Turkey intensifies agricultural diplomacy to secure food and fertilizer supplies

Turkish Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumaklı has intensified agricultural diplomacy to mitigate geopolitical risks affecting global food and fertilizer supplies. Amidst disruptions caused by the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions in the Middle East, Turkey is working to secure its supply chains through strategic bilateral talks.

Key agreements include a consensus with Russia to ensure no restrictions on fertilizer shipments to Turkey this year. Discussions with Russia also addressed resolving issues regarding tomato exports and improving plant health and quarantine coordination. Additionally, Turkey is expanding trade with China, focusing on the export of poultry, seafood, almonds, and bay leaves, alongside technology transfer.

In Uzbekistan, Yumaklı is engaging in discussions regarding the flour and grain trade to strengthen regional cooperation. Domestically, Turkey expects record grain production due to favorable rainfall, with wheat production projected at 24.5 million tons and barley at 10 million tons. The Turkish Grain Board (TMO) has also reached a historic milestone by purchasing 12.3 million tons of grain to bolster national stocks.