Turkey has a dynamic and advanced poultry sector, ranking among the world’s largest producers of poultry meat and eggs. Poultry meat production in Turkey reached approximately 2.38 million tons in 2024. There are more than 15,000 broiler production houses across the country, and the sector’s turnover amounts to 5.5 billion USD. According to 2024 figures, poultry meat exports reached 526 thousand tons.

Over the past twenty years, the sector has played a critical role in meeting the country’s protein needs, increasing employment, and contributing to the agricultural economy. However, on a global scale, climate change, resource scarcity, and the rise of consumer awareness are reshaping the future of the industry, making the concept of “sustainability” inevitable. This article examines the current state of Turkey’s poultry sector and addresses the challenges and opportunities for a sustainable transformation.

Profile of the Turkish Poultry Sector

In Turkey, the poultry sector is largely composed of modern enterprises and large-scale companies operating within an integrated structure. This integration allows the control of the entire chain, from feed production to breeding, from slaughterhouses to marketing.

Key Sectoral Data

• Economic Size: With an annual production of approximately 2.5 million tons of poultry meat and more than 20 billion eggs, the sector meets domestic demand and generates close to 1 billion USD in exports.
• Employment: Directly and indirectly, around 3 million people are employed in raw material supply, feed production, pharmaceuticals and vaccines, auxiliary industries, transportation, marketing, and sales.
• Productivity: Thanks to genetic improvement, modern housing technologies, and automation systems introduced in poultry meat production, productivity has increased each year. Particularly with the spread of Industry 4.0 applications in feed and broiler production, significant gains in efficiency have been achieved.

However, this intensive and fast-paced production model also raises concerns related to environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

The Three Pillars of Sustainability and the Poultry Sector

Sustainability is a holistic approach that simultaneously considers environmental, economic, and social dimensions.

1. Environmental Sustainability

• Resource Use and Feed Ingredients: The largest environmental footprint of the sector arises from feed production. Dependence on raw materials such as corn and soy leads to deforestation (especially for soy) and high water use. Since Turkey is dependent on imports for these inputs, this also poses an economic risk.
• Water Consumption: Significant amounts of water are required for feed crop cultivation, animal hydration, and poultry processing facilities.
• Waste Management and Manure: If not managed properly, poultry manure can contaminate groundwater and release potent greenhouse gases such as methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) into the atmosphere.
• Energy Consumption: Climate-controlled houses, slaughterhouses, and cold chain operations demand high amounts of energy, contributing to increased consumption.
• Biosecurity and Antibiotic Use: Intensive production raises the risk of disease. Uncontrolled antibiotic use can lead to antibiotic resistance, a global threat.

2. Economic Sustainability

• Dependency on Imports: Reliance on imported feed ingredients, breeder chicks, and technology leaves the sector vulnerable to global price shocks and supply chain disruptions.
• Cost Pressures: Volatile exchange rates, rising energy prices, and increasing feed costs challenge profitability.
• Market Diversity: Lack of diversification in export markets or dependence on certain countries may threaten economic sustainability.

3. Social Sustainability

• Animal Welfare: Consumer demand is shifting toward cage-free eggs and free-range poultry systems that prioritize animal welfare. The sector must adapt to these expectations. Deficiencies in animal welfare are still observed in some broiler farms.
• Consumer Health: With rising risks associated with feed and veterinary drugs, demand for safe food is increasing. Misleading public perceptions regarding antibiotic and hormone use also need to be addressed.
• Labor Rights: Improving employment and working conditions in the sector forms the foundation of social sustainability.

Opportunities and Solution Proposals

Turkey has significant opportunities to overcome these challenges and build a sustainable poultry sector.

1. Alternative Feed Sources: Research and encourage the use of domestic alternatives such as canola, sunflower meal, insect protein, and single-cell protein (SCP) to reduce dependence on corn and soy. This would lower the environmental footprint and decrease import dependency.

2. Circular Economy and Waste Management: Poultry manure can be converted into energy in biogas facilities, meeting energy needs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Fermented manure can also be turned into valuable fertilizer for organic farming.

3. Renewable Energy: Installing solar panels and wind turbines in farms and processing plants can lower energy costs and reduce the carbon footprint.

4. Animal Welfare and Biosecurity: Transitioning to cage-free systems, enriched housing, and improved ventilation would enhance animal health. Investments in vaccination and preventive veterinary practices are more effective and sustainable than treatment.

5. Technology and Innovation: AI-powered flock management systems can enable early disease detection, feed optimization, and energy savings. Blockchain technology can provide consumers with transparent “farm-to-fork” traceability.

6. Branding and Marketing: Premium markets can be created for products labeled as “sustainably produced” or “free-range.” This would enhance value-added exports and strengthen economic sustainability.

7. Sectoral Cooperation and Policy Support: Collaboration between government, universities, and the private sector is essential for R&D projects. Policy support is critical for promoting alternative feed sources, incentivizing biogas plants, and expanding sustainable production certifications.

Conclusion

Turkey’s poultry sector plays an indispensable role in the national economy and food security. To sustain its current achievements and ensure its transfer to future generations, transitioning from a traditional production paradigm to a sustainable model is no longer a choice but a necessity.

While this transformation may initially appear costly, in the medium and long term it will lead to resource efficiency, lower costs, healthier animals, consumer trust, and a more resilient sector. Despite the challenges, Turkey’s technological infrastructure, entrepreneurial spirit, and geographical advantages give it the potential to become a regional leader in sustainable poultry production.

The future lies not in producing more, but in producing smarter and more responsibly.

 

      Cem CAĞLAR
Deputy General Manager