Tarsus is Being Supplanted, 18 November 2005

Growers of the traditional Tarsus White grape in Tarsus, one of Turkey's principal grape producing areas, are turning to other varieties suitable for wine production. President of Tarsus Chamber of Agriculture, Ali Ergezer, explained that low prices and high costs are forcing growers to replace their traditional vines with other varieties. Until recently concentrated grape juice was exported to France, where it was used in the wine production industry. "If this trend continues the Tarsus White will soon disappear. We are supporting initiatives for the establishment of wine factories in the area so that local vineyards will become economically viable once more," Ergezer explained.