Turkey rises to 7th place in the world in agricultural output

Opening the meeting, Muğla Governor İdris Akbıyık emphasized that Muğla is not only the "apple of the eye" for tourism, but also for agriculture, forestry, beekeeping, and aquatic products. Highlighting the city's high value-added production potential, Akbıyık stated, "Muğla ranks first nationwide in aquatic products export and beekeeping. It holds the second place in olive oil production, and is among the leading cities in citrus, greenhouse, and open-field vegetable and fruit cultivation.

Significant investments have been made in Muğla in recent years by the General Directorates related to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, primarily the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ) and General Directorate of Forestry. Between 2003-2026, an investment of 57 billion TRY was made to the city through DSİ alone, implementing more than 120 projects. The city has about 40 geographically indicated products including those with European Union (EU) geographical indications. Also, efforts supported by the ministry continue to establish two new Organized Agricultural Zones (OAB) focusing on dairy cattle breeding in Seydikemer and soilless agriculture and cattle breeding in Milas," he said.

"Agriculture is a matter of national security"

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı stated that they see agricultural production as a strategic field and have built a strong infrastructure over the last 24 years. Emphasizing the importance of agriculture for national independence and food security, Minister Yumaklı shared data from across Turkey, saying, "We considered agricultural production not only at the provincial level but overall throughout Turkey. Accordingly, a total of 3 trillion TRY in agricultural support was provided with real figures. To bring our fertile lands together with water, a total of 4.7 trillion TRY was invested in water and irrigation. These investments were extremely valuable for a piece of bread on our citizens' tables and for the national security and independence of our country. While Turkey ranked 12th globally in agricultural output in 2002, it has risen five steps to 7th place today," he said.

"We protect Muğla's soils and geographical indications"

Minister Yumaklı expressed pride in Muğla's brand values and recalled that 39 products, including Muğla Pine Honey and Datça Tomato, have been registered with geographical indications in the city. He said about 80% of Turkey's pine honey production is from Muğla's honey forests. He also mentioned environmental and soil protection projects, stating, "Pasture improvement works have been completed on 39 thousand decares in Muğla. In addition, 10 plains with a total area of 359 thousand decares have been protected to conserve agricultural lands," he said.

Stating that Turkey is one of the few countries in the world that applies agricultural insurance effectively, Minister Yumaklı announced that since 2006, 244 thousand insurance policies have been arranged in Muğla, with 767 million TRY of insurance premiums covered by the government and 427 million TRY compensation paid to producers.

1 billion USD export success in aquatic products

Minister Yumaklı highlighted that Muğla also ranks at the top in aquatic products cultivation, saying, "Surrounded on three sides by seas, our country's aquatic products sector is growing exponentially. Last year, aquatic products exports reached 2.3 billion USD throughout Turkey. Of this export, 1 billion USD came from our producers in Muğla alone," he thanked the producers.

1.6 billion TRY call for young people and women entrepreneurs

Emphasizing that rural development investments are basic priorities, Minister İbrahim Yumaklı announced a new call period under the TKDK and IPARD supports. He stated that in Muğla, 154 million TRY in grants were provided to 12 projects during the previous 10th application call period, activating investments worth 288 million TRY in the city. Addressing young people and women entrepreneurs in Muğla for the currently open 12th call, he said, "We launched a new grant call with a total budget of 30 million euros (approximately 1.6 billion TRY) for the milk, red meat, poultry meat, and egg sectors across Turkey. I invite all young brothers and women entrepreneurs in Muğla to apply to these projects."