Interview: Cemalettin KANAŞ
Türkiye’s feed industry grew above the national economic average in 2025, crossing the 30 million tonne threshold in compound feed production. TÜRKİYEM-BİR President Ülkü Karakuş, who highlighted not only the sector’s achievements but also its pressing challenges, assessed the industry’s multi-layered trials from geopolitical risks and export bans to Europe’s green agenda and raw material import dependency in an exclusive interview with Feed Planet.
As TUYEM16 (16th International Feed Congress and Feed Exhibition), Türkiye’s largest feed industry gathering, draws near, TÜRKİYEM-BİR President Ülkü Karakuş laid both the sector’s gains and its vulnerabilities on the table. Expressing pride in compound feed production surpassing 30 million tons and feed prices remaining below inflation for three consecutive years, Karakuş states: “The feed industry has fulfilled its duty with distinction.”
Yet the sector’s unresolved challenges are far from few. Before the war in Ukraine could reach its end, the Middle East erupted; freight and energy costs soared. Temporary export bans on poultry sent warning signals across export markets, Europe’s green regulations for livestock production are closing in, and Türkiye’s dependency on imported raw materials continues to bring price vulnerability in its wake. Drawing attention to their long-term sustainability perspective despite all these challenges, Karakuş adds: “What matters is not short-term profit, but the ability to generate sustainable income over the long run.”
Türkiye’s compound feed production was reported to have reached 30.7 million tons in 2025, marking a 4.8% increase. What are the key drivers behind this growth? What are your expectations for 2026 and the main risks facing the sector?
The steady annual growth in Türkiye’s compound feed production, despite all the adversities, is a welcome development for industry stakeholders. The sector’s turnover rose from TL 353.8 billion in 2024 to TL 482.8 billion in 2025.
According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK-TURKSTAT), Türkiye’s economy grew by 3.6% in 2025. Over the same period, the feed industry expanded by 4.8% in production terms, with real growth adjusted for inflation standing at 4.6%. This demonstrates that the feed sector outperformed the broader economy in 2025. Meanwhile, while nominal GDP growth at current prices reached 41.3%, the feed industry’s nominal growth remained at 36.5% indicating that the sector’s expansion was driven largely by increases in production volume rather than price inflation. This development underscores the strategic importance of the feed sector within the broader economy, particularly for the long-term sustainability of livestock production.
The geographical conditions of our country, combined with growing awareness among livestock producers about animal nutrition, are among the factors driving compound feed consumption. The insufficient availability of roughage across Türkiye means that cattle and small ruminant farmers are increasingly turning to compound feed. Ensuring that the balance between roughage and compound feed use maintains productivity without compromising the profitability of livestock owners remains an important consideration.
Our feed industry manufacturers continue to produce despite adverse economic conditions such as high interest rates and financing challenges.
When assessing the feed industry’s outlook for 2026 in light of factors such as raw material supply, the overall state of livestock farming, public demand for animal products, and global developments:
We expect the production volume of Türkiye’s feed industry to continue growing in 2026. We believe this growth will stem from a steady rise in livestock production, though the sector will remain exposed to price pressures due to its dependence on imported raw materials. Fluctuations in global agricultural markets and logistical risks may continue to weigh on feed costs and supply continuity. On the other hand, increased investment in technology and sustainable production holds the potential to improve the sector’s efficiency and reduce its import dependency. Rising public demand for animal products and the continuation of government support for agricultural investment will stand out as factors supporting feed demand. In this context, we expect Türkiye’s feed industry to maintain a stable growth trend in 2026.
With no end in sight to the war in Ukraine, the Iran-Israel-US conflict has moved to the center of the agenda. How does this situation affect the Turkish feed sector in terms of raw material supply, prices and exports? Is the sector sufficiently prepared for this multi-layered uncertainty?
We hope the Iran-Israel-US tension in the Middle East will prove shorter-lived than the Russia-Ukraine war. However, during this period, serious disruptions may be experienced in the feed sector’s raw material procurement and shipping processes. Freight rates for soy and corn shipments from South America to Türkiye have already risen, with panamax vessel freight rates climbing from USD 35/ton to USD 52/ton. Rising oil prices will push these costs even higher. Additionally, cancellations and cargo backlogs on vessels bound for Iran may directly affect both the volume and price of raw materials arriving in Türkiye.
For now, freight rates on Black Sea routes are expected to see only limited increases tied to fuel prices. Soy prices are not expected to decline before early May. Ongoing harvests in Brazil and Argentina, combined with insufficient fertilizer stocks, may create supply risks towards the end of 2026.
This situation makes it imperative for the sector to take proactive measures. Raw material stock management, identifying alternative supply sources, closely monitoring freight and insurance costs, and staying prepared for demand from nearby markets such as Iran stand out as the key strategies to maintain sustainability during this period.
EXPORT BANS: A RISKY SHORT-TERM FIX
The ban on poultry exports ahead of Ramadan caused considerable unease in the sector. How do you assess such measures? What is their impact on the integrated sector’s export performance?
While export restrictions and temporary bans on products such as poultry meat and eggs imposed to ensure price stability in the domestic market may bring prices down in the short term, they have an adverse effect on the long-term production sustainability of producers and, by extension, of our country.
Such policies directly affect producers’ revenue expectations, creating uncertainty around investment decisions. Temporary export halts generate anxiety and uncertainty among producers considering investment, and may dampen long-term appetite for investment.
Furthermore, export restrictions lead to a contraction in production volume and, consequently, a rise in unit production costs. Over time, this results in further price increases in the domestic market and growing cost pressure on consumers. The loss of predictability may also limit new entrants to the sector, undermining its sustainable growth potential.
