Agriculture is one of the most important industries in the world, supporting economies and sustaining populations. Although the agricultural sector in Turkey does not have a high share compared to the past, it still maintains its importance.
According to the Ministry of Trade report; ‘Although the relative importance of the agricultural sector in the composition of gross domestic product (GDP) has decreased over the years, our production in real terms has shown a steady upward trend.
In 1980, the agricultural sector had a share of 25.8% of national income, while this share declined rapidly with the effect of the export-oriented macroeconomic economic policies pursued in the 1980s, and the contribution of the agricultural sector to GDP in 2022 was 4.8%.
The agricultural sector is the backbone of economies worldwide, providing food, raw materials and employment for millions of people. It includes a variety of activities such as crop cultivation, animal husbandry and agro-processing. As the global population continues to grow, so does the demand for food, making agriculture an indispensable sector.
The United States, China, Brazil and India are among the world’s largest agricultural producers, supplying international markets with staple crops such as grain, meat, dairy and fruit. The USA is the leading producer of corn and soya beans, while Brazil and Argentina are the leading exporters of beef and soya. China, with its vast agricultural land, is a major producer of rice and vegetables. The European Union is known for its high-quality dairy products and wheat production, while Africa is rich in cocoa and coffee cultivation.
Sustainability is an important focus in modern agriculture. Governments and businesses are investing in environmentally friendly agricultural techniques such as precision agriculture, organic farming and water conservation. The shift to sustainable practices is driven by climate change concerns and consumer demand for healthier, environmentally sound food. The use of technology in agriculture is also increasing, with innovations such as automated irrigation systems and genetically modified crops that increase productivity and efficiency.
Turkey, fertile soils and various climatic conditions are among the strongest countries in the agricultural sector. Turkey ranks first in the world in the production of hazelnuts, apricots, cherries and figs. These products make up a significant portion of Turkey’s agricultural exports. Other important agricultural products include wheat, barley, corn, cotton, olives and citrus fruits, which make a significant contribution to the national economy.
Livestock is another important element of Turkey’s agricultural industry. Large quantities of dairy products, white meat and red meat produced in Turkey are supplied to both local consumers and international markets.
Turkey’s geographical location provides a significant advantage in agricultural trade. Situated between Europe, Asia and the Middle East, the country acts as a strategic hub for agri-food exports. Major export destinations include the European Union, Russia and the Middle East, where Turkish agricultural products are in high demand.
Organic farming and sustainable agricultural practices also play an important role in Turkey’s agricultural sector. Environmentally friendly techniques such as natural fertilisers and integrated pest management are increasingly favoured. These new generation agricultural products are among the important import items of Turkey.
Efficient logistics practices are crucial in agriculture, ensuring that fresh food, grain and livestock reach their destinations in the best conditions.
Maritime transport is the most common and cost-effective method for exporting bulk agricultural products such as grains, oilseeds and animal feed. Cargo ships transport large quantities of wheat, maize and rice across continents, connecting major agricultural exporters such as the USA, Brazil and Turkey to world markets. Turkish ports such as Mersin, Izmir and Istanbul play an important role in agricultural trade and facilitate exports to Europe, the Middle East and Africa. However, due to long transit times, perishable products require specialised transport solutions such as reefer containers to preserve freshness.
Road transport is crucial for regional and local distribution. Trucks and trains transport fresh produce, dairy products and meat from farms to processing plants, retail markets and export centres. Turkey’s well-developed road network allows efficient transport of agricultural products throughout the country and to neighbouring regions.
Air freight is used for high-value and perishable agricultural products that require fast delivery. Fresh fruits, seafood, flowers and speciality foodstuffs often rely on air freight to reach international markets in the best condition. While air freight is the fastest mode of transport, it is also the most expensive and therefore only suitable for premium agricultural products.
The importance of cold chain logistics in agricultural transport cannot be overstated. Temperature-controlled storage and transport solutions help preserve perishable products, reducing waste and extending shelf life. Innovations such as smart packaging, GPS-enabled tracking and automated warehouses further optimise the agricultural supply chain, ensuring that food products reach their destination in the best possible conditions.
