Mehdi Eker, Ex-Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Food, and Presidential Agriculture and Food Policies Council Member stated at AgroFoodSummit 2025 that, although global cereal production has reached record levels, 700 million people still face hunger, emphasizing that the main problem is not production shortages but unfair distribution and waste.

AgroFoodSummit 2025 brought together representatives from 32 countries, providing a platform to discuss global food security. Eker highlighted how climate, soil, and topography determine cereal and legume production, and drawing attention to Mersin’s millennia-old agricultural heritage.

Eker pointed out that geopolitical tensions in the Black Sea and Mediterranean regions, protectionist trade policies, and climate change are straining the global food system. He noted that the world’s average temperature has risen by 1.1 °C since pre-industrial times, and if current trends continue, a 3 °C increase by the end of the century could reduce yields of many crops by 25–50%. He also reported that climate-related disasters in 2023 caused losses of $380 billion, roughly 10% of global agricultural output.

Eker emphasized that while production has outpaced population growth, about one-third of food is lost or wasted, stating, “The problem is not production, but unfair distribution and widespread waste.” He also highlighted the environmental and nutritional benefits of legumes, stressing the importance of sustainable production and collaboration for food security. Eker addressed Turkey’s regional logistics and strategic role and concluded with a call for international cooperation.