The World’s Top Exporter of Farm Goods

Farm goods are the foundation of the food industry, including the manufacturing and processing sectors. According to the Californi Food Department, farm exports totalled $21.7 billion in 2019, a 3% increase in 2018. Furthermore, organic product sales exceeded $10.4 billion in 2019, representing a 3.5% increase over 2018.

As the use of these items grows, food service firms must grasp what agricultural goods are. This insight will enable CEOs and organisational leaders to obtain a better understanding of their manufacturing processes. It will also shed light on the various things they stock in their inventory.

What Are Agricultural Products?

Agricultural products refer to a range of commodities that are cultivated, harvested, and processed within the agricultural sector. These products primarily are plants, animals, and other organisms. Their significance lies in satisfying global food requirements and making notable contributions to various industries and economies.

Crops: They include various plants grown for human consumption or animal feed. Examples of crops include grains (wheat, rice, corn, barley), vegetables (tomatoes, lettuce, carrots), fruits (apples, oranges, bananas), and oilseeds (soybeans, sunflower seeds).

Livestock: Agricultural products also encompass animals raised for meat, milk, eggs, and other products. Livestock products include beef, poultry, lamb, dairy products, and wool.

Fish and Seafood: Aquaculture and fisheries contribute to agricultural products in the form of fish, shrimp, shellfish, and other aquatic organisms.

Fibres: Natural fibres derived from agricultural sources include cotton, wool, jute, and hemp, which are used to make textiles and clothing products.

Horticulture Products: This category includes ornamental plants, flowers, and nursery crops that are grown for aesthetic or landscaping purposes.

Nuts: Various types of nuts such as almonds, walnuts, cashews, and pistachios are agricultural products harvested from trees.

Spices and Herbs: Plants cultivated for their aromatic or flavorful properties, like black pepper, cinnamon, basil, and mint, fall under this category.

Sugarcane and Sugar Beets: These crops are grown for sugar production and are essential ingredients in various food and beverage industries.

Coffee and Tea: Coffee beans and tea leaves are widely grown agricultural products that are consumed globally.

Medicinal Plants: Some agricultural products are cultivated for their medicinal properties, such as aloe vera, ginseng, and echinacea.

Read more about the Advantages of Agricultural Investment in Turkiye.

Which Countries are the Largest Exporters of Agricultural Products in the World?

1. United States

• • In 2020, the United States exported over $135 billion agricultural products, maintaining its position as a leading agricultural exporter globally.
  • Major agricultural exports from the U.S. include soybeans, corn, wheat, pork, beef, poultry, and dairy products.
  • The U.S. is a significant supplier of soybeans to countries like China, which has a high demand for soybean imports.

Find out What U.S. Imports from Turkiye Mostly.

2. Netherlands

• • Despite being a relatively small country, the Netherlands is a powerhouse in the global agricultural trade.
  • In 2020, the value of Dutch agricultural exports exceeded $100 billion.
  • The Netherlands is renowned for its advanced horticulture and flower industries, dominating the international flower trade and exporting large quantities of vegetables and fruits.

3. Brazil

• • Brazil is a major agricultural player and one of the world's top producers and exporters of several agricultural commodities.
  • In 2020, Brazil's agricultural exports surpassed $100 billion.
  • Key exports from Brazil include soybeans, beef, poultry, coffee, sugar, and fruits like oranges and apples.

4. China

• • China is both a significant producer and exporter of agricultural products.
  • In 2020, China's agricultural exports reached a value of over $70 billion.
  • Major agricultural exports from China include vegetables, fruits, fish, seafood, and processed food products.

5. Germany

• • Germany is a leading agricultural exporter in Europe.
  • In 2020, Germany's agricultural exports amounted to around $85 billion.
  • Key exports from Germany include dairy products, meat (pork and beef), grains, and processed food items.

Learn more about How to Import from Turkey to Germany.

What Does Turkey Grow?

Turkey is a country with diverse agricultural practices and a wide range of climates, allowing for the cultivation of various agricultural products. Some of the main crops and agricultural products grown in Turkey include:

1. Grains: Turkey is a significant producer of various grains, including wheat, barley, and corn. These grains are essential staples in the Turkish diet and are also exported to other countries.
2. Fruits: Turkey is renowned for its fruit production. The country is a major producer of various fruits, such as apples, oranges, lemons, pomegranates, grapes, cherries, apricots, and peaches.
3. Vegetables: A wide variety of vegetables are grown in Turkey, including tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, eggplants, onions, and potatoes.
4. Olive and Olive Oil: Olive cultivation is prominent in Turkey, particularly in regions like Aegean and Marmara. Turkish olive oil is highly regarded and exported worldwide.
5. Legumes: Turkey produces legumes such as chickpeas, lentils, and beans.
6. Cotton: Cotton is an important agricultural crop in Turkey, and the country is among the world's leading cotton producers.
7. Tea: Tea cultivation is a significant agricultural activity in Turkey, particularly in the Black Sea region.
8. Tobacco: Turkey produces tobacco, and tobacco products are a part of the country's agricultural exports.
9. Nuts: Nuts like hazelnuts and pistachios are grown in Turkey, with the country being one of the top producers of hazelnuts globally.
10. Sugar Beets: Sugar beet cultivation is prevalent in Turkey, contributing to the country's sugar production.
11. Dried Fruits: Turkey is a major producer and exporter of dried fruits such as raisins, figs, and apricots.
12. Rose and Rose Oil: Turkey is known for growing roses, particularly in the Isparta region, where rose oil is produced and used in various industries.
13. Herbs and Spices: Turkey produces various herbs and spices, including oregano, thyme, cumin, and red pepper flakes.

Turkey's diverse agriculture is a crucial component of its economy, providing employment opportunities for a significant portion of its population and contributing to its domestic food supply as well as exports to other countries. The variety of crops grown in Turkey is a testament to its rich agricultural heritage and favourable climate conditions for farming.

Turkey's Agricultural Potential

Turkey has significant agricultural potential due to its favourable geographic location, diverse climate, and fertile soil. The country's agricultural sector plays a crucial role in its economy, providing employment opportunities for a substantial portion of the population and contributing to domestic food security and export revenues. Here are some key factors that contribute to Turkey's agricultural potential:

1. Geographic Location: Turkey is strategically located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. This location provides access to various markets and trade routes, making it an important player in regional and international agricultural trade.
2. Diverse Climate: Turkey's geography offers a wide range of climates, from temperate zones in the north to arid regions in the southeast. This diversity allows for the cultivation of a broad spectrum of agricultural products, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and various cash crops.
3. Arable Land: Turkey has ample arable land suitable for agricultural production. The country's varied topography and fertile soil contribute to its ability to grow a wide variety of crops.
4. Water Resources: Turkey has abundant water resources, including rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers. This availability of water supports irrigation, enhancing agricultural productivity, especially in drier regions.
5. Biodiversity: Turkey's rich biodiversity allows for the cultivation of numerous indigenous crops and the preservation of traditional agricultural practices, which contribute to the country's agricultural diversity and resilience.
6. Government Support: The Turkish government has shown a commitment to promoting agricultural development and modernization. Various policies and incentives are in place to support farmers, enhance agricultural productivity, and encourage investment in the sector.
7. Exports and Trade: Turkey is a major exporter of agricultural products, with a diverse range of crops and commodities being sold to international markets. Turkish agricultural exports include fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and processed food products.
8. Livestock and Dairy: Turkey also has a significant livestock sector, producing meat, milk, and other animal products.
9. Tourism and Organic Farming: The country's growing tourism industry has boosted the demand for organic and locally-sourced agricultural products, leading to an increase in organic farming practices.