TZOB Calls on TMO to Intervene for Rice Producers

October 2, 2026 · TMO

The Union of Turkish Agricultural Chambers (TZOB) highlighted the increasing harvest forecast and urgently called for the Turkish Grain Board (TMO) to announce rice purchase prices and halt imports during the harvest season.

Şemsi Bayraktar, the President of the Union of Turkish Agricultural Chambers (TZOB), made statements regarding the demands of producers as the rice harvest begins.

Şemsi Bayraktar, President of the Union of Turkish Agricultural Chambers (TZOB), stated the following in his assessment:

According to TZOB data, Turkey's rice production, which was 998,098 tons in 2025, is expected to reach 1,074,810 tons in the first forecast period of 2026, showing a 7.7% increase. It was emphasized that the decisions to be made are critically important for the continuity of production.

Bayraktar stated that domestic produce is brought to the market intensely in a short period during the harvest process, drawing attention to the fact that continued imports will delay businesses from purchasing domestic products. The producer, who has to cover costs for fertilizer, diesel, seeds, agricultural chemicals, irrigation, labor, and financing, does not have the luxury of holding onto their product. The TZOB President stated that industrialists and processing facilities should be directed to procure products primarily from local farmers and requested that customs duties be adjusted in line with the harvest calendar and that steps to protect domestic producers be taken rapidly.

Bayraktar demanded that the Turkish Grain Board (TMO) announce its purchase prices without delay, emphasizing that the actual costs in the field and a reasonable profit margin for the farmer should be considered in price determination. The TZOB President called for a complete halt to rice imports throughout the harvest and requested that purchase conditions and the calendar be shared early. Bayraktar stated that TMO's actual intervention purchases in areas where needed would create a floor price guarantee in the market and underlined that producers should not be forced to sell at a loss.

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