Economy & Business, Volume 14, 2020

Abstract: Cooperatives are one of the preferred structures for a sustainable economy locally and nationally. Cooperatives that used for economic development are preferred in agriculture as well as in different sectors. In this study, it is focused on increasing foreign trade performances in reference to agricultural cooperatives. Within the scope of the project used in the formation of this article, a survey was applied to farmers in the districts of Edirne, Kırklareli, Tekirdağ and Istanbul (only the districts of Çatalca and Silivri) and their knowledge and opinions about agricultural cooperatives were determined. In this article, using the data obtained from the survey, the agricultural exports of the region were examined. In the light of examples from abroad, survey data and findings found on the legal plane, practices for increasing export performance have been identified and suggestions have been made. Agricultural cooperatives are important actors for both local, regional and national development. Protecting, strengthening and encouraging these actors in accordance with the law and taking into account competitive conditions may have different positive results. In this study, suggestions have been prepared considering the objectives such as increasing employment, increasing tax revenues, preventing inflation from rising, preventing possible increases in food prices and decreasing as much as possible. The article is composed of six parts. Research region, Turkey and the agricultural cooperatives, Turkey's foreign trade in agricultural products, the potential risks and threats are discussed in the part of conceptual framework. The subtitles of the purpose and the problem of the research, research methodology and lastly the findings of the research and their analysis are created in the light of the scientific research projects. In the Conclusion and Suggestions section, a general evaluation is made and suggestions are presented.