The 18th International Congress and Exhibition of the Turkish Flour Industrialists’ Federation (TFIF), themed “Global Agricultural Policies, Food, and Energy,” is underway with strong sector participation. In his opening address, Haluk Tezcan, President of TFIF, stated that the milling sector is investing in the future through its investments.

Turkish Flour Industrialists’ Federation (TFIF), which gathers the companies serving in the flour industry in Turkey under a single roof, held the 18th of its annual international congress and exhibition in Antalya between 15-18 February 2024. With more than 300 members and 8 regional associations, TUSAF, which has been the global export leader in the flour industry for the last 10 years, organized the congress with a different theme every year, this year with the title of ‘Global Agricultural Policies, Food and Energy’.

The TFIF Congress, sponsored by IDMA and lasting for two days in Antalya, coincided with the Federation’s 20th anniversary celebration, drawing significant participation from the sector. More than 1300 delegates came together at the congress, which featured more than 40 exhibition stands. In the event, which was closely monitored by sector representatives as well as economic circles, issues such as changing global agricultural policies, climate change, drought and new trade dynamics were discussed by experts in their fields. Grain and flour markets, world grain policies and technological transformations in production were discussed in depth at the congress.

TFIF President Haluk Tezcan remarked, “It brings us joy for the future of our sector to see that investments in renewable energy sources, particularly by industrialists, are on the rise with the twin transformation, increasing awareness for the sustainability of agriculture and food every passing day.”

‘TURKEY IS THE WORLD’S FLOUR WAREHOUSE’

TUSAF Board Chairman Haluk Tezcan

In his speech at the congress, TUSAF Board Chairman Haluk Tezcan said that 2023 is a year of records for Turkey. Tezcan elaborated, stating, “In addition to the increase in our planting areas, we have reached 21.5 million tons of wheat production, which is the highest wheat production of the last 7 years. Nowadays, when food supply security is one of the biggest threats facing the world, in addition to having strong stocks, Turkey has started to export durum wheat through the Turkish Grain Board after a long time. Thus, we have given signals to the whole world that we will not worry about stocks in the future. Turkey proudly continues to be the world’s flour warehouse.”

In addressing the audience, Haluk Tezcan highlighted the robust presence of the flour industry in Turkey, revealing that there are a total of 598 flour factories spread across 69 cities in the country. He further expounded on the sector, stating, “These flour factories have a production capacity of approximately 38 million tons per year. Flour production is one of the most important fields of activity of the agricultural sector in the national economy. In addition, we are one of the most important stakeholders of the agricultural sector in terms of production, labor force, industry, environmental science and sustainability. The regional distribution of Turkey’s flour production capacity is generally in line with the regional distribution of the number of enterprises. If we succeed in raising our yield and quality to world standards with increasing production, we can crown our world flour export championship with our own wheat.”

TARGET 4 MILLION TONNES OF FLOUR EXPORTS

Haluk Tezcan emphasized Turkey’s prominent standing in the international market within the flour industry, citing superior production technology and product quality. He elaborated, stating, “For the past decade, with steadfast support from our government and affiliated institutions, we have proudly held the title of the world’s leading flour exporter. Anticipating a continued upward trajectory, we project our export volume to reach 4 million tons by 2024. Our industry’s commitment to staying abreast of evolving technology has significantly contributed to our sustained success in global flour exports.”

TRANSFORMATIVE FUTURE FOR TURKISH GRAIN INDUSTRY 

Tezcan highlighted the sector’s alignment with technological advancements and its pivotal role in maintaining the top position in world flour exports. Addressing future initiatives, he stated, “In alignment with the Green Accord, we are poised to intensify our efforts in the upcoming years, focusing on enhancing quality, improving efficiency, and minimizing our carbon footprint. Through this transformative approach, we anticipate a noteworthy expansion in both the number and variety of our value-added products.”

THANK YOU TO OUR MAIN SPONSOR, İDMA

As it is well known, these wonderful events cannot take place without the support of our esteemed sponsors. Therefore, I consider it a debt of gratitude to express my thanks to you, our esteemed guests, for honoring us with your presence at Turkey’s largest food congress, supported by our main sponsor, IDMA, along with over 60 other sponsors and more than 1300 participants.

AHMET GÜLDAL: A YEAR OF RECORDS IN GRAIN PRODUCTION

Ahmet Güldal
Chairman of the Board of Directors and General Manager
of the Turkish Grain Board

During the opening session of the congress, Ahmet Güldal, Chairman of the Board of Directors and General Manager of the Turkish Grain Board (TMO), delivered substantial insights into global and Turkish grain production and trade. Güldal highlighted that global wheat production, which stood at 630 million tons annually in 2004, has surged by 160-170 million tons over the last two decades. He noted that the all-time record was achieved in 2022 with a yield of 804 million tons, while last year witnessed a 2 percent decrease in production, totaling 788 million tons. Güldal emphasized the reduction in closing stocks this season to 266 million tons, marking the lowest level in the past four seasons. 

Güldal stated that Turkey experienced a bountiful year in grain production in 2023, announcing a wheat yield of 22 million tons. He shared that the production of milling wheat reached 17.7 million tons, marking the highest figure in the last 8 years, while durum wheat production of 4.3 million tons was the highest in the past 18 years. Güldal elaborated on achieving a record barley yield of 9.2 million tons, the highest in the last 17 years, and an all-time record in corn with 9 million tons. He highlighted that during this abundant season, TMO set a new record in this sector with purchases exceeding 13 million tons.

TMO General Manager Güldal emphasized that despite the intense purchases, TMO possesses the storage capacity necessary to securely preserve this crucial stock. “The TMO warehouses, along with licensed and rented storage facilities, amount to 16.5 million tons,” he stated.

GRAIN MARKETS OUTLOOK FOR 2024

Ahmet Güldal also provided insights into the forecast for global and Turkish wheat for the upcoming season. He mentioned that in Russia, the world’s leading wheat exporter, favorable conditions prevail with good soil moisture and rains, while in Ukraine, another significant producer, adequate snow cover and increasing soil moisture were noted, although cold weather in certain areas may pose risks to crop development. Güldal highlighted a decrease in wheat acreage in the US compared to last year, and in the European Union, adverse weather conditions such as cold temperatures in the north, excessive rainfall in central regions, and drought in the Mediterranean were observed. Particularly in France, he noted delays in durum wheat plantings due to unfavorable weather conditions, along with a decrease in planting areas. Based on the latest data, it is projected that global wheat production for the new season will increase by 11 million tons compared to last year, reaching 799 million tons. He emphasized that closing stocks for the 2024/25 season are estimated at 260 million tons, marking the lowest level in the past 6 years.

Ahmet Güldal noted that in Turkey, January precipitation increased by 25% compared to seasonal norms and by over 100% compared to January last year. “There has been an increase of more than 49-100% in all regions compared to last year. We expect wheat production in 2024 to be on par with that of 2023,” he said.