# Turkey sunflower production and food security

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-sunflower-production-and-food-security
> Updated: 2026-09-15T14:19:29.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Turkey is facing challenges regarding sunflower production and food security. Agricultural engineer Celil Çalış warned that the nation’s self-sufficiency rate for sunflower production has dropped from 59 percent to 35 percent. While planting areas have fluctuated, Çalış noted that 2027 represents a “critical threshold” for agricultural supply security, as disruptions could increase food inflation and economic risk.

In response to these production concerns and drought conditions, agricultural authorities are implementing resilience strategies. In Edirne, the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry is conducting research to optimize planting dates and methods, comparing tillage techniques to improve drought resistance. Meanwhile, in the Kuyucak district of Aydın, officials are monitoring second-crop plantings and inspecting fields for pests under the Agricultural Land Use Activation (TAKE) project to ensure successful yields.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-15: Turkey implements drought-resilience strategies for sunflower crops

Turkish agricultural officials are testing new planting methods and conducting field inspections to protect sunflower yields against drought and pests in Edirne and Aydın.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-implements-drought-resilience-strategies-for-sunflower-crops

### 2026-09-04: Turkey sunflower self-sufficiency drops to 35 percent

Agricultural engineer Celil Çalış warns that Turkey’s sunflower self-sufficiency has dropped to 35 percent, posing risks to food security and economic sovereignty by 2027.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-sunflower-self-sufficiency-drops-to-35-percent

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Cite as: Turkey sunflower production and food security. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-sunflower-production-and-food-security