January 4, 2024

US Grains Council explores growing aquaculture interest in Turkey

Ramy Taieb, the regional director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) at the United States Grains Council, recently visited Turkey in a move to understand and support the country‘s expanding interest in aquaculture, Ethanol Producer Magazine reported.

His visit aimed at delving into Turkey's rising demand for corn-fermented protein and high-protein distiller‘s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) linked to aquaculture cultivation.

In Turkey, Taieb closely monitored an ongoing aquaculture feeding trial sponsored by the Council and its partners. This trial, hosted at Aydin Adnan Menderes University, is the second of its kind and focuses on assessing the nutritional health impact of incorporating corn co-products into the diets of seabass and seabream.

Taieb expressed the importance of quality research in increasing consumer awareness of the value that new products and techniques can bring to the agricultural supply chain. Anticipating positive outcomes, he believes the study will demonstrate the significant value of US corn co-products as additives in aquaculture diets, potentially paving the way for increased US exports to Turkey.

Formal unveiling of the trial results is scheduled for the Barcelona Aqua Conference, set to take place from April 2024. During his visit, Taieb also engaged in discussions with the dean of the university‘s faculty of agriculture, exploring opportunities for further collaboration in aquaculture research and training programmes in Turkey and the surrounding region.

The US Grains Council has actively introduced US DDGS producers and exporters to the Turkish market, complementing the trials and educational initiatives for Turkish industry leaders. The efforts have yielded positive results, with Turkey importing 673 metric tonnes of DDGS from January to September this year, of which 75% originated from the US.

Taieb also attended the Feed Grains, Fats, and Oils Conference in Istanbul. Joined by USGC consultants and US Department of Agriculture Foreign Agriculture Service staff, the group engaged with crucial supply chain stakeholders, including importers, traders, and major end-users of US corn co-products. These interactions aimed at gaining insights into their future needs and fostering stronger ties for market development and trade enhancement.

-      Ethanol Producer Magazine