Turkish market is open for CB breeding sector with high potential

Estonian, Latvian and Finnish farmers associations continue cooperation in the framework of “BreedExpo2” project in finding new export markets for breeding sector. One of the target markets is Turkey , which has high potential for export of breeding materials.

The representatives of project partners visited Izmir region in Turkey in 30.01-01.02.24, incl. visits to local farms. During the visit the project delegation received good overview about current situation and future perspectives of local animal husbandry sector. Project delegation visited also the biggest agricultural exhibition in the region “AgroExpo 2024”. Next year project “BreedExpo2” is planning to participate in this exhibition with common stand.

The strength of Central Baltic region in Turkish market is that our livestock health is good, especially regarding infectious diseases. It is important that the animals reach the destination country infection free. About 90% of local dairy farmers use artificial insemination, so Turkey has high potential for breeding material export, the first agreements and transactions are being concluded. Compared to other target markets, the level of Turkish dairy farms is high both in terms of animal welfare and feeding. Farmers strive for a higher dry matter content in milk production, especially those who process their own milk into dairy products. In that way it possible to use the full potential of breeding animals exported from Central Baltic countries in milk production. The goal of the visited farms is to offer good genetics to other farms in Turkey. For beef cattle sector, the import of animals from European countries is currently suspended based on Turkish national decisions.

The Central Baltic area is one of the most successful regions in the world in dairy cattle breeding. It means that in our livestock and breeding sectors are the healthiest cows, the animals have excellent genetics, the highest milk production and the least amount of antibiotics and hormones are used.