Turkey becomes the world's number one flour supplier

In the first seven months of the year, the flour sector increased exports by 7% compared to the same period of the previous year, exporting 2 million tons of flour and generating USD 800 million in revenue. Dr. Eren Günhan Ulusoy, Eurasia Chairman of the International Association of Operative Millers and Grain Trade (IAOM), noted that wheat production will reach 20 million tons this year and the sector will be able to close the year with 3.5 million tons of flour exports.

The flour sector, which today exports flour to 164 countries and brings over USD 1 billion in revenue to the country's treasury, has held the position of world's flour export champion for 9 consecutive years.

In 2023, the sector set a new record by exporting 3 million 663 thousand tons of flour, the highest amount in world history. This year, with the momentum gained in the first half of the year, the flour sector was preparing to close the year with a new record of 4 million tons of flour exports, but had to revise its target due to import restrictions announced in June.

Our exports advanced by 27% in volume during the first five months of the year compared to the same period of the previous year, but then experienced declines of 36% in June and 33% in July compared to the corresponding months of the previous year, losing the momentum gained at the beginning of the year.

As a result, flour sector stakeholders updated their export forecasts for 2024 to 3.5 million tons. Commenting on the matter, IAOM Eurasia Chairman Dr. Eren Günhan Ulusoy stated, "With the momentum decline over the last two months, our exports on a volume basis increased by 7% compared to the same period of the previous year.In other words, in terms of volume, we exported 2 million tons of flour and earned approximately USD 800 million in revenue. When we look at the countries where we export the most, traditional markets such as neighboring countries Iraq and Syria stand out, while distant countries like Djibouti and Venezuela, where we increased our exports by 300%, emerge as our star markets.Turkey maintains its position as the number one country the world turns to for food supply in every period," he said.

Noting that climate change is beginning to show its effects first in agriculture and therefore crop patterns are changing, Ulusoy said, "As Turkey, we are fortunate this year. In the first crop forecast made by TurkStat in June, there was an estimate of 21 million tons in wheat production. We have now nearly completed the harvest and expect a harvest of 20 million tons by the end of the season. For barley production, a decline from 9.1 tons to 8 million tons was anticipated. There will be some decline here as well. Even though temperatures set historical records, there was no direct impact on the harvest. This is because we were nearing the end of the harvest. However, rainfall from this point forward is important for soil moisture for the upcoming season. Wheat production of 20 million tons is sufficient to meet Turkey's requirement of 20 million tons," he explained. 

Despite global climate change and growing population not leading to increases in cultivation areas, productivity in cultivation areas is rising with technological development. "We are benefiting from technology to ensure sustainable production and productivity. Fields fertilized and treated with drones have become commonplace. Directing equipment with artificial intelligence is an important agenda item. Despite the increasing population, we are balancing consumption by increasing yields on agricultural land that is not increasing," said Dr. Eren Günhan Ulusoy, noting that to address sustainability in food and supply chains in food alongside global climate change, IAOM will bring together sector representatives at the "3rd IAOM Eurasia Conference and Exhibition" in Baku, Azerbaijan between 23-25 September.