Determination of purchasing power of producers producing greenhouse tomatoes in Antalya province

In the process of economic growth and development, the agricultural sector plays a driving role. The sustainability of the production in the agricultural sector depends on the purchasing power of the producers. Thus, the sustainability of production and the development of the rural welfare index in favor of the producer will increase the driving role of the agricultural sector, which is the source for other sectors, in the economy. The main purpose of this study is to determine the purchasing power of greenhouse tomato producers in Antalya, with the help of "Domestic Trade Terms". In the study, it is aimed to determine the amount of input that will ensure the continuation of the production of a unit of tomato by the producer and to calculate the amount of tomatoes that the tomato producer can buy for the selected goods and service group. Explanation of the variables affecting the terms of trade is as important as the calculation and direction of domestic terms of trade. The original value of this study is that it determines the purchasing power of producers by domestic terms of trade, creates a basket of goods for producers' expenditures, and evaluates the factors affecting the domestic terms of trade. Furthermore, it is desired to draw attention to economic factors focused on production costs and consumption expenditures in terms of domestic terms of trade and purchasing power of tomato producers. The fact that domestic terms of trade have an important indicator on the purchasing power and the tomato producer welfare index explains that the outputs of the research are usable. Only 12.5% of the producers have a Domestic Trade Terms index value above 100. As the greenhouse area increases, the purchasing power of the producers' increases too. Product price has emerged as the factor affecting the domestic terms of trade the most. One unit increase in the product price increases the Domestic Trade Terms by 34.99 units. According to the opinions of the producers interviewed, the issue that is more important than the continuity of production is to ensure the continuity of consumption needs. The high and variable input costs cause erosion in the income of the producers. Consequently, the aim of agricultural policies should be focused on improving the welfare and purchasing power of producers rather than lowering the agricultural prices which are increasing. Thus, it is thought that agricultural policies will be more effective both in the short and long term.