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Anchovy Exports Surpass Bonito

Despite a bountiful bonito season since the start of the fishing season on September 1, Turkey did not see this abundance mirrored in export numbers. Bonito exports to only two countries in September-October brought in just $15,556, while exports of anchovy to 20 countries generated $12,306,154. France was the leading importer of Turkish anchovy with $4,502,792, followed by Belgium with $3,736,313, and the USA with $1,191,935. In total, anchovy exports to France, Belgium, the USA, Germany, the UK, Ukraine, Spain, the Netherlands, Northern Cyprus, Italy, Romania, Canada, the UAE, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Switzerland, Greece, Iraq, Dubai, and Kenya amounted to 2,288,154 kilograms and generated $12,306,154 in foreign currency. In the same period last year, 2,001,862 kilograms of anchovy were exported to 25 countries, yielding $11,168,499. Bonito exports, however, were only sent to two countries in September-October. Northern Cyprus received 6,418 kilograms, and Turkmenistan received 1,490 kilograms, generating $15,556 in foreign currency, compared to $2,730 for the same period last year. ANCHOVY IS LOVED WORLDWIDE Fishermen note that anchovy is generally more popular abroad. Fisherman Ahmet Çoğalmış stated, "Anchovy trade exceeds $10 million annually. Bonito is more in demand domestically, so it’s not exported as much. Anchovy is more favored for export and is loved everywhere. When people think of the Black Sea, anchovy comes to mind, so it’s widely embraced." He added that anchovy exports bring in $10-15 million in annual revenue. Fisherman Emin Avcı mentioned that bonito is not widely known abroad, unlike anchovy, which has a global reputation and higher export volume. Another fisherman, Çetin Kavzoğlu, noted that anchovy is popular worldwide, while bonito is mostly consumed in Turkey and Greece. Anchovy exports from Trabzon brought in $185,617 in foreign exchange during the September-October period, compared to $287,427 in the same period last year.

Climate Change Induced Crisis in Western Mediterranean Agriculture

The agricultural sector, dealing with the impacts of climate change, is making production preparations under tough conditions. Farmers are trying to adapt to rapidly changing climate conditions as they plant new seeds, prepare their greenhouses, and get ready for winter. According to the drought map published by the General Directorate of Meteorology for the 2024 agricultural season, the western coast of Antalya, along with Muğla, Denizli, and Afyon, are marked as "extremely dry" areas. Isparta, Burdur, and central Antalya fall under "moderate and slightly dry" regions. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has accelerated efforts in water efficiency and flood management in the Western Mediterranean. Nazif Alp, President of the Antalya Chamber of Agriculture, noted a 40% decrease in rainfall in agricultural basins in the Mediterranean region compared to last year, stressing that this has severely impacted agricultural production. YIELDS FALLING, FARMERS STRUGGLING Alp pointed out that significant losses have occurred in agricultural production in 2024 due to drought, with the effects of climate change felt more intensely each year. Yield losses during harvest season can lead farmers to struggle financially, even causing some to stop planting. Alp emphasized, "Now is the time for planting in agricultural areas. Greenhouses are being prepared, and summer conditions are being managed. Support for farmers to carry out planting, irrigation, and spraying is essential. If farmers don’t plant, life stops." WINTER PLANTING DELAYED Due to drought, many producers in and around Antalya had to delay winter planting. Alp explained, "Producers are trying to operate under long dry spells and intense rains. Being in the Mediterranean basin, our country is among those most affected by climate change. Our farmers are finding it challenging to adapt to these changes and variations." He added that because rainfall doesn’t occur in expected seasons but instead exceeds norms in other seasons, farmers struggle to protect their crops. AUTUMN RAINS INSUFFICIENT Alp stated that autumn rains have decreased significantly in recent years, and temperatures have been above normal. Since 2019, rainfall in September, October, and November has been below expected levels, causing the soil to dry faster. This trend continued into 2024, with Alp noting, "We no longer see autumn rains as we used to." DROUGHT-RESISTANT SEEDS ARE ESSENTIAL Alp stressed that farmers need to shift to more productive seed varieties to cope with climate change, saying, "Drought-resistant seed varieties should be developed. Pressurized irrigation systems should be expanded, and irrigation costs should be reduced. New loans for farmers should be interest-free." He added that Antalya is a vital region where agricultural production occurs year-round, playing a significant role in meeting the country’s food needs.

