THE GLOBAL WINDOW OF TURKISH FOOD AND AGRICULTURE The Global Window of Turkish Food and Agriculture Sector
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Press release…
The İzmir Branch of the Association of Economy Journalists (EMD) visited the Manisa’s district of Akhisar, the capital of table olives in Türkiye with 17 million olive trees.
Demircan: ‘Akhisar is at the top in terms of export diversity’
Murat Demircan, Chairperson of the EMD Izmir Branch, highlighted the economic transformation of Akhisar district, where he spent his childhood and revealed striking export figures. Noting that the region, once dominated by tobacco, has risen to become Türkiye’s leader with 17 million olive trees, Demircan said, “With 80,000 hectares of agricultural land and its product diversity, Akhisar is one of the country’s most important food granaries.’
Demircan also stated that exports are recorded in 27 sectors in Türkiye, adding, “The fact that Akhisar will export in 23 sectors in 2024 clearly demonstrates the district’s sectoral richness. The olive and olive oil sector ranked first with 47 million dollars, while the fruit and vegetable products sector brought in 37 million dollars and the fishery products and animal products sector brought in 31 million dollars in foreign exchange. The top three export markets were Iraq with 35 million dollars, France with 20 million dollars and Germany with 11 million dollars. Akhisar managed to deliver its products to a total of 110 countries in 2024.”
‘If Akhisar becomes a province, exports will surge at least 2-3 times.’
Drawing attention to Akhisar’s goal of becoming a province in his speech, Demircan recalled the late Süleyman Demirel’s promise to make Akhisar a province and expressed his wish for the district to become the 82nd province of the country.
Noting that Akhisar is a centre of attraction for the surrounding districts of Soma, Kırkağaç, Gördes, Demirci, Sındırgı and Gölmarmara districts, Demircan concluded, “The Ministry of Trade publishes export statistics based on the provinces where the activities take place. When Akhisar becomes a province, exports produced in Akhisar but recorded in other provinces will be included in Akhisar’s export figures. I believe that Akhisar’s actual export figures will then surge by at least 2-3 times and reach 500 million dollars.”
