A contract-based model cultivation study has been initiated for the black sickle fig to rival America’s black fig. Research conducted on this fig variety revealed higher levels of polyphenols and antioxidants compared to other types. In the pursuit of increasing the diversity of dried fig varieties grown in Turkey, a contract-based cultivation study has been launched for the “black sickle” developed within the scope of R&D activities. A company focusing on enhancing the contribution of dried figs to the country’s economy, given the growing demand from America, Europe, and Far Eastern countries, initiated an R&D project in 2015 to include black figs in the export caravan. Under the TÜBİTAK Project, a joint project conducted by 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 High Technology Institute delved into the genetic resources of nearly 200 fig varieties found in Anatolia. CONTAINS HIGHER ANTIOXIDANTS Among these varieties not industrially cultivated, those containing beneficial compounds for health, resistant to diseases and pests, and can be consumed dried, were subjected to laboratory analyses. The research revealed that the variety known as black sickle contained higher levels of polyphenols and antioxidant activity compared to other types, with plenty of scientific data confirming the anthocyanin pigment giving color to the product possesses antidiabetic, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and antimicrobial effects. WILL COMPETE WITH AMERICA Established in a garden organically in Bergama, Izmir, trial productions of the black sickle fig were conducted, yielding data showing its resistance to mold-related aflatoxin-like formations surpassing other varieties. The company, after identifying the characteristics of this variety through laboratory studies, started to produce seedlings through tissue culture to expand its cultivation, initiating a contract-based model cultivation study for the high export potential black sickle fig. Experts anticipate the black sickle being a rival to America’s black dried figs known as black mission. It is stated that the cultivation of the black sickle fig, which is expected to secure a significant share in fruit exports in the long run, can become widespread in the North Aegean gardens from Izmir to Canakkale.