The 20th TUSAF International Congress and Exhibition, to be held in Antalya, will welcome Türkiye’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, İbrahim Yumaklı.

Organized by the Turkish Flour Industrialists’ Federation (TUSAF), the 20th International Congress and Exhibition will take place on 12–15 February 2026 at Kaya Palazzo Belek Hotel, Antalya. Held under the theme “Climate Resilience and the Future of Trade,” the event will serve as a major meeting point for the sector with the participation of Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı. The congress will comprehensively address both current developments and future prospects across a broad spectrum, ranging from the flour, pasta and feed industries to global grain trade.

As the world’s leading flour exporter for the past 11 consecutive years, Türkiye aims through this high-profile event to further strengthen its global competitiveness and to build a shared vision and roadmap on critical issues such as climate change, trade policies, supply security and production efficiency. The congress, held with BBM Magazine as media partner, is expected to enhance the sector’s strategic visibility at both national and international levels.

“Adapting to Change Is the Key to Leadership”

Commenting on the congress, TUSAF Chairman of the Board Mehmet Mesut Çakmak emphasized that the Turkish flour industry holds a strong global position in terms of technological infrastructure and product quality. Recalling that Türkiye once again confirmed its world leadership with approximately 2.5 million tonnes of flour exports in 2025, Çakmak stated:

“In the face of economic volatility, the climate crisis and shifting trade dynamics, we must strengthen our sector’s resilience. As TUSAF, our goal is not only to address today’s challenges, but also to develop solutions that will shape the future. Our 20th congress will be a strategic meeting point that reinforces our industry’s shared vision.”

Çakmak also highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts among public institutions, the private sector and academia to make more efficient use of Anatolia’s wheat heritage while improving quality and productivity.

Economic Policies and Grain Trade on the First Day’s Agenda

Following the opening ceremony and protocol speeches on Friday, 13 February, the first session of the congress will focus on economic policies in Türkiye and worldwide. Prof. Dr. Hakan Kara, faculty member at Bilkent University and former Chief Economist of the Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye, will evaluate the global economic outlook, monetary policies and their impacts on the real sector.

The second main session of the day will address Türkiye’s grain markets and trade. Moderated by Prof. Dr. Aykut Gül, the session will bring together representatives from the Ministry of Trade, the Turkish Grain Board (TMO), the National Grain Council, leading figures from the feed and pasta industries, as well as international trade actors to discuss developments in domestic and global markets from a multidimensional perspective.

From Healthy Nutrition to Artificial Intelligence

On the first day of the congress, the importance of whole wheat for a healthy society will also be evaluated from the perspective of the General Directorate of Food Control. Dr. Ersin Dilber will share current approaches related to food safety, inspection mechanisms and consumer awareness.

The final session of the day will focus on artificial intelligence and digitalization. Prof. Dr. Keramettin Tezcan will present concrete examples illustrating the impact of AI-supported systems on decision-making processes in finance and production.

Energy Efficiency and a New Balance in Global Markets

On Saturday, 14 February, the agenda will center on energy efficiency, smart processes and sustainable production models aimed at strengthening competitiveness in production and trade. With contributions from TMO, academia and international policy representatives, practices that reduce environmental impact will be discussed.

A panel discussion held on the same day will examine the licensed warehousing system, its relationship with the sector and its effects on markets. Later in the day, the session titled “The Search for a New Balance in Global Grain Markets” will assess developments in Europe, Russia and the Black Sea region, along with international price formation dynamics.

Climate Resilience and the Future of Trade

In the final session of the congress, the relationship between climate change and trade will be addressed from a multidisciplinary perspective. Prof. Dr. Levent Kurnaz from Boğaziçi University, together with representatives from the World Trade Organization (WTO) and UNDP, as well as experts in finance and meteorology, will share insights on the impacts of climate risks on agriculture and food trade, along with adaptation strategies.

The Largest Gathering of the Sector

The 20th TUSAF International Congress and Exhibition will continue to stand out as one of Türkiye’s largest food and grain industry events, with more than 1,400 domestic and international delegates, over 40 exhibition areas, and participation from more than 500 companies. Held with BBM Magazine as media partner, the congress will be conducted in Turkish, English and Russian, bringing together global industry representatives in Antalya.