Citrus Producers’ Union announces an indefinite strike from December 22 in Northern Cyprus

The Chairman of the Citrus Producers’ Union, Ali Alioğlu, announced the start of an indefinite strike from Monday, December 22, in Northern Cyprus. The decision was taken due to, in his words, a lack of attention and political strategy in the sector.

Ali Alioğlu accused the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the company Cypruvex of inaction and of failing to provide a competitive environment for producers. He pointed to a lack of trust, instability, and the practical absence of state policy, which, in his opinion, makes production risky for farmers.

The statement also notes that the Citrus Coordination Council has still not been activated, conditions for exporting packaged shipments abroad are not being created, and competition in the market is not ensured. Ali Alioğlu warned that if current practices continue, citrus production may decline and the benefits will go to narrow circles.

The Union Chairman directed criticism at Parliament Speaker Ziya Öztürkler and the National Unity Party, referring to their recent statements on the importance of the citrus sector and asking whether visits and consultations with producers were carried out before decisions were made.

For residents, this means that from December 22 an indefinite protest action by citrus producers will begin, the consequences of which will depend on the course of negotiations between the parties.