In Istanbul, nearly 90% of cultivated farmland is now dedicated to planned agricultural production, with a strong focus on local seed varieties and sustainable farming practices. Despite being a major global urban center, Istanbul holds significant agricultural value and is advancing rapidly in organized farming, emphasizing the use of nationally developed seeds and environmentally conscious methods.
The city’s agricultural sector spans a total of 87,000 hectares, with approximately 74,600 hectares actively cultivated. Rural districts such as Silivri, Çatalca, Arnavutköy, Şile, Beykoz, and Büyükçekmece are the main farming hubs where production thrives. These areas reflect the city’s blend of urban dynamism and agricultural tradition, where farmers continue to grow a variety of crops and raise livestock.
One of the key strategies behind Istanbul’s agricultural growth is the prioritization of local seed varieties. In recent years, 80% of seeds distributed to farmers have been produced domestically, helping to strengthen national agricultural resources and reduce reliance on imported seeds. This year’s distribution included sunflower seeds developed through national research efforts, showcasing a commitment to supporting homegrown agricultural innovation.
The city’s adoption of a nationwide Agricultural Production Planning system, implemented since 2024, has further accelerated this progress. This system, which began with fisheries and livestock before expanding to crop production, encourages more efficient and sustainable farming practices. Currently, 90% of Istanbul’s cultivated farmland operates under this planned production model. Farmers engaged in planned production benefit from enhanced government support, receiving full subsidies for fuel costs and half for fertilizer expenses. In contrast, conventional producers receive only partial subsidies, incentivizing farmers to embrace the planned system.
Water resource management has become a central component of this agricultural planning. Aligning crop selection with available water supplies helps prevent losses during drought periods and promotes long-term sustainability. This water-conscious approach is vital given the challenges posed by climate variability and the increasing need to conserve natural resources.
In 2025, a total of 1.4 million seedlings were distributed among farmers in Istanbul, with sunflower, canola, wheat, and barley forming the core of crop production. Alongside these crops, producers received government support in the form of diesel, fertilizer, and oilseed subsidies, contributing to improved yields and farm income.
Certain districts have developed niche agricultural specialties that highlight Istanbul’s diverse farming landscape. Şile has emerged as a center for aromatic plants and flax cultivation, with flax production now covering 230 decares and positioning Istanbul as the country’s second-largest flax producer. The districts of Şile and Beykoz are also significant hazelnut producers, with more than 21,000 decares dedicated to this lucrative crop. In Silivri, the “Ormanlı rice” is cultivated over 2,900 decares and has recently gained a geographical indication certificate, boosting its market profile and protecting its unique identity.
Beyond crop production, Istanbul plays a major role in fisheries and aquaculture, leveraging its extensive 661 kilometers of coastline along the Marmara and Black Seas. The city hosts nearly 2,000 licensed fishing boats and employs about 18,000 registered fishers, who supply fresh seafood directly to consumers.
In livestock farming, Istanbul is home to over 80,000 cattle and nearly 170,000 sheep and goats. The city is particularly notable for its water buffalo population, with 13,000 animals ranking Istanbul third nationwide in buffalo numbers and first in value-added buffalo products. Districts like Silivri, Çatalca, and Arnavutköy serve as key buffalo farming centers, and the city’s buffalo yogurt has received geographical indication status, highlighting its distinctive quality.
Istanbul also functions as a vital hub for food production and trade. It hosts nearly 134,000 food enterprises, accounting for 18% of the country’s total, and conducts more than 230,000 food safety inspections annually. In 2024 alone, over one million visits were made to food businesses for inspections and advisory services, underscoring the city’s commitment to consumer safety.
In terms of trade, Istanbul accounted for a quarter of the nation’s food exports and over half of its food and feed imports by transaction volume in 2024. The city’s efficient handling of these operations reinforces its strategic importance in Türkiye’s food supply chain.
Through the integration of local seed use, planned agricultural production, resource management, and rigorous food safety measures, Istanbul is strengthening its dual identity as a global metropolis and a dynamic agricultural and rural development center. These efforts ensure that the city remains a key player in Türkiye’s food security and agricultural sustainability for years to come.
