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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.

Turkey, the food warehouse, is strengthening its presence in the U.S. market with 'Turkish Tastes.'

In the U.S., the world's largest food importer, the “Turkish Tastes-TURQUALITY Project,” supported by the Ministry of Trade and involving six food export associations under the Aegean Exporters' Association, is successfully promoting greater preference for Turkish food products. Jak Eskinazi, Coordinator President of the Aegean Exporters' Associations, and EİB Food Export Association Presidents, along with American chefs Tom Macrina and John Bryne invited to Turkey for Turkish Tastes promotional film shoots, held a press conference. Eskinazi stated, “Our Turkish food sector continues its efforts with great determination to solidify its position in the U.S. market and increase exports. Our TURQUALITY Project, launched in 2019, has played a catalytic role in establishing a strong, well-connected Turkish Tastes community in the U.S. We have made significant strides in commercializing our products over the past six years, with major U.S. food distributors collaborating with our Turkish firms. We have built a large network with the U.S. HoReCa sector, including producers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, chain stores, restaurant associations, food investors, food startups, tourism-hotel management faculties, and culinary schools.” Eskinazi also highlighted that Turkey’s food exports to the U.S. rose by over 100% from $708 million to $1.71 billion between 2019 and 2023, and the sector has set a target of $5 billion in exports to the U.S. He emphasized that the Turkish Tastes promotional film shoot and the collaboration with chefs reflect the ongoing commitment to enhance Turkish product visibility and value. Hayrettin Uçak, Vice President of the Aegean Exporters' Associations, mentioned that two companies from the olive oil and dried fruit sectors have become suppliers for US Foods, the second-largest food distributor in the U.S., highlighting the tangible outcomes of the project’s support. He noted that the project not only focuses on collaborations with organizations but also engages professionals by inviting chefs and purchasing officials to Turkey for hands-on experience. Mehmet Ali Işık, Coordinator of Sustainability and Organic Products and President of the Aegean Dried Fruit and Products Exporters' Association, emphasized that the primary goal of the project is to achieve commercial success. He noted that this year’s Summer Fancy Food Show in the U.S. has significantly advanced the project’s commercialization, with 39 participating companies benefiting from the project. Muhammet Öztürk, President of the Aegean Cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds, and Products Exporters' Association, highlighted the success of the project and announced plans to organize B2B tasting events and trade delegations with participating companies. Bedri Girit, President of the Aegean Seafood and Animal Products Exporters' Association, emphasized that the Turkish Tastes project and related events have significantly boosted Turkey’s seafood and animal products exports to the U.S., reaching $123 million in 2023. Ali Fuat Gürle, President of the Aegean Furniture, Paper, and Forest Products Exporters' Association, expressed pride in being part of the Turkish Tastes project and thanked all supporters. Kazım Gürel, a board member of the association, highlighted the project’s role as a model for other sectors and discussed the planned 12-year roadmap to further enhance the project’s impact. Tom Macrina, Turkish Tastes U.S. National Ambassador Chef, praised the quality of Turkish food and the efforts of Turkish chefs, while John Bryne, also a U.S. National Ambassador Chef, emphasized the success of the Turkish Tastes project and the positive experiences from his visit to Turkey. Overall, the Turkish Tastes-TURQUALITY Project is making significant strides in increasing the visibility and preference for Turkish food products in the U.S. market.

Veterinarians On Duty During the Holiday for Food Safety

As Turkey moves past the third day of Eid al-Adha, veterinarians are stationed at slaughterhouses and abattoirs designated by the Provincial Sacrifice Commission, carrying out their duties throughout the holiday. Veterinarians serving under the Animal Health, Husbandry, and Fisheries Branch of the Erzincan Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry are ensuring food safety by overseeing the inspection of live animals and animal products in licensed slaughterhouses and processing facilities where both large and small livestock are slaughtered. Their dedicated efforts aim to uphold hygiene standards and safeguard human and animal health, as well as food safety during the 4-day Eid al-Adha festival. Erzincan Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry has assigned these veterinarians with great dedication to fulfill these responsibilities. Throughout the holiday, Erzincan Deputy Director of Agriculture and Forestry, Serkan Kütük, also joined veterinarians at slaughterhouses and processing facilities. Erzincan Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry, Murat Şahin, explained that veterinarians were designated and assigned their duties in advance at processing facilities and slaughterhouses ahead of the holiday. Director Şahin emphasized that the teams are on duty to ensure the public can perform their sacrifices peacefully and reiterated that besides their various roles in the community, veterinarians also play a crucial role in ensuring public health and food safety. He stated, 'Our veterinarians, assigned at points designated by the Provincial Sacrifice Commission, continue their duties within the framework of the authorities granted by the law.'

