Turkish stonefruit production has picked itself up this year after a 'devastating' 2011, according to a report from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The USDA Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) report said peach and nectarine production was set to rise by 5.7% to 550,000 metric tons (MT), while exports of peaches and nectarines would jump by nearly a third to 45,000MT with Russia as a key market.

The report highlighted significant growth for Syria as a Turkish peach destination, increasing its purchases from 490MT in 2011 to 3,120MT in 2012.

Cherry production is expected to rise 25% to 500,000MT this year, while exports are estimated to increase 23.6% to 57,000MT.

"Turkey has been among the top cherry producing and exporting countries in the world, especially in the past 15 years. Despite devastated production, Turkey continued to be a significant cherry producer and exporter in 2011," the report said.

"Turkey's cherry product was reduced significantly in the spring of 2011 due to wetter and colder conditions than average.

"Things were much better for stonefruit producers in 2012 as weather conditions were favorable."

There are more than 100 varieties of sweet cherries grown in Turkey, with the locally developed 0900 Zirat (Turkish Napoleon) the most popular for export.

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