AGRICULTURE SECTOR IN TURKEY
Key figures about Turkish agribusiness:
- Turkey is the world leader in the production of dried figs, hazelnuts, sultanas/raisins and dried apricots.
- The total exports of agricultural products (including processed foods) reached USD 10 billion in 2009.
- Turkey has the largest milk and dairy production in its region.
- Turkey has an estimated total of 11,000 plant species, whereas the total number of species in Europe is 11,500. In 2009, the total area of organic farm lands has reached 325,831hectares, while the total production increased to 983,715 mt in 212 crops.
- The agricultural production in 2008 was TRY 73 billion and in 2009 it was TRY 79 billion.
- The total land utilized for agriculture in Turkey is 39,122 thousand hectares.
Turkey offers a fertile agricultural investment environment to the entrepreneurs on the back of the following:
- Strong geographical location, e.g. favorable climate conditions and proximity to major markets
- Competitive labor force which is particularly important for labor-intensive food producing activities
- Availability of almost all raw materials for the industry
- Continued government investments in the form of major irrigation projects, infrastructure improvements and consolidation of small-sized farm lands
- Government support for agricultural investments
- Increasing production efficiency due to progressive automation
