Barley Technical Specification

Last updated: 2026-09-17

Executive Summary

Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is a major cereal crop cultivated in Turkey for food, feed, and brewing applications. Turkish barley is known for high quality, consistent protein content, and excellent malting characteristics. This technical specification covers all barley types grown in Turkey including feeding barley, food barley, and malting barley.

Key Features:

• Turkish Production: 3.5-4.0 million MT annual harvest


• Growing Regions: Central Anatolia (Kayseri, Kırşehir, Nevşehir), Eastern Anatolia (Erzurum, Erzincan), Marmara Region


• Growing Season: November to May (winter barley), September to May (spring barley)


• Export Markets: Balkans, Middle East, Central Asia, North Africa

• Botanical Classification & Varieties: Full taxonomy and major cultivars


• Technical Specifications: Moisture, protein, test weight, impurities, foreign material


• Growing & Harvesting: Agronomy, irrigation, pest management, harvest protocols


• Processing & Grading: Cleaning, sorting, grading standards


• Packaging & Storage: Bagged, bulk, container loading specifications


• Logistics & Transportation: Domestic and international shipping protocols


• Market Analysis: Regional pricing, demand trends, export opportunities


• Compliance & Certifications: TSE, EU, GCC, and international standards

1. Technical Specifications

1.1 Mandatory Quality Parameters

1.2 Physical Characteristics

Kernel Characteristics:

• Shape: Oblong to elongated


• Size: 4-8 mm length, 2-3 mm width, 1-2 mm thickness


• Color: Pale yellow to golden, uniform color


• Surface: Smooth, clean, no cracks


• Germination Rate: ≥95% (for seed grade), ≥85% (for feed/food)

• Fresh Harvest: 580-620 g/L


• Dried (14% moisture): 620-650 g/L


• Maximum: 680 g/L (premium grade)

• Angle of Repose: 30-35 degrees


• Static Coefficient: 0.35-0.45


• Dynamic Coefficient: 0.25-0.35

1.3 Heavy Metal Limits (TSE 10546)

1.4 Microbiological Limits

1.5 Pest Infestation Limits

2. Botanical Classification & Varieties

2.1 Taxonomy

Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
Subfamily: Pooideae
Tribe: Triticeae
Genus: Hordeum
Species: H. vulgare L. Send the barley class, the test weight and the tonnage you need and we will quote Turkish barley with the analysis attached: request a quote.

2.2 Major Varieties in Turkey

Feeding Barley Varieties:

• Ağrı 98: High yielding, disease resistant, protein 11-13%


• Malatya 95: Early maturity, good forage quality


• Erzurum 92: Cold tolerant, protein 10-12%


• Karaman 90: Drought tolerant, protein 12-14%

• Nevşehir 99: Hulled barley, protein 13-15%


• Konya 96: Pearl barley, protein 12-14%


• Kayseri 94: Quick-cooking, protein 11-13%

• Golden Promise: Two-row, high diastatic power


• Propino: Six-row, excellent modification


• Morex: Two-row, low protein for beer production


• Vlaming: Two-row, high malt yield

• Malting Barley: Specific gravity ≥1.28 g/cm³ (1000 ml graduated cylinder test)


• Feed Barley: Specific gravity ≥1.20 g/cm³


• Food Barley: Specific gravity ≥1.25 g/cm³

3. Growing & Harvesting

3.1 Agronomy

Climate Requirements:

• Temperature: 15-25°C during growing season


• Frost Tolerance: -8°C (mature plants), -3°C (tillering stage)


• Growing Degree Days: 1,800-2,200 °C


• Frost-Free Period: Minimum 120 days

• pH Range: 6.0-7.5 (optimal)


• Soil Type: Loam, sandy loam, clay loam


• Drainage: Well-drained, no waterlogging


• Organic Matter: 2-4% minimum

• Water Requirement: 300-450 mm per season


• Irrigation Events: 2-4 times depending on rainfall


• Method: Surface irrigation, sprinkler, drip


• Critical Stages: Tillering, booting, flowering

3.2 Planting & Growth Stages

Planting Time:

• Winter Barley: October 15 - November 30 (Turkey)


• Spring Barley: February 15 - March 31 (mountainous regions)

