Turkey Ranks First in Europe, Seventh Globally in Agricultural Output
Turkey has achieved first place in Europe and seventh place globally in agricultural output, reaching $83.2 billion in production value, Agriculture and Forestry Minister İbrahim Yumaklı announced at the opening ceremony of Samsun City Hospital on September 14.
The minister emphasized the government's commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's leadership, stating that ensuring food security and delivering safe food to citizens' tables remains a top priority.
Two Decades of Agricultural Growth
Turkey's rise in global agricultural rankings represents significant progress over the past two decades. In 2002, the country ranked 12th worldwide with an agricultural output of $24.5 billion. The current figure of $83.2 billion marks the first time Turkey has exceeded $80 billion in agricultural production value. The agricultural sector now contributes approximately 6.2% to the country's GDP and employs around 18-20% of the labor force.
While China leads global agricultural production with output exceeding $1.298 trillion according to World Bank data, Turkey has established itself as a major agricultural power. Beyond its overall seventh-place ranking, Turkey holds fourth place globally in fruit and vegetable production and ninth place in raw milk production.
Samsun Province Investment Package
Minister Yumaklı announced substantial agricultural investments for Samsun province during the ceremony. Over the past 24 years, total investments and support provided to the province reached 108 billion liras, resulting in a 32% increase in production, 19% growth in livestock numbers, and 19% expansion in beekeeping activities.
The province's annual agricultural output has climbed to 45 billion liras. Samsun plays a crucial role in producing strategic crops including hazelnuts and rice, with the province ranking first in Turkey for cabbage production at 416,100 tons annually, as well as leading in cauliflower, hemp fiber, and paddy rice cultivation.
National Support Programs
Under the rural development initiative ORKÖY, the government has supported 14,000 projects to date. For 2026, a comprehensive support package totaling 12.5 billion liras has been implemented through the Rural Development Investment Program. This funding is divided into 11.3 billion liras for 3,180 agricultural projects and 1.2 billion liras for 2,047 modern irrigation projects.
The minister highlighted the program's focus on supporting family farms, young farmers, and women entrepreneurs. Of the 2,164 family-operated agricultural projects receiving funding, 1,751 projects—representing 81%—are allocated to women and young entrepreneurs. The investments are expected to generate an additional 20 billion liras in related economic activity.
Strategic Crop Dominance
Turkey maintains its position as the world's dominant hazelnut producer, supplying approximately 70% of global hazelnut production and controlling about 82% of international hazelnut exports. Recent data shows the country produced 765,000 tons of hazelnuts in 2022, accounting for roughly 64% of worldwide production.
Minister Yumaklı emphasized ongoing market monitoring through the Soil Products Office (TMO), particularly for strategic crops. The government continues to track markets closely and adjust support mechanisms to maintain producer profitability.
Concluding his remarks, the minister stated:
We will continue working with all our strength over the next three years to ensure our country's food supply security, stand by our producers, and achieve productive, quality, and sustainable agricultural production.