In the last 20 years, we have lost 2.6 million hectares of agricultural land

Turkey Chamber of Agricultural Engineers (TZOB) President Şemsi Bayraktar, on the occasion of Soil Day, issued a press release emphasizing the importance of preserving soil as a valuable legacy for future generations. He highlighted that soil, formed over millions of years, is a precious treasure not only for farmers but for all of humanity. Bayraktar recalled the passing of the 'Land Distribution Law' on June 11, 1945, aimed at enabling farmers without sufficient or any land to acquire enough for their families' livelihoods and utilize their labor. Additionally, to emphasize the significance of soil, the 'Soil Day Law' (Law No. 4760) was enacted in the same year. Since then, every first Sunday following June 11, marking the acceptance of the Land Distribution Law, has been celebrated as 'Soil Day.' Bayraktar expressed concern about the increasing pressures on soil globally, particularly due to factors like population growth, improper use, and indiscriminate industrialization. He highlighted that despite being considered Turkey's greatest wealth, the country has not adequately protected its soils. "Over the past 20 years, we have lost 2.6 million hectares of agricultural land," Bayraktar said, noting the continuous decline in agricultural land in Turkey, the decreasing young rural population, and farmers' reluctance to produce due to rising costs. He added, "With Turkey's land area of 78.35 million hectares, including perennial plants, the total land area has decreased from 26.6 million hectares to 23.9 million hectares over the past 20 years. During this period, we lost 2.6 million hectares of agricultural land. In the past decade, the agricultural land in Turkey's largest agricultural regions, namely Konya, Ankara, Şanlıurfa, and Sivas, has decreased by 1.8 million hectares. The decrease rates in these provinces are 7.9% in Şanlıurfa, 3.5% in Ankara, 1.8% in Sivas, and 1.4% in Konya." Bayraktar highlighted the importance of protecting agricultural lands and the need for various efforts to bring fallow lands into production. He pointed out that in 2019, the total cultivated agricultural area increased by 3.6% to reach 23.942 million hectares, up from 23.099 million hectares in 2019. He continued, saying: "Our efforts have shown results, and the agricultural production on cultivated agricultural lands is increasing. However, the increase in agricultural lands is still insufficient in the face of the rapidly increasing population in our country. The per capita land area has continued to decrease in recent years. According to statistics, while there were 3.3 hectares of land per capita in 2010, this value decreased to 3 hectares in 2015 and now stands at 2.8 hectares. In this context, it is imperative to prevent agricultural lands from being diverted from their intended use. When designing highways and urban developments, care should be taken to use less fertile and more unproductive lands instead of productive agricultural lands." Bayraktar emphasized the need to prevent the division of agricultural lands into hobby gardens. He said, "Our farmers continue to produce despite all the difficulties they face. However, in recent years, they have had to cope with hobby gardens set up among agricultural lands. Our land, which is the breadwinner of our farmers, cannot be wasted on hobby gardens. In particular, in major cities, where the most fertile lands are found in coastal provinces, the fragmentation of productive agricultural lands into hobby gardens through cooperatives has increased even further. Lands are divided into plots of up to 250 square meters in major cities, where hobby gardens are established. These areas are allocated to containers, prefabricated houses, tiny houses, pools, and concrete structures, destroying agricultural lands. There is no valid justification for such constructions. Hobby gardens established near villages also adversely affect the social structure of villages." He concluded by highlighting the importance of maintaining the size and integrity of agricultural lands in increasing productivity, reducing costs, and efficiently utilizing technology in agricultural production. He stressed that regardless of the reason, the fragmentation of agricultural lands and the establishment of developments between large plots, such as hobby gardens, were inappropriate. 3.5

