As Russia prepares to implement sanctions on vegetables and fruits exported from Turkey starting on Jan. 1, Turkish exporters have prepared a "Plan B." Speaking to Sabah newspaper, Coordinating President of Mediterranean Exporters Union Bülent Aymen stated that they will be targeting Africa and Middle East markets and, currently, several exporters have ongoing negotiations with these markets. "Russia is no longer a country that we cannot give up on, this is a national case," noted Aymen. He further added that the government is working on a program to cover losses from the exports of fresh fruits and vegetables, which rot while waiting at customs. As of Jan. 1, 2016, Russia is banning the export of tomatoes, oranges, apples, apricots, cabbage, broccoli and tangerines from Turkey and, therefore, Turkish exporters are seeking new markets. Aymen noted that they have been shocked a few times since Turkey downed the Russia aircraft violating its air space on Nov. 24 and added that they have faced serious restrictions at customs and various products have gone bad.

Highlighting that this period is a "national case" and while Turkish exports to Russia are around $3 billion, Aymen stated that they are not referring to this as a crisis and they are taking their own precautions, which means Russia is not irreplaceable.

He further noted that with fresh fruits and vegetables, distant markets are not very attractive due to the risk of vegetables spoiling and therefore they will be aiming for the African and Middle Eastern markets. "Along with negotiations at the government level, the exporters are in close contact with the markets there," added Aymen. He further added that the government is to implement a program for covering the losses faced due to delays at customs and said that the exporters are not alone, as they have the full support of the government.