The harbinger of spring, erik, has started to appear on the shelves. As a result of frost causing a decrease in yield, erik is finding buyers at 450 liras per kilo. The erik harvest has begun in Silifke district of Mersin. Depending on its quality, it is being sold for prices between 150 and 450 liras per kilo. Packaged products are being exported not only to the domestic market but also to the Netherlands, Germany, England, Dubai, and Arab countries. Zeynep Akay, who has been producing erik for about 35 years, drew attention to the low yield experienced this year. Akay stated, “We used to harvest about 12 tons of erik every year on our 10-acre land. However, this year, due to the cold and harsh winter, we could only get 2 tons of product. Considering the labor costs, this season has been quite difficult for us.” “DEMAND EXISTS BUT WE CAN’T MEET IT ADEQUATELY” Erik merchant Burhan Özgen also mentioned the difficulties in the export process. Özgen said, “I have been trading erik for 4-5 years. However, this year, the yield is only one third of last year’s. Export has just begun; we are sending erik to the Netherlands, Germany, England, Dubai, and Arab countries. However, prices are very low and the other side demands higher quality products. We are facing difficulties because they do not give prices. Both us merchants and producers are affected by this process. Demand exists but we are not yet able to meet it adequately.”