Speaking at the TUSAF Post-Harvest Evaluation Meeting held in Gaziantep, Turkish Grain Board (TMO) General Manager Ahmet Güldal reassured flour industrialists. Emphasizing that TMO is ready to manage the upcoming period with stability through strong reserves, institutional experience, and balanced pricing policies, Güldal stated: “We do not foresee a problematic consumption season. Our stocks, authorizations, and capabilities are sufficient.”

The Turkish Flour Industrialists’ Federation (TUSAF) organized its traditional Post-Harvest Extended Sector Evaluation Meeting this year in Gaziantep, hosted by the Çukurova Flour Industrialists’ Association (ÇUSD) and the Southeastern Flour Industrialists’ Association (GUSAD). Held under the theme “Post-Harvest Future Projections,” the event brought together leading sector representatives who shared key insights on production, exports, financing, and climate risks.

TMO General  Manager Ahmet Güldal

GÜLDAL: “WE DON’T WANT TO SEE ABNORMAL PRICE FLUCTUATIONS IN FLOUR AND FEED”

TMO General Manager Ahmet Güldal evaluated Turkey’s current production season and TMO’s policies, answering many of the questions raised by both the industry and the public. He noted that 2025 had been a challenging production year due to drought, frost, and various climate-related adversities. However, thanks to Turkey’s robust agricultural infrastructure, no supply shortage occurred. “We do not foresee a problematic consumption season. Our stocks, authorizations, and resources are sufficient. With our institutional experience, we will manage this process in the best possible way,” he said.

Referring to the recently announced autumn sales plan on October 1, Güldal stated: “This year, we set the purchase prices at 13,500 TL per ton for wheat, 11,000 TL for barley, and 11,300 TL for corn. These prices have been received as balanced and reasonable. Nearly three-quarters of the purchases are carried out through licensed warehouses. The licensed warehousing capacity, which has now reached 14 million tons, forms the backbone of our agricultural sector and provides a strong guarantee for our industry.”

The most striking part of Güldal’s speech was his message of predictability for the sector. “We do not want to see abnormal price fluctuations, especially in flour, bakery products, and feed raw materials. Of course, we have many regulatory powers in this area. But I sincerely believe there will be no need to use them,” he said, emphasizing TMO’s commitment to closely monitor the market and maintain stability. “With our strong stocks, institutional experience, sound policies, and timely interventions, we are ready to manage the upcoming period with stability,” he added.

TUSAF PRESIDENT ÇAKMAK: “THE IRAQ EMBARGO IS CHALLENGING OUR FLOUR EXPORTS”

Speaking at the Post-Harvest Sector Evaluation Meeting, TUSAF President Mehmet Mesut Çakmak highlighted that the Turkish flour industry has recently been facing serious export challenges. Pointing to the political embargo imposed by Iraq — the sector’s largest export market — Çakmak warned: “If the problems in the Iraqi market are not resolved, our industry will face the risk of contraction.”

TUSAF President Mehmet Mesut Çakmak

Çakmak emphasized that Turkish flour has long been associated with quality in global markets, yet recent political developments in Iraq have dealt a heavy blow to the sector. He explained that the Iraqi central government began implementing an embargo on Turkish flour exports in the second half of the year — a market that accounts for one-third of Turkey’s total flour exports.

“If this issue in the Iraqi market remains unresolved, our sector will face the risk of contraction and market loss. Our industrialists are struggling with financial volatility, yet they continue their efforts to remain present both domestically and on global tables without burdening consumers,” he said.

Stressing the importance of public-private cooperation for the sector to regain momentum, Çakmak added: “Our flour industry is the backbone of the food chain. To maintain our leadership in this export market — where we have been number one for 13 years — to revive our capacity, and to stay competitive globally, we need government support.”

“PUBLIC SUPPORT IS ESSENTIAL, AND EFFORTS FOR A SOLUTION CONTINUE”

Çakmak noted that TUSAF had already presented the industry’s problems and solution proposals to Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat and Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, expressing optimism that positive results would be achieved soon. He warned that if the issue persists, both export revenues and employment will be negatively affected, adding: “We expect support from the Presidency and relevant ministries to help our industry regain strength.”

DROUGHT AND TRADE MEASURES HIT PRODUCTION AND EXPORTS

Commenting on the 2025 harvest season, Çakmak stated that, according to Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) estimates, wheat production is projected at around 19.6 million tons, though field data suggests the actual figure may be slightly lower. Severe droughts in the Southeastern and Çukurova regions negatively affected yields, but unlike in previous years, quality issues were largely overcome this season.

Despite the challenges of high exchange rates and interest costs, industrialists have continued purchasing without disadvantaging farmers. “I would like to thank all our industrialists who have mobilized their resources during this difficult period to support our producers,” Çakmak said.

DECLINE IN FLOUR EXPORTS: 2025 TARGET SET AT 2.5 MILLION TONS

Recalling that Turkey has been the world’s leading flour exporter for 13 consecutive years, Çakmak noted that in 2023 the sector achieved a record 3.6 million tons of exports, generating $1.5 billion in revenue. However, in 2024, export volumes declined by over 20% to 3 million tons due to external trade restrictions, higher financing costs, and increased storage expenses.

“In the first nine months of 2025, total exports remained at 1.7 million tons, marking a drop of more than 30% compared to the same period last year. We aim to close the year with around 2.5 million tons of exports,” he said.

MAJOR INDUSTRY GATHERING IN ANTALYA, FEBRUARY 2026

Concluding his remarks, Çakmak invited sector representatives to the 20th International Flour Industrialists’ Congress and Exhibition, which will be held on February 12–15, 2026, in Antalya. He announced that this year’s theme will be “Climate Resilience and the Future of Trade.”

Bekir Tosun

BEKİR TOSUN: “WE MUST CONNECT OUR FARMERS’ LABOR WITH TECHNOLOGY”

Bekir Tosun, Chairman of the Anatolian Flour Industrialists’ Association, underscored the importance of sustainability in agriculture. “Connecting our farmers’ hard work with technology, enhancing our country’s competitiveness through high value-added products, and ensuring sustainable production are our guiding principles for both today and the future,” he said. Tosun also noted that while TÜİK and international institutions forecast wheat production at 19.6 million tons, field observations suggest the figure may be slightly lower.