• ÖZER MATLI: “AGRICULTURE MUST BE ADDRESSED AS A STRATEGIC PRIORITY”
• MATLI: “THE STRATEGIC VISION IN THE DEFENSE INDUSTRY SHOULD ALSO BE REFLECTED IN AGRICULTURE”
Drawing attention to the 8.8 percent contraction in the agricultural sector while the Turkish economy grew by 3.6 percent, Bursa TB Board Chairman Özer Matlı emphasized the strategic importance of food supply security and pointed out the importance of adapting the national technology initiative and strategic approach demonstrated in the defense industry to the agricultural sector as well.
Bursa Commodity Exchange Board Chairman Özer Matlı made evaluations regarding the 2025 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data announced by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK). Stating that the Turkish economy recorded a growth rate of 3.6 percent throughout 2025, Chairman Matlı expressed that the 8.8 percent contraction in the agricultural sector has made structural needs more visible.
“Balanced reflection of economic growth across all sectors is important”
Chairman Özer Matlı noted that, when examining the activities constituting GDP, the construction sector grew by 10.8 percent, information and communication activities by 8 percent, and industry by 2.9 percent. Matlı said, “While our economy maintains its overall growth trend, the contraction in the agricultural sector, which is the guarantee of our food supply security, indicates the need for more comprehensive and long-term policies in this field. For sustainable development, it is of great importance that growth is reflected across all sectors in a balanced manner.”
“We must seize the opportunity for structural transformation in agriculture”
Stating that the situation in the agricultural sector should be evaluated within the framework of a comprehensive transformation need beyond seasonal effects and climate conditions, Chairman Özer Matlı said, “In a picture where GDP per capita has risen to 18,040 US dollars, the fact that agriculture has contracted to this extent makes the sector’s long-standing structural transformation need more visible. We should regard this picture as an opportunity to make agriculture stronger and more competitive. Holistic solutions must be developed on issues ranging from input costs to production planning. Agriculture, just like the defense industry, is a strategic sector for a country. Sustainable food production is one of the fundamental elements of social welfare and economic independence,” he said.
A strategic approach for food supply security
Stating that as Bursa Ticaret Borsası they are carrying out efforts to increase the added value of production through projects such as the Food Specialized Organized Industrial Zone, Chairman Matlı said, “The national technology initiative and strategic focus implemented in the defense industry is an inspiring model for the agricultural sector as well. Food security is a strategic issue in today’s world. It is of great importance to implement reforms that support our producers, increase agricultural added value, and redirect young people back to the land. Strengthening agricultural support mechanisms with a strategic investment perspective is a critical step for the sustainability of the sector. It is our shared responsibility to ensure that agriculture gains a strong and resilient structure so that every 1 percent loss experienced in production today does not return tomorrow as inflationary pressure,” he stated.