• Broadcast: 120-150 kg/ha


• Drill: 100-120 kg/ha


• Row Spacing: 12.5-25 cm

• Stage 1: Leaf development (1-9 leaves)


• Stage 2: Stem elongation (tillering to jointing)


• Stage 3: Booting (ear development)


• Stage 4: Heading (ear emergence)


• Stage 5: Flowering (anthesis)


• Stage 6: Grain development (milk, dough, ripe)


• Stage 7: Ripening (physiological maturity)

3.3 Pest & Disease Management

Major Pests:

• Aphids: Transmit barley yellow dwarf virus


• Armyworm: Defoliates plants


• Cutworms: Damage seedlings


• Grasshoppers: Feed on leaves and grains

• Powdery Mildew: Erysiphe graminis (fungicide control)


• Net Blotch: Pyrenophora teres (resistant varieties)


• Bacterial Leaf Spot: Xanthomonas campestris


• Rusts: Stem rust (Puccinia graminis), Stripe rust (P. striiformis)

• Cultural Control: Crop rotation, sanitation, resistant varieties


• Biological Control: Natural predators, biopesticides


• Chemical Control: Fungicides, insecticides (following pre-harvest intervals)

3.4 Harvesting

Maturity Indicators:

• Moisture Content: 18-20% (mechanical harvesting)


• Color Change: Golden yellow, straw dry


• Kernel Hardness: Hard, glassy appearance


• Germination Test: ≥85%

• Combine Harvester: Adjust for barley (lower cutting height)


• Harvester Settings: Cylinder speed 500-700 RPM, concave clearance 15-20 mm


• Losses: <1% acceptable

• Drying: To 14% moisture within 24 hours


• Cooling: To ambient temperature within 48 hours


• Cleaning: Remove chaff, stones, debris


• Storage: Dry, well-ventilated bins

4. Processing & Grading

4.1 Cleaning & Sorting

Primary Cleaning:

• Sieve Machines: Remove stones, large debris


• Aspirators: Remove light impurities (chaff, straw)


• Wind Selectors: Separate by weight


• Color Sorters: Remove discolored kernels (optional)

• De-stoners: Remove stones, earth clods


• Scourers: Clean seed surface


• Graders: Size separation (sieves, magnets)

• Cleaned Barley: ≥98% purity


• Stone Content: ≤0.05%


• Metal Content: ≤1 ppm (magnetic separation)

4.2 Grading Standards (TSE 10532)

Grade I (Premium):

• Moisture ≤13.0%


• Test weight ≥640 g/L


• Protein 12-14%


• Foreign material ≤0.5%


• Broken kernels ≤1.0%


• Green/discolored ≤0.3%


• Odorous/decayed ≤0.1%

• Moisture ≤14.0%


• Test weight ≥620 g/L


• Protein 10-13%


• Foreign material ≤1.0%


• Broken kernels ≤2.0%


• Green/discolored ≤0.5%


• Odorous/decayed ≤0.2%

• Moisture ≤15.0%


• Test weight ≥600 g/L


• Protein 8-12%


• Foreign material ≤1.5%


• Broken kernels ≤3.0%


• Green/discolored ≤1.0%


• Odorous/decayed ≤0.5%

4.3 Special Grades

Hulled Barley (Dehulled):

• Hull content ≤2%


• Protein 13-15%


• Moisture ≤13%


• Test weight ≥630 g/L

• Hull removed, bran layer partially removed


• Cooking time reduced by 50%


• Protein 11-13%


• Moisture ≤13%

• Protein 9-11% (low protein for beer)


• Germination energy ≥95%


• Extract yield ≥38%


• Diastatic power 140-180WK


• friability ≥45%

5. Packaging & Storage

5.1 Packaging Options

50 kg PP Woven Bags:

• Material: 100% virgin polypropylene, 100-120 g/m²


• Lining: PE inner liner (20-30 μm) for moisture barrier


• Tensile Strength: ≥130 N/50mm (warp), ≥110 N/50mm (weft)


• Sealing: Heat-sealed or stitched (double stitch recommended)


• Labeling: Grade, batch number, weight, origin

• Type: Type A (standard) or Type D (static-safe)


