Türkiye's Agricultural Sector: Opportunities & Challenges

Agriculture in Türkiye, like in many other parts of the world, is experiencing a significant transformation shaped by the forces of globalization. Historically characterized by smallholder, subsistence-based farming practices, the Turkish agricultural sector is increasingly shifting toward market-oriented and commercially integrated production systems. This transition is driven by both domestic reforms and international trade dynamics, as producers respond to the evolving demands of global supply chains, consumer preferences, and regulatory standards (FAO, 2023). Türkiye’s geographic and climatic diversity, ranging from coastal Mediterranean zones to mountainous continental interiors, enables the cultivation of over 100 of the world's 150 most significant crops, making the country a vital player in international agri-food markets (TÜİK, 2023).

Despite this strategic advantage, the transformation from traditional to modern agriculture has been uneven. While large-scale producers and export-oriented agribusinesses have adapted to global standards and achieved productivity gains, many small and medium-sized farms remain marginalized. These farmers face constraints such as limited access to capital, fragmented land holdings, outdated technologies, and inadequate infrastructure. As a result, gaps persist in productivity, environmental sustainability, and value chain integration, particularly in less-developed rural regions.

Furthermore, climate change, fluctuating global commodity prices, and trade policy uncertainties add pressure on Turkish farmers to increase efficiency while preserving ecological resilience. To ensure inclusive and sustainable growth, agricultural policies must prioritize investment in research and development, promote cooperative models, and strengthen rural extension services. Supporting farmers in adopting digital technologies, sustainable practices, and climate-smart innovations will be essential for enhancing Türkiye’s competitiveness and food security in a globalized economy. The future of Turkish agriculture lies not just in expanding trade, but in equipping all producers, regardless of size, with the tools and knowledge to thrive in a fast-changing agri-food landscape.

The Impact of Globalization on Turkish Farming

Globalization has reshaped agriculture from a subsistence livelihood into a market-oriented, profit-driven enterprise that requires farmers to possess a diverse skill set encompassing market analysis, technological literacy, and logistical coordination. In this new landscape, relying solely on traditional farming methods exposes producers to intense economic volatility. Price fluctuations driven by international market dynamics can result in significant gains one year and severe financial losses the next. According to the World Bank (2022), such instability disproportionately affects smallholders lacking access to price forecasting tools and risk mitigation strategies.

Türkiye’s agricultural exports reached $30.6 billion in 2023, up from $22.3 billion in 2022 (CBS, 2023; TIM, 2024), underscoring the sector's increasing integration into global agri-food supply chains. However, this growth belies the fact that only a small percentage of farmers are equipped to compete in global markets. Many lack the infrastructure, knowledge, or capital to meet export standards, leaving them vulnerable to being sidelined in an increasingly competitive environment.

The proliferation of geographical indications (GIs) such as Antep pistachios, Aydın figs, and Malatya apricots illustrates a dual trend: while GIs protect and promote regional heritage and cultural identity, they also reflect the pressures of commodification. Industrial-scale agriculture, enabled by biotechnology like drought-resistant seeds and mechanized harvesting, has made it possible to scale production rapidly, often at the expense of small, artisanal producers (Nizam, 2009).

This duality presents a policy dilemma. On one hand, modernization and economies of scale improve efficiency and global competitiveness. On the other, without strategic support for smaller farms and traditional producers, globalization risks deepening inequalities within the agricultural sector. For Turkish agriculture to thrive equitably, modernization must be paired with inclusive policies that preserve rural livelihoods while embracing innovation.

Türkiye’s Agricultural Policy: From Peasantry to Professionalization

Türkiye’s transition from a peasant-based agricultural system to a professionalized, market-oriented model began with the enactment of the 2006 Agricultural Law, which formally recognized farming as a professional occupation. While this legal framework was a critical milestone, the practical implementation of policies supporting this shift remains inconsistent. Despite state intentions to modernize the sector, education and technology adoption lag significantly behind. Only 18% of Turkish farmers currently receive formal agricultural training, limiting their ability to adopt innovations and respond to market demands (Ministry of Agriculture, 2023). The digital divide further exacerbates this gap: just 34% of rural farms utilize precision agriculture technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices or remote sensors, which are crucial for increasing yields and resource efficiency (TÜBİTAK, 2023).

A comparison with the Netherlands highlights Türkiye’s untapped potential. Despite having only a fraction of Türkiye’s arable land, the Dutch agricultural sector ranks among the world’s top exporters due to its strategic use of greenhouse technologies, cooperative farming structures, and robust research and development systems (WUR, 2023). Türkiye can emulate this model by investing in agricultural cooperatives like the Trakya Grain Union, which can enhance farmers’ bargaining power and lower input costs through collective procurement and marketing.

Moreover, Türkiye is underutilizing digital sales channels; only 12% of agri-businesses engage in e-commerce, missing valuable opportunities in international markets (TOBB, 2023). To accelerate professionalization, the government must mandate the use of certified agri-consultants with practical experience, expand R&D spending from 0.8% to 2% of GDP, and scale climate-resilient practices like drip irrigation, currently adopted by just 22% of farms (DSİ, 2023). Bridging these gaps will be essential if Türkiye is to transform its agricultural sector into a globally competitive, sustainable, and professionally managed industry.

Conclusion

Türkiye’s agricultural sector stands at a pivotal juncture, where the promises and perils of globalization intersect with longstanding structural challenges. The country’s rich agro-ecological diversity and growing agri-export capacity present significant opportunities to position itself as a global agri-food leader. Yet, realizing this potential requires far more than increased trade volume. It demands a strategic, inclusive transformation that empowers all farmers, large and small, to adapt, compete, and thrive in a rapidly evolving global market.

Globalization has undeniably spurred growth and innovation but has also exposed the vulnerabilities of smallholders and traditional producers who often lack access to capital, education, and digital infrastructure. The rise of high-tech farming, e-commerce platforms, and biotechnology signals a shift toward a more sophisticated and capital-intensive model of agriculture. Without targeted policies, however, this evolution risks deepening rural inequality and accelerating the decline of traditional agricultural communities.

To navigate these tensions, Türkiye must commit to a dual strategy: promoting modernization while ensuring inclusivity. Expanding access to training, digital tools, climate-smart techniques, and cooperative marketing systems is essential for equitable growth. As Türkiye continues its agricultural transformation, success will ultimately be measured not just by export figures, but by how well it supports rural livelihoods, strengthens resilience, and fosters a sustainable and competitive agricultural future for all.

References: CBS; FAO; TÜİK; World Bank; CBS; TIM; Nizam; Ministry of Agriculture; TÜBİTAK; WUR

Please note that the views expressed in this article are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of any organization.

The writer is affiliated with the Department of Agricultural Economics, Selcuk University, Konya-Türkiye and can be reached at mdirek@selcuk.edu.tr

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