Projections and Recommendations for the Next 10 Years of Turkish Dairy Farming

Turkiye is one of the countries with great potential in terms of agriculture and animal husbandry. Dairy farming, in particular, is a strategic sector in terms of both meeting the needs of the domestic market and contributing to the national economy through exports. Although milk production in Turkiye is largely based on small and medium-sized family businesses, there has also been an increase in the number of large farms in recent years.

In the next 10 years, the dairy farming sector will be affected by many factors such as global economic dynamics, technological developments, consumer habits and government policies. In this context, it is of great importance to foresee possible developments in the sector and develop strategies accordingly.

Projection for the Next 10 Years of Dairy Farming in Turkiye

Milk consumption in Turkiye is increasing day by day with the spread of healthy eating habits. Milk and dairy products are among the indispensable foods because they contain important nutrients for human health. However, the sector aims to play an active role in global markets not only by addressing domestic demand but also by increasing its export potential.

Increasing efficiency in milk production will be one of the most important goals in the next 10 years. For this:

•Expansion of modern farm management systems,

•More investment in genetic improvement studies,

•Adoption of feeding techniques that increase milk yield,

•Increased state support for the sector is required.

A 20 to 30 percent increase in milk production is expected in Turkiye by 2030. The main reason for this is the increasing prevalence of advanced farm management systems and modern production techniques, as well as the sustainable implementation of government support.

However, changes in consumer trends will be one of the most important factors shaping the sector. The demand for organic and natural dairy products is increasing. Consumers are showing more interest in dairy products produced with natural methods and with low hormone and antibiotic use. This trend will encourage producers to switch to sustainable and natural production methods.

In addition, environmental factors such as global warming and climate change will have a decisive effect on the sector. Drought and the decrease in water resources directly affect feed production and animal husbandry activities. Therefore, the effective use of water resources and sustainable agricultural policies will be among the critical issues for the sector in the coming period.

Developments Expected in the Sector in the Coming Years

Some fundamental changes are expected in the dairy farming sector in the next decade. The following stand out among these:

1. Increased Productivity and Modernization

•It is expected that milk yield per animal will increase thanks to genetic selection and breeding studies. 

•With the widespread use of automation systems in milking, it is anticipated that the need for labor will decrease and production processes will become more efficient. 

•Standardization in production will be achieved with the widespread use of large-scale integrated farms. 

2.Increase in Exports

•The increase in demand for milk and dairy products in the Middle Eastern and Asian markets will enable Turkiye to expand its export capacity. 

•Increasing quality standards in milk production during the harmonization process with the European Union will pave the way for exports. 

•Competitiveness will be increased with increased investments in high value-added dairy products.

3.Change in Consumer Preferences

•Demand for organic, natural and probiotic dairy products will increase. 

•Packaged milk consumption will become widespread and sensitivity to hygiene standards will increase. 

•Plant-based milk alternatives will start to find more space in the market. 

4.Combating Environmental and Economic Challenges

•Domestic feed production needs to be encouraged due to the increase in feed costs. 

•Water-saving production models will be developed by considering environmental factors such as drought and water problems. 

•Supporting small-scale producers through cooperatives will make the sector more sustainable.

Challenges and Solution Suggestions

One of the biggest challenges facing the dairy farming sector is high costs. In particular, the constant increase in feed prices negatively affects the profitability of producers. To prevent this:

•Alternative feed sources should be developed and domestic feed production should be encouraged.

•Government incentives should be increased and producers should be provided with low-cost feed and equipment support. 

•Regulations should be implemented to prevent milk price fluctuations and farmers' income stability should be protected.

Technological transformation also stands out as an important issue in the sector. Digitalization provides great advantages in monitoring animal health, increasing milk yield and business management. 

•The health status of animals should be monitored instantly using sensor technologies. 

•Milk production efficiency should be increased with artificial intelligence-supported analysis systems. 

•Producers should be adapted to new technologies through training and awareness-raising activities.

The Turkish dairy farming sector has a significant growth potential in the next 10 years with correct planning and strategic investments. For the sustainability of the sector, state support, technological innovations, consideration of environmental factors and adoption of production methods suitable for consumer demands are required.

With the implementation of modern techniques that increase efficiency, support for small producers and expansion of export markets, Turkiye can become a global player in the milk and dairy products sector. Encouraging sustainable, efficient and high-quality production models will contribute greatly to both the country's economy and the development of the agricultural sector.