Turkey plans to harvest its largest grain harvest in years

Speaking at the Global Grain Forum in Istanbul, the Director General of the Turkish Grain Council (TCO), Ahmet Guldal, said that in 2026, Turkey could harvest one of the largest grain harvests in recent years.

 

Wheat production is forecast to reach 22.75 million tons and barley production is forecast to reach almost 9 million tons, but the actual harvest may exceed forecasts due to favorable weather conditions.

 

As of June 25, Turkish farmers had harvested wheat on 14% of the area and barley on 13% of the area, with an average yield exceeding 4 t/ha.

 

To support farmers, the TMO set purchase prices for soft and durum wheat at 16,500 TRY/t in early June, and for barley at 12,750 TRY/t.

 

The public procurement system is ready for the new season, and the total volume of grain storage exceeds 20 million tons. More than 600 grain procurement centers will operate throughout Turkey, with 80% of supply applications already processed and farmers starting to receive payments.

 

It should be noted that Turkey is the world's largest exporter of flour and the second largest exporter of pasta, with a strong position in grain processing. Since 2002, the country has exported $54 billion worth of wheat and its products and imported $33 billion worth, resulting in a trade balance of +$21 billion.

 

TMO experts predict a decline in global wheat, barley and corn production in the new season, but believe that a shortage of supply on the market will be avoided thanks to significant carryover stocks. However, climate change, the geopolitical situation, energy price spikes and disruptions in global supply chains create risks for grain markets.