Greenhouse vegetable cultivation in the Erzincan Plain

Despite the continental climate of the Eastern Anatolia Region, the Erzincan Plain has seen a notable increase in greenhouse vegetable production thanks to its microclimate advantages, improved irrigation infrastructure, and agricultural support programs developed in recent years. However, the number of scientific studies addressing the economic value of greenhouse vegetable cultivation in the Erzincan Plain is quite limited. Therefore, this study aims to examine the current status, production structure, economic efficiency, and sustainability potential of greenhouse vegetable cultivation in the Erzincan Plain. This research first evaluates the historical development and current status of greenhouse vegetable cultivation in Turkey and globally. It then explains the structural and general properties of greenhouse construction materials and explores the importance of greenhouse cultivation in Turkey in particular. It demonstrates that greenhouse vegetable cultivation activities in the plain are prominent in terms of local people's livelihoods and regional agricultural diversity. The research utilizes a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. The study was based on field observations, producer surveys, and data from the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry on greenhouse cultivation activities in Erzincan as of 2024. Surveys and interviews were conducted with 22 greenhouse producers in the field. The research results indicate that the main determinants of greenhouse vegetable production in the Erzincan Plain are climate conditions, investment costs, and marketing channels. Energy costs and high input prices, in particular, are among the factors limiting the sustainability of production. Furthermore, the Erzincan Plain's high sunshine hours, low humidity, and soil structure suitable for organic production make the region suitable for modern greenhouse cultivation investments supported by geothermal or renewable energy. Keywords: Erzincan, Greenhouse Cultivation, Vegetable Production, Sustainable Agriculture, Rural Development