THE GLOBAL WINDOW OF TURKISH FOOD AND AGRICULTURE The Global Window of Turkish Food and Agriculture Sector
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Ali Kopuz, President of Istanbul Commodity Exchange (ISTIB), stated that it is a necessity to increase agricultural output despite the decrease in the labour force in the agricultural sector and the rise in the average age.
Kopuz emphasised that Türkiye should focus on technology and value-added products to ramp up its agricultural production and reach its potential.
‘LABOUR FORCE IS DECREASING, AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION SHOULD BE PLANNED’
Kopuz pointed out that employment rates in the agricultural sector have experienced a great decline over the years:
“In the first years of the Republic, 90 percent of employment was in agriculture. 50 years ago this rate halved and today it is around 15 percent. Employment is mainly shifting to the service and industrial sectors. Therefore, agricultural production should be supported by technology and productivity should be increased.”
MULTIDIMENSIONAL APPROACH SUGGESTION…
Kopuz explained that a multi-dimensional approach is required for the sustainability of agriculture:
“We should look at the issue from all aspects such as technology, planned production, productivity, trade, price stability, health and employment. Skipping one of these legs puts food independence at risk. This is the only way we can ensure food independence in the future.”
IMPORTANCE OF TECHNOLOGY AND ADDED VALUE…
Indicating that the main way to enhance productivity in agricultural production is the use of technology, Kopuz added, “Orientation towards value-added products will increase Türkiye’s agricultural output. Technological investments in the agricultural sector would not only increase production, but also support trade by ensuring price stability.”
Kopuz’s statements draw attention to the labour force and productivity problems the country faces in the agricultural sector and reveal that technology and planning will play a decisive role in solving these problems…
