Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

In his speech here, TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed out that the agriculture and livestock sector, despite the restrictions under the pandemic measures, continued production and the food supply chain operated without disruption. Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that they’ve insisted agricultural sector production planning for many years and emphasized the importance of the “Contract Production” model, which was implemented with the intensive efforts of Minister Pakdemirli. “In this way, it will be possible for the producer to sell their goods at the price equivalent of their labor and to supply the product of the quality that the industrialist needs. We support this model, which was created with the win-win principle for everyone, and we await legal regulations to be prepared as soon as possible.”

On the other hand, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the sector is breathing a little with the early withdrawal of raw milk premium payments, “Customs duty has been reset in wheat, barley and corn to reduce feed prices. The agricultural land belonging to the Treasury was brought into the economy. With all these measures, our agriculture and livestock sector received support. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Minister on behalf of all of us.”

- The importance of food and livestock has once again been revealed

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the effects of the pandemic contraction are still ongoing, “The Covid-19 pandemic shows once again the importance of the two sectors. These are agriculture for food safety and health to protect against diseases. We can't predict how long the pandemic will continue. Therefore, we must keep our agriculture and livestock sectors afloat in this process and take steps to support the sector with innovative approaches.”

Noting that input costs continue to increase significantly, especially in the livestock sector, Hisarcıklıoğlu said that they expect efforts to reduce input costs, especially feed, under the leadership of the Ministry. Hisarcıklıoğlu also said that milk producers have some problems, allowing private sector representatives to convey their opinions and suggestions to Minister Pakdemirli.

Minister Bekir Pakdemir also listened to industry representatives and consulted with the participants.