Increase in Peach production in Turkey

Peach production in 2006 increased in Turkey and ted for the largest production level among stone fruits. Production of peaches and nectarines reached 550,000 tonnes in 2006 from 45,000 tonnes in 2005. Peaches are known to be among the most productive stone fruits in Turkey but the dramatic increase in 2006 is mainly due to good weather conditions and to the importation of young trees by the government. In Turkey about 60% of total peach production is consumed fresh in the domestic market and 17% is processed for various industries such as jam and canned fruits.