Browse Data and Analysis

On December 30, 2022, the Turkish Government published a Biosafety Decision to reapprove the import of a genetically engineered (GE) stacked corn event, NK603 X MON 810, for feed. In a separate government action, the single event MON 810 was canceled due to a recent court decision. With these latest changes, the total number of approved GE events remains at 36.

Turkiye is among the world’s leading economies and home to a young, mostly urban population of 85 million people. This dynamic has fueled the country’s rising demand for consumer-oriented agricultural products.

In MY 2022/23, all citrus production in Turkiye is expected to decrease due to freezing weather conditions in March 2022 at the beginning of the blossoming period. Retail prices are expected to increase for MY 2022/23 due to low yields and high farmgate prices as a result of increasing input costs for fertilizers, fuel, disinfestation, packaging and transportation.

Turkiye’s cotton production forecast for marketing year (MY) 2022/23 is revised higher to nearly 1.1 million metric tons (MMT) (4.94 million bales), based on increase in cotton area harvested and ideal weather conditions throughout the growing season.

Turkey published its Biosafety Law and implementing regulations in 2010. This legislation has continued to disrupt trade and Turkey’s domestic agriculture and food sectors. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is the sole authority for biotechnology approvals. The Ministry approved seven genetically engineered soybean and corn events in 2022.

Owing to favorable growing conditions and ongoing investments to improve on-farm yields, Turkey’s production and export of apples, pears, and table grapes is forecast at or near record levels in MY 2022/23. At least 80 percent of the projected production of these deciduous fruits will be consumed in Turkey, mainly as fresh fruit.

Turkey recently announced that the tariff on imported sunflowerseed would increase from zero to 5 percent from October 27 through the end of 2022. This revision coincides with Turkey’s sunflowerseed harvest.

Owing to improved weather conditions, grain production in Turkey in marketing year (MY) 2022/23 is projected to increase year-over-year to 17.3 million metric tons (MMT). Wheat, barley, corn, and rice production are individually projected higher from last year which was hit by intense dry weather.

Turkey’s HRI sector, which continues to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, is now grappling with rising inflation and economic uncertainty. Persistent inflation has eroded consumers’ buying power, causing them to switch to cheaper dining-out options, such as fast food and street stalls.

With favorable weather conditions and an expansion in the area harvested, Turkey’s sunflowerseed production is forecast to hit a record of 1.9 million metric tons (MMT) in marketing year (MY) 2022/23. Production of sunflower meal and oil are likewise projected at record highs.

Good weather conditions and an “on-year” for production will push Turkey's pistachio production higher in MY 2022/23. The production of almonds and hazelnuts is likewise forecast higher, while walnut production is expected to remain steady.

Turkey’s sugar beet production is forecast at 21.5 million metric tons (MMT) in MY 2022/23 and is expected to result in 3.05 MMT of sugar. The quotas for MY 2022/23 were announced on March 20, 2022 by a presidential decree as 2.68 MMT for sugar beets and 68.75 MT for starch-based sugar. On May 27, 2022, the tariff quota for sugar imports was released via communiqué as 400,000 MT