Insights and Recommendations for the Next 10 Years of Poultry Farming in Turkiye

Projections for the Next 10 Years of Poultry Farming in Turkiye

Turkiye is a major poultry producer worldwide. It is among the leading countries in Europe in chicken meat and egg production, and it is focused on Middle Eastern, African and Asian countries in exports.

In the next 10 years, some important factors that may affect the growth of poultry farming in Turkiye are as follows:

1. Increased Production and Efficiency

• Modern production techniques, feed optimization and genetic developments will increase productivity per animal.

• With the increase in large-scale integrated production facilities, costs will decrease and production volume will increase.

2.Expansion of Export Potential

• In addition to existing markets, Turkiye will seek new export routes. Export agreements may increase, especially to China, Southeast Asia and African countries.

• Exports of products with halal food certificates to the Middle East and other markets with a large Muslim population will be encouraged.

3.Changes in Consumer Preferences

• Demand for organic, antibiotic-free and free-range chicken meat and eggs will increase.

• With the spread of plant-based protein alternatives, there may be changes in the demand for poultry meat. 

4.Environmental and Economic Factors

• More sustainable production methods will be developed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

• Fluctuations in feed costs may direct producers to domestic feed sources.

Expected Developments in the Sector in the Coming Years

The following developments are expected to occur in the poultry sector in the next decade:

1. Sustainable Production and Environmentally Friendly Approaches

Poultry farming has advantages over cattle farming in terms of carbon footprint and water consumption. However, in order to minimize environmental impacts:

• Renewable energy sources such as biogas production should be used. 

• New systems should be developed in waste management and fertilizer use. 

• Feed and feeding techniques that reduce water consumption should be implemented.

2. Increasing Food Safety and Health Standards

With increasing consumer awareness, more importance will be given to the use of antibiotics in poultry meat, animal welfare and hygiene issues. In this direction:

• Natural alternatives will be developed to reduce antibiotic use. 

• Free-range and organic chicken production will become widespread. 

• Businesses will attach more importance to international quality certificates.

3. Spread of Technology and Digitalization

Digitalization in poultry farming will be one of the most important factors that increase productivity. In the coming years:

• Automatic feeding and air conditioning systems will become widespread. 

• Production losses will be prevented by disease monitoring with sensor technologies. 

• Feed consumption, growth rates and productivity will be optimized thanks to artificial intelligence-supported data analytics. 

4. Strengthening Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Although large-scale production facilities dominate the sector, the sustainability of small and medium-sized producers should be ensured. For this:

• Cooperatives should be encouraged,

• Low-interest loans should be provided to producers,

• Production costs should be reduced by increasing state support.

Challenges and Solution Suggestions

The poultry sector may face some important challenges in the coming years. These challenges and their proposed solutions are as follows:

1.Increase in Feed Costs

• Alternative feed sources (insect-based proteins, algae-based feeds) should be developed. 

• Domestic corn and soybean production should be encouraged. 

• Efficiency should be increased with feed additives. 

2.Disease Risks and Biosecurity Measures

•Vaccination programs should be expanded to combat epidemic diseases. 

•Biosecurity measures should be increased on farms. 

•Hygiene training should be organized for small businesses. 

3.Climate Change and Environmental Pressures

•Genetic studies should be conducted on heat-resistant poultry species. 

•New technologies that reduce water consumption should be developed, and rainwater collection systems should be encouraged. 

•Innovative projects on waste management and biogas production should be supported.

Poultry farming in Turkiye will continue to grow and develop in the next 10 years. Sustainability in production, food safety, export potential and technology use will be the most important factors determining the future of the sector.

Especially with state support, innovative production models and biosecurity measures, Turkiye can increase its global competitive power in the field of poultry farming. Following policies focused on efficiency, quality and sustainability will ensure the long-term success of the sector.

In this way, Turkiye will be able to continue to meet the needs of the domestic market and be a strong actor in world markets.