Turkish Sea Bream Gains Value as Greek Production Falls

Sea bream exports from January to October this year rose by 21% compared to the same period last year, reaching $427 million. According to data from the Aegean Exporters' Associations, the volume of seafood exports in October increased from 24,479 tons to 28,184 tons, and the value rose from $134.4 million to $187.5 million. For the January-October period, seafood exports grew 16% by volume, reaching 257,712 tons, and increased 16% in value, totaling $1.623 billion. SEA BASS LEADS IN EXPORTS Sea bass ranked first in exports. Its export volume rose by 19%, from 57,121 tons to 68,119 tons, with its value increasing by 17.6%, from $402 million to $473 million. For sea bream, the volume remained steady at 67,581 tons, but there was a significant increase in value. Revenue from sea bream exports grew by 21%, from $353 million to $427 million. The unit price of sea bream rose from $5.22 to $6.32. Turkish salmon also showed notable growth. Its exports increased by 32%, from 48,103 tons to 63,664 tons, with the value rising by 30%, reaching $380 million. RUSSIA IS THE BIGGEST BUYER Russia remained the largest buyer of Turkish seafood. Exports to Russia grew by 21%, reaching 62,532 tons, and the value increased by 28%, reaching $357.3 million. Exports to Italy rose from 25,000 tons to 28,000 tons, and exports to the Netherlands increased from 17,600 tons to 19,000 tons. Exports to Greece also climbed from 17,000 tons to 23,000 tons in volume, with a 38% increase in value, rising from $100 million to $138 million. TURKISH SEA BREAM GAINS VALUE AS GREEK SUPPLY DROPS The reduction in sea bream production in Greece helped boost the value of Turkish sea bream. Ufuk Atakan Demir, a board member of the Aegean Aquatic Products and Animal Products Exporters Association, noted that European interest in sea bream has increased. "This year, production in Greece was low. The reduced supply from Greek companies contributed to our price increase, and the unit export price went up," he said. Demir also highlighted that Turkish salmon is in demand, with exports reaching $380 million, mainly to Russia, while Japan and Vietnam are also enjoying Turkish salmon.

ESK Will Purchase Unsold Sacrificial Animals from Livestock Markets

The animals brought to the market by producers for sale as sacrificial animals, but not sold, will be purchased by the Meat and Milk Board (ESK) as carcass meat based on the Purchase Tariff for Sacrificial Animals, taking into account the producers' costs for care, feeding, and transportation. It was mentioned that payments to producers selling their animals to ESK will be made within 3 business days at the latest. To facilitate producers, the animals can be slaughtered at the nearest abattoir to their location. Producers wishing to sell their animals will need to apply at their nearest ESK Abattoir Directorate between June 20-28. Producers should provide their animals' identification details, transportation reports issued by Provincial and District Agriculture and Forestry Directorates for sacrificial sales, and documents confirming entry and rental of the sacrificial market site. Following necessary checks on the TÜRKVET system by the respective abattoir directorate, ESK will purchase the animals as carcass meat in accordance with the Animal Purchase Criteria and Implementation Principles Instructions.

Modern techniques in livestock farming will reduce calf losses

KUDAKA supported the project 'Reducing Calf Mortality with Modern Livestock Techniques. In the scope of the 2024 Technical Support Program, the support contract for the project "Reducing Calf Mortality with Modern Livestock Techniques," to be implemented by the Horasan District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, was signed. The signing ceremony took place at the North East Anatolia Development Agency (KUDAKA) headquarters, attended by KUDAKA Secretary General Oktay Güven, Horasan District Director of Agriculture and Forestry Sinan Ayhan, and responsible personnel from the institutions. According to the data from 2023, approximately 800 out of 20,000 calves (4%) are lost in the region every year. Among the main reasons for this are the preference for traditional methods by individuals involved in livestock farming and their lack of awareness of modern techniques. Within the scope of the project "Reducing Calf Mortality with Modern Livestock Techniques," training on modern livestock techniques will be provided to farmers and livestock breeders in 12 villages within the Horasan district. The aim is to reduce calf mortality, which is a significant problem in livestock farming. Additionally, it is expected that raising awareness about calf care and health through these trainings will contribute to preventing calf mortality and enhancing meat and milk production in the region.

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Anchovy Exports Surpass Bonito

Climate Change Induced Crisis in Western Mediterranean Agriculture

Turkish Sea Bream Gains Value as Greek Production Falls

ESK Will Purchase Unsold Sacrificial Animals from Livestock Markets

Modern techniques in livestock farming will reduce calf losses