• Safety Factor: 5:1 or 6:1


• Dimensions: ~90 × 90 × 100 cm


• Filling Capacity: 900-1000 kg (bulk density dependent)


• Discharge: Bottom spout or full bottom opening

• Material: Paper or multi-layer composite


• Barrier: Standard film (aluminum foil not required for feed)


• Sealing: Heat-sealed or adhesive tape


• Labeling: Grade, weight, usage instructions

5.2 Container Loading Specifications

20ft GP Container:

• Internal Dimensions: 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m


• Volume: 33 m³


• Max Gross Weight: 30,480 kg


• Payload Capacity: ~28,000 kg

• Bulk density: ~650 kg/m³ (dried barley)


• Maximum loading: 21-22 MT (90-95% of payload)


• Container volume utilization: 70-75%

• Bags per layer: 4 rows × 5 bags = 20 bags


• Bags per pallet: 20 bags (1 MT)


• Pallets per layer: 12 pallets (600 kg each)


• Total layers: 10-11 layers


• Total weight: 12-13 MT (net barley)

Moisture Control:

• Container Humidity: <65% RH at loading


• Desiccant: 4-8 kg calcium chloride (optional)


• Temperature: 15-25°C during loading


• Ventilation: Closed during voyage (prevent moisture ingress)

5.3 Storage Requirements

Warehouse Specifications:

• Temperature: 10-25°C (optimal), max 35°C (avoid heating)


• Humidity: <70% RH (critical for mold prevention)


• Ventilation: 4-6 air changes per hour


• Floor: Concrete, raised 15 cm minimum (pallets or racks)


• Pest Control: Regular fumigation, pest monitoring

• Capacity: 500-5000 MT per bin


• Material: Steel or concrete


• Drying: Optional internal aeration system


• Monitoring: Temperature probes, moisture sensors

• Short-term (0-3 months): Standard warehouse


• Medium-term (3-6 months): Controlled environment


• Long-term (6-12 months): Nitrogen flushing or CO₂ treatment


• Maximum: 12 months with quality monitoring

6. Transportation & Logistics

6.1 Domestic Transportation (Turkey)

Road Freight:

• Vehicle Type: Enclosed container truck (20-30 MT capacity)


• Floor Protection: Anti-slip matting required


• Temperature Control: Insulated body (no active systems)


• Documentation: Waybill, quality certificate, phytosanitary certificate

• Container Type: 20ft GP or 40ft HQ dry van


• Loading: Terminal-to-terminal (minimal handling)


• Security: Sealed containers with monitoring


• Transit Times: 12-24 hours (Ankara to major ports)

6.2 International Shipping

Sea Freight (Containerized):

• Container Types: 20ft GP, 40ft GP, 40ft HQ


• Shipping Lines: Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd


• Transit Times:


• Turkey → UAE: 18-22 days


• Turkey → Egypt: 7-10 days


• Turkey → Greece: 5-7 days


• Turkey → Romania: 5-8 days


• Turkey → Central Asia: 25-30 days

• Vessel Type: General cargo or bulk carrier


• Hold Preparation: Mandatory cleaning, drying, inspection


• Ventilation: Continuous during voyage


• Insurance: All-risk marine insurance required

6.3 Cold Chain Requirements

Temperature Sensitivity:

• Optimal Range: 10-25°C


• Maximum Tolerance: <35°C (prevents mold growth)


• Minimum Tolerance: >0°C (avoid freezing)

• Critical Moisture Level: <14% (prevents heating)


• Self-Heating Risk: >15% moisture + high temperature


• Monitoring: Temperature probes at multiple points

7. Market Analysis

7.1 Turkish Barley Market Overview

Production Statistics:

• Annual Production: 3.5-4.0 million MT


• Growing Area: 800,000-900,000 hectares


• Yield: 3.5-4.5 MT/ha (average)


• Import Dependency: Minimal (self-sufficient)

Market Structure:

• Domestic Consumption: 2.5-3.0 million MT (feed, food, brewing)


• Export Volume: 0.5-1.0 million MT (seasonal)


• Price Range: $200-280/MT (FOB Turkey)

• Feed Industry: 60-65% of domestic consumption


• Food Industry: 20-25% (hulled, pearl barley)


