The initial cherry harvest of the season took place in Manisa. Cherries, which found buyers at 3,500 TL per kilogram, are being exported to European countries, especially Russia. Described as the red gold in Manisa, the early cherry harvest was carried out in Sancaklıbozköy District. Producers harvested their cherries, grown with great effort, early in the morning. Manisa Agriculture and Forestry Provincial Director Metin Öztürk stated that they rank second in Turkey with 46 thousand tons of cherry production. He mentioned, “We are having the first cherry harvest of the Northern Hemisphere as of April 13. The agricultural frost disasters we faced really saddened all farmers in the country as well as us as the ministry.” “WE ARE 1ST IN CHERRY PRODUCTION IN THE WORLD, 2ND IN EXPORT” President of the Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters’ Association, Hayrettin Uçak, said, “We achieved a cherry export of $210 million last year.” He expressed disappointment at the very low yield last year, and while expecting more this year, the cold weather caused significant losses. We extend our condolences to the entire nation; there is a serious loss. Investigations are ongoing. We are first in cherry production in the world and second in exports. This makes us extremely happy. We send them to countries in Europe, especially Russia, Italy, Poland.” “SOLD AT AUCTION” Cherries of the Kara Bodur (Burlent) variety, harvested from the gardens of 4 producers, were taken to the cherry market. They were sold at an auction during a ceremony held there. Manisa Agriculture and Forestry Provincial Director Metin Öztürk opened the bidding with a price of 1,000 TL per kilogram for the first cherry of the Northern Hemisphere, and the price went up to 3,200 TL. President of the Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters’ Association, Hayrettin Uçak, set the final price at 3,500 TL.