THE GLOBAL WINDOW OF TURKISH FOOD AND AGRICULTURE The Global Window of Turkish Food and Agriculture Sector
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Muharrem Doğan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Organic Product Producers and Industrialists Association (ORGÜDER), stated that Türkiye’s organic product exports exceeded 1 billion euros last year, saying, “Approximately 500 million euros of this is organic food products and 500 million euros is organic textile products. We are also a very strong country in organic textiles.”
Speaking to an Anadolu Agency (AA) reporter, ORGÜDER Chairman Muharrem Doğan recalled that organic food production in Türkiye began 29 years ago. Doğan explained that the process, which began with foreign producers and brand owners coming to Türkiye to produce products under contract, has subsequently grown year by year with the support of domestic companies, producers and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
Pointing out that Türkiye ranks very well globally in the organic food sector, he said, “Our story, which began in 1986 with 16 products, currently continues with over 270 organic products. Our estimated annual production is around 2 million tonnes and we export 85 percent of our production. We are a very serious sector that contributes positively to the current account deficit.”
Highlighting that Türkiye’s organic exports are at a successful level, he noted, “According to the data we’ve collected, we can say that our organic exports exceeded 1 billion euros by the end of 2024. However, we need to divide this into two fundamental categories. Approximately 500 million euros of this is organic food products and 500 million euros is organic textiles. We are actually a very strong country in organic textiles. Organic textiles are a process that starts with cotton. You then turn it into yarn or fabric. You can export it as a semi-finished product or make dresses or trousers. We are a very strong country in this regard. We export mostly fresh fruits and vegetables, dried fruits and vegetables and cereals and wheat to Europe. In the US, this portfolio is more heavily weighted towards oilseeds, cereals and pulses.”
