Turkey has eased phytosanitary requirements for Russian wheat

Turkey has eased phytosanitary requirements for wheat imports from Russia, removing two species of common bunt pathogens from the list of organisms whose absence was previously mandatory for grain shipments.

On August 4, 2026, Turkey introduced new phytosanitary requirements for imported wheat. Initially, the list of prohibited pathogens included five species of fungi from the Tilletia genus, with laboratory testing required to confirm their presence or absence in grain.

Following talks between the Russian and Turkish sides in Ankara in July and Moscow in August, the requirements for Russian grain were revised. Turkey agreed to remove two common bunt pathogens — Tilletia caries and Tilletia laevis — from the mandatory list.

As a result, the presence of these two pathogens will no longer prevent Russian wheat from entering the Turkish market. Restrictions remain in place for the other three species — Tilletia barclayana, Tilletia indica and Tilletia controversa.

Turkey remains an important market for Russian wheat. The easing of phytosanitary rules simplifies access for Russian grain, as some shipments that previously might have failed to meet import requirements due to the detection of common bunt can now be accepted.

Tags: Russia, Turkey, wheat, phytosanitary requirements