International buyers favor stability and are becoming increasingly reluctant to trade with producers in countries where such uncertainties prevail. The risk of losing markets built up through years of hard work grows with each passing day.
For these reasons, lifting restrictions and bans on animal product exports and providing a predictable business environment for producers, investors and new entrants is of critical importance. Only then can both production capacity be expanded and domestic market stability be preserved over the long term.
FEED PRICES BELOW INFLATION: WHO GAINED, WHO LOST?
In your public statements and television appearances, you have consistently emphasized that feed prices have remained below inflation for the past three years. What has this meant for producers? What has it cost the feed industry? And how is the sector managing this gap?
Feed costs generally account for around 70% of livestock production costs. The regular availability of feed at competitive prices and adequate quality is essential for livestock producers to operate profitably. Agricultural production and the feed industry are sectors where production volumes are large but profit margins are among the lowest. Even small price fluctuations therefore cause concern among our producers. Both industry members and the government are making significant efforts and sacrifices to prevent this. Raw material prices, feed prices and animal product prices are regularly monitored by our ministry in close coordination with us. Looking at the data, it is evident that feed price increases have remained below the rate of inflation since 2023. Feed prices are of course most heavily influenced by grain and oilseed prices. Timely interventions by TMO and other institutions in response to domestic supply-driven price movements have helped keep prices within a certain range throughout the year. The intense competition in the feed industry and the proper functioning of free market conditions ensure that livestock owners can access compound feed at the best available prices and quality.
Indeed, it is apparent that the majority of complaints stem not from feed price increases, but from animal product prices failing to meet producers’ expectations.
The feed industry has fulfilled its duty with distinction. What matters is not short-term profit, but the ability to generate sustainable income over the long run. By operating with this approach, feed manufacturers continue to support our livestock farmers both financially and technically.
EUROPE’S ‘GREEN’ PRESSURE IS AT THE DOOR
The carbon regulations and sustainability criteria that have left European farmers deeply unhappy are now heading our way too. Is the Turkish feed sector ready when it comes to GHG emissions and traceability, or are we facing a serious adaptation process?
Various screening activities have already begun in our country on this front. Our feed industry members are submitting applications to the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. Experts appointed by the ministry are conducting emissions measurements at facilities and providing guidance on the current situation. Businesses with high emissions levels are developing the necessary improvement measures.
Turkish feed industry is among the sectors with a relatively low environmental footprint, and the vast majority of businesses operating in the sector are led by people who are environmentally conscious and closely follow global developments.
Our association continues to address this issue at the events it organizes, keeping the sector informed. Regulations and best practice examples from Europe and around the world are shared with relevant stakeholders through events such as TUYEM.
What is the current state of digitalization, automation and energy efficiency investments in feed mills? Does the cooperation between the sector and Turkish feed machinery manufacturers support this transformation?
We can say that we are at quite an advanced level in this regard. Energy efficiency is one of the most important topics today. Work focused on maximizing energy use, preventing energy losses, producing each unit at the most cost-effective energy level, and sustaining this cycle is driving the development of next-generation feed machinery, digital technologies and automation systems.
Our domestic technology manufacturers and service providers are setting up new feed mills in many countries around the world and offering a range of services to the sector. Feed machinery produced in Türkiye stands at a very competitive level in terms of both quality and price. The contribution of feed industry members has been decisive in this progress clearly defining needs is essential for technology to advance. From this perspective, a strong collaboration between feed manufacturers and machinery and automation producers is evident.
Today, the latest technologies can be seamlessly integrated into mills without disrupting production. Feed of the desired quality can be produced through a single control system, with technological equipment at the facility effectively managed in line with both quality standards and hygiene requirements.
The ability of our domestic machinery manufacturers to largely meet the needs of our feed industry is a significant advantage for our sector. As a result, import dependency in this area remains relatively low.
TUYEM IN ANTALYA: THE COMPASS OF THE FEED SECTOR
Opening its doors for the 16th time and serving as a true compass for the feed industry, TUYEM heads to Antalya this year. What are the highlights on the congress agenda? What message would you like to send to investors and international stakeholders attending?
TUYEM opens its doors in Antalya for the 16th time this year. A rich agenda awaits participants at our congress, which serves as a key gathering point for our sector. We have prepared a comprehensive program covering not only the production side of the feed industry but a wide range of topics including economics, raw material trade, sustainability, technology and artificial intelligence.
The opening session of our congress will focus on developments in Türkiye’s and the global economy. This will be followed by a panel titled “Next Generation Feed Industry: Food and People”, where the food chain from feed to table, food safety, sustainable livestock production and society’s expectations on these issues will be evaluated from a holistic perspective with the participation of representatives from science, the public sector and industry. Through this panel, we aim in particular to present scientific evidence on the critical role of feed safety for food safety and human health, addressing the misconceptions about livestock production that occasionally arise.
On the second day, international topics will take center stage, including global developments in feed raw material trade, the European feed industry’s agenda, and new trends in the Gulf and East African markets. The role of artificial intelligence and new technologies in the feed industry, future production systems and the sector’s transformation will also be assessed by expert speakers.
TUYEM is not merely a congress it is an important consultation and cooperation platform that brings together all stakeholders of the sector. Sharing Türkiye’s strong feed industry infrastructure, technology capacity and regional potential with international participants is of great importance to us.
Our message to investors and international stakeholders is clear: Türkiye’s feed industry is an exceptionally strong sector in terms of production capacity, technological infrastructure, skilled human resources and regional positioning. TUYEM will continue to serve as a key meeting point for turning this strength into international partnerships and seizing new trade and investment opportunities.