Wheat Production and Support Policies in Turkey

Abstract

The objective of this study is to examine the current status of wheat production and evaluate the support policies implemented in this regard. According to the data for the year 2021, Turkey achieved a wheat production of 17,650,000 tons on an area of 6,623,061 hectares. This production corresponds to approximately 2.29% of the total global wheat production, making Turkey the 11th largest wheat producer in the world. In addition, while Turkey is the country that exports the most wheat flour with 26.26% in the world, it is the 4th country in pasta export with 7.01%. Despite its production and export potential, it is the 3rd largest importing country in the world by realizing 5% of total imports. In other words, due to its leading position as an exporter in the wheat flour and pasta industry, as well as domestic demand, Turkey experiences a supply deficit and therefore relies on significant imports each year to bridge this gap. Indeed, in the year 2021, the self-sufficiency rate of wheat production in Turkey remained at 87.26%. Turkey should incorporate agricultural policies that preserve the production and export potentials in wheat and wheat products, enabling self-sufficiency to be achieved. Firstly, Turkey's (2,665 kg/ha) wheat productivity, which is well below the world average (3.492 kg/ha), should be increased. Input supports provided in wheat production and difference payment (premium) supports, whose unit prices have followed a stable course in recent years; It should be arranged in accordance with current conditions, covering production costs and in parallel with possible price changes.