''It is extremely important for the food sector to progress in a structure that protects its workforce.”
FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Global food trade is undergoing a significant transformation process due to recent economic, political and climatic developments. Disruptions in logistics chains, high energy costs and yield problems linked to climate change have disrupted production and shipment processes worldwide. When we add to this picture the contraction in demand in major importing countries such as China and the restriction of supply of certain products by major exporters such as Brazil and Russia, a general slowdown in food product trade has become inevitable. In this challenging environment, Türkiye's increase in grain exports in terms of volume highlights the resilience of our sector and its position in global competition. This stability in markets where our products are regularly purchased is closely linked not only to price advantages but also to factors such as quality, reliability and timely delivery. From this perspective, our grain sector stands out not only for its foreign trade performance but also for its reputation in international markets.
In the domestic market, we see that our sector has taken on a strategic role in the fight against inflation. The stability in the production and supply of food products makes a significant contribution to limiting price volatility and maintaining supply security. In particular, meeting the demand for basic food products through domestic production reduces foreign exchange demand, which also has a positive impact on macroeconomic balance.
This situation once again highlights the importance of our sector in terms of employment, production and exports. It is particularly important that the food products sector continues to preserve and even increase its workforce at a time when employment is declining in many areas.
One of the most pressing issues in the coming period will be market balance for the new harvest season. The wheat purchase price announced this year by the Grain Board provides a carefully prepared framework. This approach, which protects producers while also considering public financial balance, is in line with the fight against inflation. Of course, structural challenges such as logistics costs remain on the agenda during this process. Rising transportation costs are pushing up costs, especially for our industrialists operating in regions far from the source of the product. Nevertheless, our sector has the strength to overcome these challenges with its production approach based on efficiency and its export-driven growth strategy.
In light of all these developments, we continue to work to maintain and further advance our sector's strategic position in both domestic and international markets. I would like to once again thank all our stakeholders who support us in the sector board's work, which is carried out with the valuable contributions of our Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and our six Exporters' Associations.
Ahmet Tiryakioğlu
Chairman of TİM Cereals, Pulses, Oil Seeds and Products Sector Board