One of the most important gatherings of Türkiye’s feed industry, the International Feed Congress and Feed Exhibition (TUYEM), once again brought together all major stakeholders of the sector in Antalya for its 16th edition. Organized by TÜRKİYEM-BİR, the event hosted representatives from public institutions, industry, academia and international organizations under one roof, while also delivering critical messages regarding the future of the feed industry. As the main sponsor of TUYEM16, IDMA emerged as one of the event’s most prominent actors through both its strong organizational presence and newly announced international partnerships.
Held in Antalya on April 23-26, 2026, TUYEM16 welcomed more than 800 local and international industry professionals. Organized biennially, the congress has evolved over the years into one of the most influential feed industry platforms not only in Türkiye but also across the wider region. Throughout the event, discussions focused on feed raw materials, global trade, artificial intelligence applications, licensed warehousing, feed safety and cross-sector collaborations.
HIGH-LEVEL PARTICIPATION AND STRONG MESSAGES FOR THE FUTURE OF THE INDUSTRY
One of the most notable moments of the event was the participation of İbrahim Yumaklı, Türkiye’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry. Addressing industry representatives during the opening session, Yumaklı emphasized the strategic importance of the feed industry for the country’s livestock sector and food security. Following his speech, the minister toured the exhibition area and received information from exhibiting companies about their ongoing activities and investments.
Yumaklı’s remarks on feed prices particularly drew attention. Stressing that fluctuations in feed prices directly affect the prices of meat, milk and staple food products, he stated: “We will have zero tolerance for companies making irrational and excessive price increases by using global developments as an excuse.”
The minister also criticized certain commercial practices occasionally reported within the sector, saying: “Practices such as ‘If you do not buy feed from me, I will not buy your products or allow others to buy them’ are unacceptable.” Yumaklı added that the Ministry, together with the Ministry of Trade, is closely monitoring the supply chain while also thanking the majority of responsible companies operating within the sector.
EMPHASIS ON PLANNED PRODUCTION, FEED RAW MATERIAL SUPPLY AND TMO
Another major topic highlighted by Minister Yumaklı was supply security in feed raw materials. He announced that forage crop production had been included within the scope of planned agricultural production and that important feed raw materials such as oats, rye and triticale would also be integrated into the support system starting from 2026.
Recalling that Türkiye ranks first in Europe and seventh globally in compound feed production, Yumaklı underlined the sector’s remarkable growth performance over the last two decades. As of 2025, the number of compound feed enterprises in Türkiye reached 1,718, while annual production capacity climbed to 30.7 million tons.
Speaking during the “Sectoral Consultation” panel, Ahmet Güldal, General Manager of the Turkish Grain Board (TMO), also made important statements regarding the institution’s market-balancing role. Güldal noted that grain sales directed toward the feed and livestock sectors have contributed significantly to cost stability.
Stating that TMO supports the sector’s access to raw materials through its high-volume monthly sales policy, Güldal said that a substantial portion of barley sales had been allocated to livestock breeders and feed manufacturers. He also highlighted the rapid growth of the poultry sector, noting that domestic corn stocks had been opened to the poultry and feed industries since February, with nearly 1 million tons delivered so far.
Güldal further stated that there are no concerns regarding storage capacity ahead of the new season, emphasizing that TMO currently possesses a total storage capacity of 16 million tons through licensed warehouses, indoor storage facilities and open stock areas.
INDUSTRY GROWTH AND A NEW VISION
In his opening remarks, TÜRKİYEM-BİR Chairman M. Ülkü Karakuş highlighted the development of Türkiye’s feed industry over recent years. Karakuş stated that the industry, which was initially established under public sector leadership, has grown largely through private sector investments, while increased production capacity and modern facilities have strengthened the sector’s competitiveness on a global scale.
Karakuş also noted that alongside the biennial TUYEM congresses, additional international organizations would be launched during interim years in order to strengthen the sector’s international expansion. He added that raw material supply, financing conditions and climate-related risks continue to remain among the sector’s primary concerns.
A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM RANGING FROM GLOBAL MARKETS TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
TUYEM16’s technical program also attracted strong interest from industry professionals. Congress sessions covered a wide range of topics, from global trends in feed raw material trade and the European feed industry agenda to Gulf and East African feed markets, as well as artificial intelligence applications.
The panel titled “Next Generation Feed Industry: Food and People” focused on feed safety, sustainability and consumer expectations, while the “Sectoral Consultation” session brought together public and private sector representatives to discuss the industry’s current challenges and possible solutions.
Presentations centered on artificial intelligence particularly drew attention. Associate Professor Murat Karakuş of Ankara University presented on “The Feed Industry in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” while Dr. Mian Riaz from Texas A&M University discussed next-generation technologies in aquafeed production. Speakers from the United States, Europe and the Middle East also shared important insights on global feed trade, logistics, raw material supply and regional investment opportunities.