TURKIYE AGRICULTURE - Page 1 - Agricultural Structure Historically, the agricultural sector has been Turkey’s largest employer and a major contributor to the country’s GDP, exports and industrial growth. However, as the country has developed, the importance of agriculture has declined relative to the rapidly growing industry and services sectors. Although the share of agriculture in the Turkish economy has tended to fall over a period of several decades due to the increase in industrial and services sectors, it still accounts for a relatively larger share of total output and employment than in many other countries. Agriculture’s share of GDP declined from 35% in 1970 to 22% in 1980 and to 13% in 2003 (first three quarters).   Although the importance of agriculture within the GDP decreases with respect to years, a great part of the population is still earning their living from agriculture. Crop production represents 67% of the total agricultural production, livestock represents 26% and the rest comprises forestry and fishery products. Turkey is the largest producer and exporter of agricultural products in the Near East and North African region. Despite the overall trade deficit of Turkey, the agricultural trade balance is significantly positive, providing some relief to external accounts. Trade liberalization and rising demand in the region resulted in agricultural product exports (excluding agroindustry) rising to a value of approximately US$ 2.5 billion in 2003 and accounted for 5.3% of Turkey’s total export earnings.

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