Kocaeli Strawberry Field

In Kocaeli Province, strawberry cultivation is carried out using both traditional methods and modern agricultural techniques. Production occurs in various regions, with Akçatı Village under the district of İzmit being a prominent area. Production in the region varies according to altitude, soil structure, and climatic conditions.

^{Strawberry Field (}Anadolu Agency⁾

Akçatı Village, located in the İzmit district of Kocaeli, is one of the leading settlements for strawberry cultivation. Strawberry production takes place on fields established at an altitude of approximately 1000 metres. These fields employ both soil-based and soilless farming systems. Fields that allow direct consumer participation remain open during harvest seasons.

^{Strawberry Field (}Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality⁾

Both soil-based and soilless farming methods are employed in the region. Soilless cultivation practices are implemented through private farms visited by the Kocaeli Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry. Thanks to these techniques, strawberry production is carried out in controlled environments without the use of soil. Additionally, fields practicing traditional open-field cultivation also exist.

Under rural development projects implemented by the Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality, seedling support has been provided to strawberry growers and a model strawberry orchard has been established. Practical training sessions for producers were conducted on a 60-dönüm site. Furthermore, additional agricultural activities such as watermelon seed support have been encouraged in the region.

^{Strawberry Field (}Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality⁾

Some strawberry fields in the region operate under a “pick-your-own” model, allowing consumers to directly participate in harvesting. At an altitude of approximately 1000 metres, visitors can pick strawberries directly from the fields and purchase them on-site. This practice supports direct interaction between producers and consumers.

In Akçatı Village, one of the representative strawberry farms in Kocaeli, an average of 180 tonnes of strawberries are produced annually on a 60-dönüm area. This production capacity has been enhanced through the provision of technical training and seedling support.