Browse Data and Analysis

Turkey published its Biosafety Law and implementing regulations in 2010. This legislation has continued to disrupt trade and Turkey’s domestic agriculture and food sectors. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is the sole authority for biotechnology approvals. The Ministry approved seven genetically engineered soybean and corn events in 2022.

Owing to favorable growing conditions and ongoing investments to improve on-farm yields, Turkey’s production and export of apples, pears, and table grapes is forecast at or near record levels in MY 2022/23. At least 80 percent of the projected production of these deciduous fruits will be consumed in Turkey, mainly as fresh fruit.

Wheat production is forecast at 19.5 million metric tons (MMT) in marketing year (MY) 2015 because of high yields, especially in Central Anatolia.

On July 16, 2015, the Official Gazette published the Biosafety Board Decisions on genetically engineered feed imports.

Fueled by increasing disposable income levels and a strong consumer demand, the Turkish food retail sector reached US$ 121 billion in 2014.

Turkey expected to benefit when Russia implemented an agricultural trade ban against the United States, Canada, European Union, Australia, and Norway in August 2014.

Turkish soybean area and production for MY 2015 are estimated at 25,000 hectares and 90,000 MT, respectively.