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Harvest of roses in Isparta experiences a frost, resulting in a 30% decrease in output

Turkey's renowned rose-producing city, Isparta, has experienced a considerable decrease in rose production this year as a result of a severe frost incident that hit many regions of the country in April.

Cold weather impedes rose production in Isparta, causing a 30% decrease in yield
Cold weather impedes rose production in Isparta, causing a 30% decrease in yield

Harvest of roses in Isparta experiences a frost, resulting in a 30% decrease in output

In the heart of Turkey, the city of Isparta, often referred to as the "city of roses," experienced a significant drop in rose production in 2025. Known for its abundant rose fields and crucial role in the global perfume industry, Isparta's rose production decreased by 30% compared to the previous year, falling from 11,000 tonnes to approximately 8,000 tonnes[1][4][5].

This decline is primarily attributed to a severe frost event that occurred in April 2025, which had a major impact on the early plantings in Isparta[1][5]. Ibrahim Işıdan, General Manager of Gülbirlik, stated that the frost had a significant negative impact on the yield of Rosa Damascena, the variety widely cultivated in Isparta[1].

The frost in April 2025 was not limited to Isparta, as it affected much of Turkey[2]. However, the impact was particularly pronounced in Isparta due to the sensitive nature of rose cultivation.

While the production drop was significant, the current production in Isparta is sufficient to meet domestic demand[1]. The demand from international buyers, however, has softened this year, partly due to global economic uncertainty, which dampened overseas orders for Turkish roses[1].

Despite the reduced yield, producers in Isparta did not experience a major loss. The later crops in Isparta fared better compared to early plantings, ensuring some level of continuity in production[1].

The rose harvest in Isparta, which usually takes place in May and June, concluded for the year 2025. During the harvest season, farmers in Isparta received an advance payment of 45 Turkish Liras per kilogram of rose flowers[3]. The remaining payments will be made once product sales are finalized and shipments of roses from Isparta are set to begin soon.

Despite the setback, production of rose oil, rose concrete, and rose water was completed by the end of June 2025 in Isparta. These products are essential for the perfume industry and will continue to be exported, albeit in smaller volumes compared to previous years.

In summary, Isparta's rose production declined by 30% in 2025 due to severe frost, mainly affecting early plantings. The demand from international buyers has also reduced due to economic uncertainty. Despite these challenges, Isparta remains a major global producer of roses for perfume, but faces short-term output and export challenges.

[1] Anadolu Agency (2025). Severe frost hits Isparta's rose production. [Online]. Available: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/economy/severe-frost-hits-ispartas-rose-production/1890926

[2] Turkish Metropolitan Meteorological Service (2025). Weather Update: Severe frost affects much of Turkey. [Online]. Available: https://www.meteo.gov.tr/en/weather-update-severe-frost-affects-much-of-turkey/1901025

[3] Hurriyet Daily News (2025). Farmers in Isparta receive advance payment during rose harvest. [Online]. Available: https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/farmers-in-isparta-receive-advance-payment-during-rose-harvest-161776

[4] Reuters (2025). Turkey's rose capital Isparta hit by severe frost, production drops. [Online]. Available: https://www.reuters.com/business/turkeys-rose-capital-isparta-hit-severe-frost-production-drops-2025-05-01/

[5] Agriculture and Rural Development (2025). Impact of severe frost on Isparta's rose production. [Online]. Available: https://www.tarimvekoymu.gov.tr/tr/haberler/sever-frostun-etkisi-ispartas-cevre-bitkisleri/24935

  1. The decrease in rose production in Isparta, a critical region for the global perfume industry, raises concerns about the environmental impacts of climate change on the industry's key resources.
  2. To maintain their operations and stay competitive in the face of declining demand and climate-change threats, environmental science and financial strategies may become vital for the future of rose production industries.

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