Turkey Targets 24.5 Million Tons Wheat Harvest
· Dünya Gazetesi
With a 76% increase in agricultural rainfall, wheat harvest is expected to reach 24.5 million tons, while Turkey distinguishes itself from the global supply crisis in the Black Sea with strong stocks and export leadership.
Historic Harvest Expected for Turkish Wheat
A 76% increase in agricultural rainfall across Turkey compared to last year has brought expectations of a historic record in wheat production. Eren Günhan Ulusoy, President of the International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM) Eurasia, announced that meteorological data and the abundance in the fields are reflecting exceptionally positively on the harvest. The target for domestic wheat production this season is to reach 24.5 million tons. This strong increase in agricultural production has become a fundamental guarantee for the domestic market during a period of global crisis.
Global Strength of the Turkish Flour Industry
According to data shared by IAOM, the Turkish flour industry, with a massive annual production capacity of 32 million tons, is resolutely maintaining its leadership in world trade. Holding a 23% share of the global flour trade, Turkey has held the title of the world's leading flour exporter uninterruptedly for 11 years. Turkey holds the Eurasian Regional Presidency of the US-based IAOM, which has a 130-year history, covering a region with over 2 billion people and an economic size of 7.1 trillion dollars across 32 countries.
Tensions in the Black Sea and Export Blockade
The conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, which account for 30% of global wheat supply, continue to directly target port infrastructure. IAOM Eurasia President Eren Günhan Ulusoy commented on the escalating logistical risks in the region:
"However, at this point, the logistical and port infrastructures of both countries, the Izmail and Black Sea routes, are targets of reciprocal attacks. This escalates the dimension of the risk."
According to estimates by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the seasonal export expectation has fallen to the level of 43-46 million tons for Russia and 13.5 million tons for Ukraine.
Turkey's Strong Position in the Supply Crisis
Despite increasing geopolitical risks worldwide, Turkey's domestic production and stock infrastructure are balancing the market. IAOM Eurasia President Eren Günhan Ulusoy, assuring supply security, stated:
"Wheat harvest is expected to be 24.5 million tons. Thanks to both our successful domestic harvest and our strong stock structure, Turkey is completely isolated from this short-term global supply crisis. We do not expect any short or medium-term supply problems in the domestic market."
Drought in Europe and Regional Opportunities
While severe drought in Europe is reducing agricultural yields, Turkey's processing capacity for flour-based products stands out internationally. Drawing attention to regional advantages, IAOM Eurasia President Eren Günhan Ulusoy described the process:
"While drought in Europe causes yield losses, Turkey's production capacity and logistical dominance in the flour and flour products industry give us an edge in regional markets."
During a period when Russia and Ukraine are losing market share, the US, Canada, and Kazakhstan are stepping in; Turkey is positioned as the most strategic player to fill the supply gap in processed grain products in Europe.
Critical Eurasia Grain Summit in Tashkent
The future of the sector and new market routes will be discussed at the 5th IAOM Eurasia Conference and Exhibition to be held in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, on September 28-29. More than 1000 industry professionals are expected to attend the event. Emphasizing the importance of the summit, IAOM Eurasia President Eren Günhan Ulusoy stated:
"We decided to hold our congress program in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, for the first time this year, under the Eurasian regional presidency. Uzbekistan is a country of strategic importance with its strong milling sector and its flour exports to neighboring countries, supplied by wheat from Kazakhstan. At this time when wheat prices are rising due to problems in the Black Sea and new routes are being determined, our congress program is more important than ever."