• Brewing Industry: 10-15% (malting barley)

7.2 Regional Pricing (FOB Turkey)

2025 Q2-Q3 Forward Rates:

Pricing Factors:

• Wheat Price Correlation: 70-80% correlation (substitution effect)


• Energy Costs: Fuel, electricity (15-20% of cost)


• Exchange Rate: USD/TRY impact on competitiveness


• Seasonality: Higher prices Q4 (post-harvest scarcity)


• Quality Premium: Food grade +10-15%, malting grade +20-30%

7.3 Demand Forecast (2025-2026)

Domestic Demand:

• 2025: 2.8-3.0 million MT (stable)


• 2026: 2.9-3.1 million MT (slight growth)


• Key Drivers: Livestock industry expansion, food processing

• 2025: 600,000-900,000 MT


• 2026: 700,000-1.0 million MT


• Growth Markets: Central Asia, North Africa, Balkans

• 2025 Q2-Q3: $230-260/MT (feed), $250-280/MT (food)


• 2025 Q4: $250-280/MT (seasonal increase, holiday demand)


• 2026 Q1: $220-250/MT (post-holiday correction)


• 2026 Q2: $230-260/MT (stable)

8. Compliance & Certifications

8.1 Turkish Standards (Mandatory)

TSE 10527:2019 (Barley - General Requirements):

• Comprehensive quality specifications


• Testing methods and acceptance criteria


• Mandatory for domestic trade

• Standardized measurement procedure


• Required for grading and pricing

• Grade definitions and tolerances


• Inspection and certification procedures

• Aflatoxin, ochratoxin, DON limits


• Testing frequency and methods

• Pb, Cd, As, Hg, Cu, Zn limits


• Testing requirements

8.2 International Certifications

ISO 9001:2015:

• Quality management system


• Required for export markets


• Annual surveillance audits

• Food safety management system


• Mandatory for food-grade barley


• HACCP coverage required

• Required for GCC markets


• Served by TÜRSAK, HALK, or accredited bodies


• Documentation: Certificate + audit report

• Mandatory product certification


• SABER platform registration


• Pre-shipment verification

• TSE standards harmonized with EU Regulation (EU) 2015/1384


• No additional certification required for EU exports


• Phytosanitary certificate mandatory

8.3 Documentation Requirements

Standard Export Documentation:

• Commercial Invoice (3 originals)


• Bill of Lading/Air Waybill (3/3 original)


• Certificate of Origin (Form A if GSP claims)


• Certificate of Analysis (laboratory tested)


• Phytosanitary Certificate


• Weight Certificate (customs valuation)


• Fumigation Certificate (if required)


• Quality Certificate (TSE compliant)

• Commercial Invoice (3 originals)


• Bill of Lading (3/3 original)


• Certificate of Origin (GCC Form A)


• Certificate of Analysis


• Halal Certificate


• SASO certification (Saudi)


• Weight Certificate

• Commercial Invoice (1 original + 2 copies)


• Bill of Lading (3/3 original)


• Certificate of Origin (Form A if GSP claims)


• Certificate of Analysis


• Phytosanitary Certificate


• Weight Certificate

9. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between feed, food, and malting barley?

Can Turkish barley be exported to the European Union?

What is the shelf life of barley?

How is barley tested for quality?

What is the difference between hulled and pearl barley?

Back to Agro Commodities

FAQ

What is the typical MOQ for this commodity?

Bulk contracts usually start from one vessel or container lot. Exact MOQ depends on product, packing, and destination — send an RFQ for a firm number.

How is quality verified before shipment?

We supply batch COA documents and can arrange SGS/Intertek inspection at the loading port as specified in the SPA.

Which Incoterms do you offer?

FOB, CIF, CFR, and DAP are standard. The right term depends on your logistics capability and risk preference.

Are prices fixed or market-based?

Prices are market-based and benchmarked to relevant indices. Current quotes are issued via RFQ — we do not publish fixed standing prices.

Can you support private label or destination packing?

Where the product allows, yes — packing format, labels, and lot documentation can be aligned to your market requirements.

For project-specific terms, contact WorldwideTradeX via RFQ.