs—held important meetings in Brussels.

Association President Mehmet Ali Işık and Vice President Şemsettin Özgür met with officials from the European Commission's Health and Food Safety Directorate General (DG SANTE) to review official controls applied in dried fig exports and current food safety developments.

"We explained that we have done our homework on dried figs"
In statements following the meeting, President Mehmet Ali Işık said that the Turkish dried fig sector conveyed its scientific and technical work with the EU at a high level:

"We conveyed the message to EU officials that we are fulfilling our homework for healthy dried fig production. We presented our comprehensive monitoring, prevention and control measures aimed at reducing aflatoxin and ochratoxin risks. We also drew attention to the effects of climate change on mycotoxin formation, drought, soil fertility and food safety."

Işık stated that Turkey's scientific initiatives on sustainable production and work on soil management and water resource protection were also shared with the European Commission.

Continuous and constructive dialogue with the EU
Emphasizing the importance of ongoing communication conducted with FRUCOM (European Dried Fruit, Nuts, Preserved Products and Similar Goods Trade Federation), Işık stressed that these contacts, which strengthen the reputation of the Turkish dried fruit sector in Europe, are strategic from the perspective of sustainable trade.

Prof. Dr. Uygun Aksoy, Chairman of the Organic Farming Organization Association, who participated in the meeting as an observer, made contributions supporting Turkey's scientific approach in dried fig production.

Işık explained that following these meetings, they aim to reduce the frequency of aflatoxin and ochratoxin controls in dried fig exports to the EU from 30% to 10%.

Food safety, nutrition and sustainability on the agenda
Three main panels were organized within the FRUCOM event: Food Safety, Nutrition and Communication; Sustainability.
In the food safety panel, data sharing with EFSA and DG SANTE officials, maximum limits (MLs) and contaminant regulations were evaluated.
In sustainability sessions, the role of dried fruits and nuts in balanced nutrition, agricultural sustainability in combating climate change and the process of complying with EU criteria were addressed.

Recognition from the European Commission to Turkey
European Commission representatives stated that they welcomed Turkey's scientific approach and monitoring work in dried fig production, expressing appreciation for sustainability projects conducted against climate change.

Turkey maintains EU leadership in dried fig exports
Days before the end of the 2024/25 season, Turkey generated USD 367 million 821 thousand from the export of 61 thousand 281 tonnes of dried figs.
Despite an 11% decline in volume, foreign exchange earnings showed a 12% increase.

The European Union maintained its position as Turkey's largest export market with demand of 20 thousand 721 tonnes worth USD 136 million 773 thousand. The EU accounted for 34% of total exports.

Countries with the highest demand for Turkish dried figs:
🇫🇷 France (USD 43 million)
🇩🇪 Germany (USD 42 million)
🇮🇹 Italy (USD 14 million)