Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumaklı stated that they will remove the issue of red meat imports from Turkey’s agenda by 2028. Attending the opening of the Çankırı Veterinary Road Control and Inspection Station, Yumaklı mentioned that in the past 23 years, the number of large livestock has increased by 71% to 17 million heads, small livestock by 72% to 55 million heads, and poultry by 55% to 380 million. He pointed out that these numbers indicate an increase in all animal productions by a minimum of 2 to 4 times. Yumaklı also stated, “When we look at the world ranking for large livestock, we are in the 22nd place, while in Europe, we are in the 2nd place. When it comes to small livestock, we rank 7th in the world, and 1st in Europe. In beef production, we are 7th globally and 1st in Europe. In chicken meat production, we are 9th globally and 2nd in Europe. For egg production, we are 10th worldwide and 2nd in Europe. As for honey production, we are 2nd globally and 1st in Europe.” Yumaklı emphasized that all countries around the globe are watching Turkey closely, highlighting the importance of being a significant producer. He noted, “When we talk about animal production exports, compared to 2002, we have increased it by 14 times, reaching $3.5 billion in exports.”

Yumaklı underlined that the adequacy in red meat is 95%, stating that the regulation task of meat imports, previously done by the private sector for 14 years, was shifted to the Meat and Milk Institution as of 2024. Yumaklı mentioned that they ended some monopolization issues through regulation, preventing exorbitant price increases. He added, “Noticeable price hikes were prevented. Especially this year, there were no exorbitant price increases before each Ramadan.” Yumaklı stressed the significance of the preventive measures taken to avoid inflated prices, mentioning, “During this time, the Meat and Milk Institution also increased the livestock numbers. Producer associations, butchers, and breeders supported the process. The Ministry of Treasury and Finance, along with the Competition Authority, initiated the required investigations concerning exorbitant price increases. I can confidently say that there is no problem or difficulty in our country concerning meat supply. There is no reason that would necessitate a price increase. We say this firmly because we have been more successful in this regard compared to previous years. Despite the lack of significant price increases at the beginning of Ramadan, some unfortunate statements give the impression otherwise. I wanted to express this here.”

Expressing the necessity of shaping their vision, policies, and actions according to the increasing needs, Yumaklı said, “We announced an animal husbandry roadmap a year ago, and we are implementing all its elements for five years. The most important aspect of our roadmap was the Livestock Production Development Project in collaboration with the Meat and Milk Institution and TİGEM. I want to say that this project is progressing extremely successfully and will provide significant benefits to all breeders and producers. Moreover, it will pave the way for our consumers to access products at reasonable prices.” Yumaklı also mentioned their project for increasing the livestock herd and production accordingly following President’s Rural Abundance and Support for Livestock Project. They received far more applications than anticipated. Yumaklı expressed his gratitude to all producers and breeders who applied, indicating that until 2028, they will address their needs as announced by the President, aiming to remove the issue of red meat imports from the country’s agenda by 2028.

Yumaklı informed about a serious effort launched by the General Directorate of Food Control and all employees in the field organization to combat animal diseases that severely hit the economy and hindered reaching their goals. He pointed out that preventing uncontrolled animal movements was one of them. Yumaklı remarked, “Road control points are extremely important in facilitating the movement of healthy animals. In this regard, we will open 8 checkpoints at crucial intersections across Turkey. We have already opened the first 3 in Erzurum, Elazığ, and Ankara. The fourth one is being opened here today in Çankırı. I would like to mention that 11,682 of the 12,031 vehicles inspected at the 3 operating stations were suitable, while 349 were found unsuitable. Unfortunately, among the noted unsuitabilities, there were animals infected with foot-and-mouth disease and animals that were smuggled out of the surveillance and quarantine area with fake veterinarian reports. We have always said, and we continue to say it; we have zero tolerance on these issues. We proceed with zero tolerance.”