The lavender farming started by Seferihisar Municipality in Turgut village on three acres land, extended to 50 acres with the collaboration of the local farmers.
The first lavender field was planted in Seferihisar’s Turgut village in 2015 with 4000 seedlings brought from Isparta. Since then the product was been popular and the planting area expanded from three to 50 acres. Mayor Tunç Soyer said that the municipality aimed to create new job opportunities and export connections for the local products.
‘WE AIM TO REVITALIZE THE FARMING’
Seferihisar Mayor Tunç Soyer said that the municipality aims to expand the production of value added products. He added: "Three years ago, the municipal agricultural directorate planted lavender seedlings acquired from Isparta in Turgut village. There are olive and mandarin groves and vineyards in this region. The market value of products like lavender and asparagus are much higher than the existing products. That’s why we decided to try to plant these varities. We celebrated the first harvest with a festival. We had a good harvest this year, the total planted area of lavender reached 50 acres. We support the farmers in producing lavender oil, soap, cologne and water. We assume that the revenues by lavender would encourage the farmers to continue farming and help slowing down the emigration.”
Turgut neighborhood village headman Tuncay Topuz also commented that the farmers realized the benefits of the lavender. Lavenders are easier and cheaper to grow than the fruits and vegetables.”