Analysis of the factors affecting apple farming: The case of Isparta province, Turkey

The commercial apple cultivation worldwide is in the midst of a major change in apple production management systems. The effects of these changes have considerably been felt in Turkey compared with the world increasing the production and consumption amounts. Therefore, the conventional orchards have been considerably transformed into modern orchards based on dwarf and semi-dwarf rootstocks in the producer provinces of Turkey, especially Isparta province, in recent years. The aim of the study is to analyze effects of the factors which consist of agricultural structure and infrastructure, the growers' socioeconomic and demographic characteristics and attributes affecting apple farming in Egirdir district of Isparta, Turkey. To this end, data collected through questionnaires carried out with 125 apple growers in Egirdir district was first used for factor and then multiple regression analyses in SPSS statistical program. The results of the study showed that if the planting distances, by renewing the apple rootstocks and willingness of the farm managers to work out of their own farms, were decreased and the other factors were gradually increased up to the optimum input levels, the growers' attribute and attitudes could be effectively used. As a result, the total apple production could be considerably increased in terms of technical effectiveness. If the scarce sources used for apple farming could be effectively used, a major contribution to the regional and national economy along with the annual incomes of the farmers could be realized.