Turkey is self-sufficient in food production. Fishing, farming and animal agriculture workers produce a wide variety of fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and meat for consumers.
Most farmers produce for both domestic consumption and sale. Very few are self-sufficient. The vast majority rely on a well-established network of local and regional markets as well as large wholesalers to sell their surplus product. They then buy food and manufactured items from the proceeds.
About 35.5% of the country is arable lands and vegetable products account for 76% of total agricultural production. No matter what city, town or village you visit in Turkey, there will always be a fresh food market.
The country is the world’s biggest producer of hazelnuts, figs, apricots and raisins, the 4th biggest producer of fresh vegetables and grapes, the 6th biggest producer of tobacco, the 8th biggest producer of wheat, and the 10th biggest producer of cotton. Tea is also produced in large quantities and the country exports it to over 110 countries.