Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı Attends TİM Extended Chairpersons Council Meeting
The TİM Extended Chairpersons Council Meeting was held with the participation of the Republic of Türkiye's Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, İbrahim Yumaklı. During the meeting, the existing challenges in agricultural sectors and proposals for their solutions were discussed in detail.
The TİM Extended Chairpersons Council Meeting took place at the Istanbul Foreign Trade Complex Conference Hall, hosted by TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe. The meeting focused on identifying solutions to the challenges faced by agricultural sectors and shaping roadmaps for the future. During the discussions, exporters had the opportunity to present their demands and expectations directly to Minister Yumaklı.-.
“In the first 11 months of this year, our agricultural sectors achieved exports worth $32.8 billion.”
Speaking at the meeting, TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe underlined that the agricultural sector holds strategic importance not only for Türkiye but also for the country's export ambitions.
He expressed pride in connecting the efforts of producers with markets worldwide, noting that in the first 11 months of this year, agricultural exports increased by 3.4% to reach $32.8 billion. Gültepe emphasized that this remarkable achievement, despite significant challenges, is the result of the collective dedication and hard work across every link of the production-to-export chain. He stated, “I want to reiterate the importance of supporting domestic production and enhancing our competitiveness in international markets.”
Highlighting the ambitious goals ahead, Gültepe pointed out that the agricultural sectors aim to reach $38 billion in exports by 2025 and $65 billion by 2028. “When we consider these targets, it becomes evident how crucial collective wisdom and consultation are. We possess significant potential to distinguish ourselves in all markets through environmentally friendly production practices, green transformation, and technological innovations,” he said. Gültepe further explained that, regarding green transformation, all sectors have completed their sustainability action plans and continue to monitor the progress closely.
“We must swiftly raise our export potential to $35–40 billion.”
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı emphasized that over the past 22 years, agricultural exports have increased more than eightfold, reaching $31 billion. In 2023, Türkiye exported 2,200 types of agricultural products to 212 countries and free zones.
Underscoring Türkiye's status as a net exporter for the past 22 years, Yumaklı stated that the country ranks among the top three in the world for exports of hazelnuts, dried and fresh apricots, dried figs, mandarins, quinces, lemons, lentils, and cherries. Türkiye is also the global leader in flour exports and ranks second in pasta exports.
Minister Yumaklı stressed the importance of focusing on exporting products in packaged or bottled form, rather than as raw materials, to reach end consumers. He elaborated:
“Consider the highly regarded example of the Netherlands. They import flowers or various agricultural products wholesale from Türkiye or other countries, repackage them, or process and package them for export to different markets. Similarly, the United States, while being the world's largest importer of red meat, is simultaneously the largest exporter of the same. These examples emphasize the importance of adding value and a unique narrative to products. While our success in exports is notable, it does not fully reflect our country's capabilities and potential. We must increase our agricultural export potential from $31 billion to $35–40 billion in a short period. I want to emphasize that we will continue working tirelessly to advance the agricultural sector, which is a cornerstone of our country's strategic initiatives and a guarantee of food security. Furthermore, we will persist in supporting all efforts to make our agricultural products global brands. Over the past 22 years, our sector has benefitted from the unwavering support of our President. Under his leadership, we will continue to work at full speed to further these achievements.”