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

Abstract

The COVID-19, which entered human lives unexpectedly and spread quickly, has resulted innumerous 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 countriesbut also resulted in several social and economic transformation for producers and consumersin various sectors. Changes in food supply and food prices became increasingly noticeablethroughout the pandemic period. Especially, during the periods of full lockdown, breakdowns wereidentified because of the interruption of economic activities. With shrinking labor markets anddisruptions 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 byCOVID-19. The current study examined the changes in food prices, food trade, and the labor forcein Turkey throughout the pandemic period using Turkish Statistical Institute data and comparedthe findings to the pre-COVID-19 period. Moreover, the trend of data was evaluated, as were theexistence of any breaks or changes that may have occurred in data during the full lockdownperiods. The conclusions are intended to provide a general framework for the current situation ofCOVID-19 in Turkey with regards to food prices and food trade and to offer policy recommendationsfor future periods. The conclusions of the study are expected to serve as a guide for policymakersand sector stakeholders.