Denizli advances as Turkey's walnut hub

With the completion of the Emirçay İnceler Dam and Irrigation Project in the Bozkurt district of Denizli, 6,600 hectares of agricultural land is expected to benefit from modern irrigation, contributing an annual income increase of 6,400 TL per hectare and aiming to provide an annual contribution of 42 million 240 thousand TL to the country's economy. While the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry works tirelessly to promote modern irrigation in agriculture, maximize benefits from agricultural lands through consolidation efforts, provide healthy and drinkable water to taps, and protect settlements and agricultural lands against flood risks, it also embraces a sustainable water management approach, caring for every drop of water. Recent irrigation projects in Denizli and its districts play a crucial role in the development of agricultural activities. As part of these efforts, construction works for the Emirçay İnceler Dam and Irrigation project in the İnceler Village of Bozkurt district, Denizli, are being carried out with great precision. The reservoir, with a storage capacity of 3 million cubic meters of water, will irrigate 6,600 hectares of agricultural land with a modern piped irrigation system once the installation of irrigation pipes is completed. The project aims to increase the productivity of agricultural production by efficiently utilizing production factors, with a targeted income increase of 6,400 TL per hectare and an annual contribution of 42 million 240 thousand TL to the country's economy.

9 million 730 thousand tons of hazelnuts were exported

In 2023, 9 million 730 thousand tons of shelled hazelnuts were exported from Düzce to European Union countries. Turkey, holding 70% of the world hazelnut market, exports hazelnuts to many countries worldwide, especially in Europe. Hazelnuts, in which we rank first in both production and export globally, are produced by thousands of families in Turkey. In Düzce, this year, 489 tons were exported in January, 265 tons in February, 421 tons in March, 255 tons in April, 603 tons in May, 487 tons in June, 534.6 tons in July, 424.9 tons in August, 1,172 tons 750 kilograms in September, 933 tons in October, 1,909 tons in November, and 2,236 thousand tons in December, totaling 9 million 494 thousand tons and 25 kilograms of shelled hazelnut exports.

