A contract model cultivation study has been initiated to compete with the black fig of the USA through the black sickle fig. Research on this variety has shown that it contains higher levels of polyphenols and antioxidants compared to other types. In order to increase the diversity of dried fig varieties grown in Turkey, a contract model cultivation study has been launched for the “black sickle” developed as part of R&D efforts. A company focusing on increasing the contribution of dried figs to the country’s economy, as the demand from America, Europe, and Far East countries for dried figs grows each year, began R&D work in 2015 to include black figs in the export caravan. Within the scope of the TÜBİTAK Project, a project carried out in partnership with the Erbeyli Fig Research Institute affiliated with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies (TAGEM), Ege University, and Izmir Institute of Technology involved the study of nearly 200 fig varieties with genetic resources found in Anatolia. CONTAINS HIGHER ANTIOXIDANTS Among these varieties that are not industrially cultivated, those containing beneficial compounds for health, resistant to diseases and pests, and can be consumed dried underwent laboratory analyses. The research revealed that the variety known as black sickle contains higher levels of polyphenols and antioxidant activity compared to other types, with numerous scientific data indicating the antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and antimicrobial effects of the anthocyanin pigment responsible for its coloration. WILL COMPETE WITH THE USA Trials organic production took place in Bergama district of Izmir, and data showed that the black sickle fig is more resistant to mold-induced aflatoxin-like formations compared to other varieties. The company began producing seedlings through tissue culture to expand the cultivation of this variety, which has high export potential, and initiated a contract model cultivation study. It is expected that the black sickle will compete with the black dried figs known as black mission in the USA. Experts suggest that the production of black sickle figs can spread from Izmir to the North Aegean orchards extending to Canakkale, potentially becoming a significant part of fruit exports in the long run.