Turkey Secures Supply Chains Through Agricultural Diplomacy

September 27, 2026 · Milliyet Ekonomi

Amid rising geopolitical tensions and logistical risks, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is signing critical supply and export agreements with Russia, China, and Uzbekistan.

Agreement on Fertilizers and Tomatoes with Russia

The Russia-Ukraine War, geopolitical risks in the Middle East, and logistical disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are directly impacting global fertilizer and freight costs. According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Turkey is engaged in intensive diplomatic efforts to protect its supply chains. During Agriculture and Forestry Minister İbrahim Yumaklı's meetings in Russia, a joint mechanism was agreed upon for the transit of tomatoes waiting at the border and for plant health quarantine processes. Furthermore, consensus was reached on not imposing restrictions on fertilizer shipments to Turkey; the parties will reconvene in Turkey on October 25, 2026, to discuss the fertilizer agenda.

Export Doors Opening to the Chinese Market

Turkey's agricultural diplomacy is gaining significant momentum in the Asian market as well. Minister İbrahim Yumaklı recently hosted a Chinese delegation at the ministry to discuss agricultural trade opportunities. The main agenda items during the meetings included the export of value-added products such as almonds, bay leaves, poultry, and aquatic products to China. Evaluating the process, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı made the following statement:

'I want to emphasize the importance of agricultural diplomacy and bilateral cooperation here. In particular, the transfer of technology, knowledge, and experience will continue.'

Uzbekistan Summit and Global Grains

The diplomatic traffic will continue on the Central Asian front; Minister Yumaklı will make a critical visit to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, on September 28-29, 2026. Numerous bilateral meetings will be held within the scope of the 5th IAOM Eurasia Conference and Exhibition organized by the International Association of Operative Millers and Grain Processors. At a time when wheat trade routes in the Black Sea basin are being reshaped, contacts with Uzbekistan, which processes Kazakh wheat and exports flour with its strong milling infrastructure, will play a strategic role in regional food supply security.

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