Konya leads in 13 crops: Turkey's top agricultural producer

"Covering approximately 7.84% of the country's production areas, Konya holds the first position in Turkey in terms of production quantity in 13 different crops. With 67% of its total area used as agricultural land, Konya cultivates crops on a total cultivation area of 2.2 million hectares. Concerns of reduced yield due to low snowfall in the past winter gave way to a fruitful season with spring rains. Experiencing a productive period in cereal cultivation, the Konya Plain continues the harvest of crops like sugar beets, carrots, and corn. Serving as the granary with approximately 7.84% of the country's production areas, Konya has achieved an agricultural production value of 33.10 billion Turkish Lira. With provided support and the development of production awareness, the Konya Plain ranks first in Turkey in terms of production quantity in 13 different crops. "Konya region leads Turkey in production quantity for 13 crops" Ziraat Mühendisleri Odası (ZMO) Konya Şube Başkanı Burak Kırkgöz highlighted that the Konya Plain covers approximately 7.84% of Turkey's production areas. He stated, "Approximately 1 million 89 thousand hectares of land are under cultivation in the Konya Plain, constituting about 7.84% of Turkey's production areas. Konya ranks first in Turkey in terms of production quantity for approximately 13 different crops in the region. Additionally, the agricultural production value of the Konya region amounts to 33.10 billion Turkish Lira. This value is met with the products cultivated in irrigable lands in the Konya region. Moreover, the milk production in the Konya region, exceeding 1.5 million tons, ranks first in Turkey." "The value of water is crucial in the Konya region" Burak Kırkgöz emphasized the potential to increase production areas by approximately 2 to 3 times with the expansion of irrigation areas. He stated, "Konya has significant agricultural value for our country in terms of agricultural management. We can irrigate about 32% of the 1.89 million hectares, using it as irrigated land in agricultural areas. The value of water is crucial in the Konya region because it is a closed basin, experiencing water scarcity due to the absence of external water inflow. In the coming years, with the increase in irrigation areas, we can potentially triple the production areas. Of course, climate and water in agricultural production are the most critical factors for production values. The changes in climate in recent years have once again highlighted this fact. Our field agricultural engineers are continuously improving themselves in these matters. They assist farmers at every stage to achieve more yield with less water usage. Attention to these aspects is crucial for sustainable agriculture." "For strong production, we need strong seed cultivation" Highlighting the importance of seed and fertilizer in the production field, Burak Kırkgöz stated, "This is a crucial issue for our country and particularly for Konya. In seed production, Konya region produces 28% of the certified seeds produced throughout the country. We need strong seed cultivation for robust production, and we consistently convey this to our farmers. The use of certified seeds is especially essential, and an increase in the quantity of products they obtain from this production is one of the most critical factors, with 28% of certified seeds being produced in the Konya region. Many companies in the Konya region are working on seed cultivation and continue their R&D efforts. These seed companies need a bit more support from the Ministry of Agriculture, and increasing these efforts is necessary for our country's cultivation areas to have certified seeds. The seed issue is crucial in Turkey as it is worldwide. Especially the development of seeds known as heirloom seeds, which are cultivated in our country, and increasing their breeding studies should continue. The Ministry of Agriculture has serious efforts in this regard. Currently, the production planning carried out by our ministry is crucial for us and our country." "Egg, meat, and milk production also lead in Konya" Drawing attention to the need for increased support for products with lower water consumption, Kırkgöz stated, "Hopefully, in the coming periods, due to water scarcity in the Konya region, especially for the cultivation of products with lower water consumption, support for cereals and products with low water consumption needs to be increased a bit more. It is crucial for us that support for other products is provided in regions where water is abundant. Especially for the Konya region, our leading products in production include barley, wheat, corn, sugar beets, carrots, cherries in the highlands of Konya, as well as coriander, bitter vetch, tulip, Hungarian seed, birdseed, peas, and cooking peas. Of course, alongside these, egg, meat, and milk production also lead in Konya."

Olive oil yield in Turkey is at its highest level in history

Hilmi Sürek, President of Tariş Olive and Olive Oil Association, announced that they have determined the 2023-2024 product purchase price as 295 TL. Tariş Olive and Olive Oil Association announced the highly anticipated 2023-2024 product purchase price. Hilmi Sürek, President of Tariş Olive and Olive Oil Association, said that the purchase price determined as 295 TL is an important practice for the producer to get the reward of his hard work and find the value of his product. Hilmi Sürek stated that they aim to protect the rights of the producer and the value of the product with the price determined as a result of meticulous studies. Sürek said, "Tariş Olive and Olive Oil Association is an important power for the country, region and olive oil producers. This season, as in every season, Tariş will use all its resources to make the best use of its partners' products. While the price evaluations from our cooperatives were the most important criteria in the product purchase price we determined, we also took into account the yield quantities and the developments in the domestic and foreign markets." Sürek stated that the 2022-2023 Turkey olive oil yield reached the highest level in history with 421 thousand tons, and explained that this has a significant benefit for the economy of the country and the region. Hilmi Sürek continued: "In the season we are in, accessing quality and real olive oil will be of great importance for everyone. As always, the most important goal of our association is to safely bring the quality olive oil purchased from the producer to the consumer."

Burhaniye Olive Oils go everywhere in Turkey

While the olive harvest started in Burhaniye district of Balıkesir, one of the important olive production centers of Turkey, olive oils started to be sent to all over Turkey. In Burhaniye, the fronts of cargo companies were filled with olive oil cans. While the olive harvest continues in Burhaniye, olive oil is also in high demand. Cargo companies offer a 40 percent discount on olive oil shipments. Explaining that olive oil shipments are increasing day by day, Cargo employee Ozan Eroğlu said, “Burhaniye olive oil is very popular. That's why we send hundreds of tins of olive oil all over the country every day. Olive oil shipments are increasing day by day. "There is a 40 percent discount on olive oil shipments."

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