Muğla Strawberry Initiative Sparks 820 Million Lira Rural Revitalization

Muğla’s strawberry farms have transformed the region’s rural economy, lifting it to a 820 million lira turnover since the project’s launch in 2018.

Breakthrough in Rural Production: New Strawberry Plantations

The initiative established 824 decares of fresh strawberry fields, expanding cultivated area from 457 decares to 1,614 decares. Annual output now averages 4,100 tons, reshaping the agricultural landscape.

■824 decares of new orchards

■Production area increased by +1,157 decares

■4,100 tons of strawberries per year

Employment and Income Boost

The project directly created jobs for 1,648 individuals, injecting household income and slowing rural‑to‑urban migration.

■1,648 new jobs

■Approximate 30% rise in non‑agricultural earnings

■Average 3 tons of strawberries per household

Financial Support and Investment Cost

Through the Valilik Investment Monitoring and Coordination Office (YİKOB), %50‑75 grant subsidies funded a total 18,018,000 TL investment. Grants lower entry barriers for farmers, ensuring project sustainability.

■Total investment: 18,018,000 TL

■Grants covering %50‑75 of costs

■Average farmer subsidy: 10,000 TL

Demand Intensity and Market Dynamics

Strawberries are in high demand, especially in the Marmaris, Bodrum, and Milas markets. Strong local brand perception sustains price stability while opening export opportunities.

■Key markets: Marmaris, Bodrum, Milas

■Avg. selling price: 200 TL/kg (estimated)

■Annual demand growth: 15%

Seda Çetin – Market Pricing and Data Terminal Manager: "The Muğla Strawberry Initiative offers a scalable blueprint for rural development. Grant‑backed capital boosts production capacity dramatically, while job creation balances the regional labor market. Strawberries have low price volatility, providing a stable anchor for long‑term agricultural value chains. Investors eyeing similar micro‑agri projects can accelerate financial integration of rural economies."