Turkey's Agricultural Economy in Brief

Report Summary: The economy of the Republic of Turkey is predominantly agricultural. Although there is an increasing trend toward urbanization, less than a third of the population lives in towns and cities. While most of the country is ill-suited for agricultural pursuits, agriculture directly supports most of the people. About four-fifths of all Turkish exports, by value, are of farm commodities. But these are limited in variety. In a little more than 20 years, agricultural acreage has doubled--largely as a result of mechanization. Total production, however, has yet not gained in ratio comparable to the expansion of the agricultural area. Moreover, further expansion is difficult. Increased production in the future must come largely from more efficient, more intensive use of presently harvested and grazed land. Turkey's potential for agricultural improvement is hampered by enormous obstacles, not the least of which is cultural resistance in some areas to progressive change. Political conditions have been unsettled. Investment in agricultural development projects has continued, but in some instances has failed to produce the returns anticipated by economic planners. This is partly a result of adverse weather over a period of several years. Actual accomplishment of development goals is now heavily dependent on foreign aid.