20-Year Record Expected in Grains with 23.5 Million Tons
· GıdaTarım
While Turkey's grain harvest is expected to reach 23.5 million tons, starting with high yields in Marmara in 2026, high input costs are pressuring quality.
Yield Increase in the Marmara Region
Gökhan Tüydeş, Chairman of the Board of Dramalı Un, announced that the Marmara Region is having a successful period in the 2026 grain harvest. Stating that increased rainfall in the region raised weed control and pesticide costs, Tüydeş emphasized that the north wind during the ear maturation stage positively affected grain filling. Tüydeş reported an average yield of 650-700 kg per decare across Marmara, noting that this level, above the average, has lowered producers' unit costs.
Impact of Fuel Costs on Quality
Drawing attention to energy as the heaviest burden in agricultural production, Gökhan Tüydeş said that rising diesel prices have disrupted fertilization, zinc application, and pest control efforts. Emphasizing that input restrictions reduce product quality and market value, Dramalı Un Chairman Gökhan Tüydeş made the following assessment:
"Subsidized fuel support for farmers has moved from being a need to a necessity for the sustainability of production."
TMO Purchases and Production Record
Tüydeş stated that the intervention purchases carried out by the Turkish Grain Board (TMO) provide balance to the market, reporting that the institution purchased approximately 8.5 million tons of grain at 650 points between May 21 and July 25, reaching 70% warehouse occupancy. Recalling that TMO made purchases at approximately $300/ton during a period when wheat was sold at $200-230/ton in the Black Sea basin, Tüydeş stated that Turkey will reach a 20-year record with a production of 23.5 million tons.
Grain Exports and Global Prices
Tüydeş stated that the opening of bread wheat and broken wheat exports by TMO as of July 29 will alleviate the public stock burden, and said that logistical disruptions from Russia and Ukraine are creating a 10-15% price pressure. Noting that Black Sea wheat has fallen to the $180-200/ton range, Tüydeş indicated that strong short-term recovery in global prices will not be seen unless exports accelerate.