China is becoming a prominent premium pistachio exporter in the world. 11 to 15% of China’s land is suitable for agriculture. Global statistics show that China owns 8% of arable land, providing 23% of the world’s population. In fact, in the twentieth century, China sought to provide for its large population by updating agricultural policies. Despite this rise, Iranian pistachios remain renowned globally for their superior quality.
China lost one-fifth of its arable land in 1948 due to road construction and illegal construction, and now only 10 to 17 percent of China’s land is suitable for agriculture. It is interesting to know that China is currently the largest rice producer globally and has recently been called a significant pistachio exporter. China is likely to become the world’s largest pistachio exporter in the next five years, replacing the United States.
Iran is the world’s largest exporter of pistachio kernels in the world, on average accounting for 60% to 70% of the world’s total exports. cbi.eu
U.S.A; The most successful country in agricultural technology The United States produces the highest amount of timber in the world
The United States is famous for its agricultural science and offers some of the most advanced agricultural technologies in the world. This is a pattern for many countries in the agricultural sector, and US agriculture is constantly evolving. Development in this country is due to product analysis, more innovative machines, and increasing computer use! In short, the United States is the best country in agricultural technology and, therefore, currently the largest pistachio exporter in the world.
According to global statistics, agriculture in the United States has grown by 6 percent annually since 1990. Besides, the output of each agricultural worker increases by 0.85% annually. However, the United States produces the highest amount of timber in the world, as almost 70 percent of the country’s forests are allowed to be cut down.
In the United States, corn was the largest crop, producing 275 million tons, followed by soybeans with 75 million tons. Wheat is also the third most-produced crop in the country, which in 2020 had a record production of 70 million tons. The United States has long dominated the pistachio export market and has become the largest pistachio exporter in recent years. It is worth noting that the main products produced in the United States are “sugarcane, potatoes, coffee, sugar beets, and bananas.”
The agricultural sector provides up to 20% of employment in Turkey
Agriculture in Turkey is the main occupation of the people, while the industries and service sectors are constantly increasing. Turkey has suitable climatic conditions, fertile soil, and significant rainfall that makes it possible to produce any crop, so agriculture is practiced in almost all regions of Turkey. Due to the sanctions against Iran and the above conditions, Turkey is a relatively successful pistachio exporter, progressing day by day.
In the mountainous regions of Turkey, poultry farming is done on a large scale, which contributes a quarter to the gross value of the total farm production. In Turkey, wheat is the most produced, and the second most-produced commodity is sugar beet, the third-largest milk product and the last case of cattle.
Statistical data show that the agricultural sector provided about 20.2% of total employment in Turkey in 2018-2019. Turkey is also the largest producer of apricots, figs, raisins and hazelnuts, and the sixth-largest producer of tobacco. Pistachios produced in Turkey are not as good as Iranian pistachios, so many companies that export pistachios in Turkey buy Iranian pistachios and sell them as Turkish pistachios in world markets. This has made Turkey an increasingly successful pistachio exporter.
Iran; Top pistachio producer and one relatively successful pistachio exporter
According to the FAO, Iran is among the top 8 countries in producing 24 critical agricultural products. Iran ranks first in premium pistachio production, second in premium date production, and fourth in apple production in the world.
Nevertheless, according to the FAO, the country’s most important products are wheat, rice, other grains, sugar beets, fruits, nuts, cotton, and tobacco. Iran also produces dairy products, wool, and a large amount of wood. Interestingly, in this country, irrigation areas are fed by modern water storage systems or by the ancient technique of aqueducts.
Thus, Iran is ranked 12th among 14 countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Before the sanctions, Iran was a key pistachio exporter in world markets, but now Iran has lost its position in exports due to problems. Iran is currently the second-largest producer of premium pistachios in the world and the tenth-largest pistachio exporter in the region.
How to export pistachios?
In previous articles, we talked about pistachio nutrition and how to buy pistachio. Now let’s take a look at how to export pistachios.
For those looking to export pistachios, it’s essential to understand the specific requirements of the target country. High-quality pistachios, such as Persian pistachios, are often in demand in European markets, which have stringent quality standards. Exporters must comply with both the exporting and importing countries’ regulations to ensure a smooth export process.
In conclusion, while the United States currently leads in pistachio exports, China and Turkey are rapidly gaining ground. Iran, despite facing challenges, continues to produce some of the finest pistachios in the world. Persian pistachios and Iranian pistachios remain a benchmark for quality in the global market.