An Analysis of the COVID-19 Impact on Turkey's Food Sector

International Istanbul Economic Research Conference, İstanbul, Türkiye, 18 - 20 Kasım 2021, ss.80

The COVID-19, which entered human lives unexpectedly and spread quickly, has resulted in

numerous deaths, as well as has had a profound socio-economic impact on the entire world.

The pandemic not only has had a significant negative impact on the economies of the countries

but also resulted in several social and economic transformation for producers and consumers

in various sectors. Changes in food supply and food prices became increasingly noticeable

throughout the pandemic period. Especially, during the periods of full lockdown, breakdowns were

identified because of the interruption of economic activities. With shrinking labor markets and

disruptions in raw material supply as a result of the pandemic›s influence on trade, the food sector,

which provides one of the most fundamental human necessities, has been severely impacted by

COVID-19. The current study examined the changes in food prices, food trade, and the labor force

in Turkey throughout the pandemic period using Turkish Statistical Institute data and compared

the findings to the pre-COVID-19 period. Moreover, the trend of data was evaluated, as were the

existence of any breaks or changes that may have occurred in data during the full lockdown

periods. The conclusions are intended to provide a general framework for the current situation of

COVID-19 in Turkey with regards to food prices and food trade and to offer policy recommendations

for future periods. The conclusions of the study are expected to serve as a guide for policymakers

and sector stakeholders.