Minister Bolat: "Agriculture and food production increased from $24 billion to $74.5 billion."

The "4th IAOM Eurasia Conference and Exhibition," a major gathering in the global grain sector organized by the Eurasia Regional Presidency of the International Association of Flour Industrialists and Grain Producers (IAOM), began with the theme "Women's Role in Agriculture." The event was opened with the participation of Trade Minister Ömer Bolat. In his speech at the event, Minister Bolat highlighted significant developments in Türkiye's agriculture and food sectors over the past 20 years. Noting the rise in agricultural and food production, Bolat said, "Agricultural and food production in Türkiye has tripled in dollar terms over the last 22 years. Agricultural and food production has risen from $24 billion to $74.5 billion."

Minister Bolat stated that the agriculture and food sector plays a significant role in the Turkish economy, saying, "The agriculture and food sector is of great importance due to its share in national income, employment, and domestic and foreign trade. Agricultural and food production in Türkiye has tripled in dollar terms in the last 22 years, rising from $24 billion to $74.5 billion. When we look at the chain extending from farms to markets, we can say that nearly 10 million people earn their living and do business in this sector."

"Türkiye is one of the rare countries that is self-sufficient in agriculture and food."

Minister Bolat emphasized that despite Türkiye's growing food demand, production has also increased, saying, "In the last 22 years, our population has grown from 65 million to nearly 86 million. Furthermore, we've gone from hosting 12 million tourists to now hosting 62 million. We can produce almost any product in our fertile, productive lands, and we possess a beautiful geography. Turkey is one of the few self-sufficient countries in the world."

"There has been a 10-fold increase in food and agriculture exports in the last 22 years."

Minister Bolat emphasized the critical role of the agriculture and food sector, saying, "Our priority is the security of our citizens' food supply. Then, when we have surplus production, we have an obligation to export our products abroad. Our country has made significant progress in this regard. While we tripled our production in dollar terms, we also reached $32.5 billion in exports last year, up from $3 billion in 22 years. This represents an approximately tenfold increase in exports."

UAV

Reporter: News Center