Turkish agriculture faces rising costs and export declines

Turkish agricultural producers are facing significant economic challenges due to rising production costs and fluctuating market prices. In the Black Sea region, hazelnut prices vary by province and quality, with regional markets showing rates between 150 and 188 TL per kilogram. Producers in Artvin have expressed frustration, noting that diesel prices rose approximately 78 percent in ten months, while free market hazelnut prices remain significantly lower than the prices announced by the Turkish Grain Board (TMO).

In Bursa, Yeni Parti leader Özgür Özel met with grape producers to discuss the economic crisis in the sector. He highlighted that rising transportation and fuel costs are driving up the final market price of goods while leaving farmers with minimal margins. Özel proposed a new agricultural model featuring state-supported cold storage, licensed purchase agreements, and low-interest or zero-interest loans to ensure food security and support young farmers, noting that the average age of farmers has risen to 58.

Additionally, Turkey's pistachio exports saw a sharp decline, falling to approximately 80.9 million dollars in the first nine months of 2026, a nearly 47 percent decrease compared to the previous year. Industry representatives attribute this to a “low yield year” caused by adverse weather conditions, though they anticipate a recovery in the final quarter as the new season's products enter the market.