Sümeyye Kınalı, a 39-year-old graduate of Ankara University’s Faculty of Agriculture, who started asparagus production in Tire district of Izmir three years ago, aims to export her harvest abroad. She decided to grow asparagus in Tire after becoming acquainted with the plant during her long stay in the United States.
Teaming up with her partner Ömer Arinç, Kınalı began production on an 80-acre land in Eskioba District three years ago. The producer, Sümeyye Kınalı, shared her journey from being born and raised in Ankara to pursuing education in the US.
Pointing out that asparagus is both produced and consumed internationally, Kınalı expressed the decision to start production in Tire upon returning to Turkey. She emphasized that Tire’s soil structure and climate make it an ideal location for asparagus cultivation, stating:
“Asparagus is a vegetable that is easy to produce but also has specific requirements. We don’t harvest asparagus for the first 3 years. We observe, nurture, and water them. After 3 years, there is a harvest period of 12 years. It’s a highly productive and perennial vegetable that doesn’t pose many challenges during cultivation. One of the most crucial aspects is that it requires less water compared to other vegetables. It has a wider international market compared to domestic production and consumption. Our main goal is to increase both consumption and production in our country.
We are focusing on the overseas market. Our target countries are Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, and the UK. We are receiving positive feedback due to the quality of our product. They want to collaborate with us. Asparagus has a broad consumption area.”