The 20th International Congress and Exhibition of TUSAF to Be Held Under the Theme “Climate Resilience and the Future of Trade”

Organized by the Turkish Flour Industrialists’ Federation (TUSAF), the 20th International Congress and Exhibition will take place on 12–15 February 2026 at Kaya Palazzo Belek Hotel / Antalya. Held under the theme “Climate Resilience and the Future of Trade,” the event will address the industry’s roadmap across a broad spectrum ranging from flour, pasta, and feed industries to global grain trade.

Maintaining its position as the world’s leading flour exporter for the past 11 consecutive years, Türkiye aims through this major gathering not only to reinforce its strength in global competition, but also to foster a common vision on critical issues such as climate change, trade policies, and production efficiency.

ÇAKMAK: “ADAPTING TO CHANGE IS ESSENTIAL TO SUSTAIN OUR LEADERSHIP”

Commenting on the congress, Mehmet Mesut Çakmak, Chairman of the Board of TUSAF, emphasized that the Turkish flour industry holds a strong global position in terms of production technology and product quality. Noting that global leadership was once again confirmed in 2025 with exports of approximately 2.5 million tons, Çakmak delivered the following message:

“In the face of economic fluctuations, the climate crisis, and changing trade dynamics, we must strengthen our sectoral resilience. As TUSAF, our goal is not only to address today’s challenges, but also to develop solutions that will shape the future. Our 20th congress will serve as a strategic meeting point to reinforce the shared vision of our industry.”

Çakmak also underlined the importance of cooperation among the public sector, private sector, and academia to ensure more efficient use of Anatolia’s wheat heritage and to enhance productivity and quality.

FROM ECONOMIC POLICIES TO GRAIN TRADE

Following the opening and protocol speeches on Friday, 13 February, the first session of the congress will focus on economic policies in Türkiye and globally. Prof. Dr. Hakan Kara, Faculty Member at Bilkent University and former Chief Economist of the Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye, will evaluate the global economic outlook, monetary policies, and their impacts on the real sector.

The second key session of the day will address Türkiye’s grain markets and trade. Moderated by Prof. Dr. Aykut Gül, the panel will bring together representatives from the Ministry of Trade, the Turkish Grain Board (TMO), the National Grain Council, leading figures from the feed and pasta industries, and international trade stakeholders to examine developments in domestic and global markets from a multidimensional perspective.

HEALTHY NUTRITION, DIGITALIZATION, AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

On the first day of the congress, the importance of whole wheat for a healthy society will also be discussed from the perspective of the General Directorate of Food Control. Dr. Ersin Dilber will share current approaches related to food safety, inspection mechanisms, and consumer awareness.

In the final session of the day, digital solutions offered by artificial intelligence will be explored. Prof. Dr. Keramettin Tezcan will present examples illustrating the impact of AI-supported systems on decision-making processes in finance and production.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND GLOBAL MARKETS IN FOCUS

On Saturday, 14 February, energy efficiency and smart processes aimed at enhancing competitiveness in production and trade will take center stage. With contributions from TMO, academia, and international policy representatives, sustainable production models and practices that reduce environmental impact will be discussed.

A panel held the same day will comprehensively examine the licensed warehousing system, its relationship with the sector, and its effects on markets.

Later in the day, the session titled “The Search for a New Balance in Global Grain Markets” will evaluate developments in Europe, Russia, and the Black Sea region, along with international trade balances and price formation mechanisms, with the participation of both international and domestic experts.

CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND THE FUTURE OF TRADE

In the final session of the congress, the relationship between climate change and trade will be addressed from a multidisciplinary perspective. Prof. Dr. Levent Kurnaz from Boğaziçi University, together with representatives from the World Trade Organization (WTO) and UNDP, as well as experts in finance and meteorology, will share insights on the impacts of climate risks on agriculture and food trade, along with adaptation strategies.

THE LARGEST GATHERING OF THE SECTOR

The 20th International Congress and Exhibition of TUSAF will continue to stand out as one of Türkiye’s largest food and grain industry events, with participation from more than 1,400 domestic and international delegates, over 40 exhibition stands, and more than 500 companies. The congress will be conducted in Turkish, English, and Russian.