Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Ibrahim Yumaklı, emphasized that any product returned to Turkey for any reason cannot be sold in the domestic market. Speaking on NTV, Yumakli noted that inspections regarding exorbitant prices are ongoing. Yumaklı announced that inspections related to street animals will start at municipalities very soon.

Minister Ibrahim Yumakli answered questions on the current affairs during a live broadcast on NTV. Highlights of Minister Yumaklı’s statements are as follows:

COMBATING EXORBITANT PRICES

As three ministries, we closely monitor price movements in the market. We are not questioning anyone’s reasonable profit, the issue at hand is exorbitant prices… When a product costing 1 lira is offered to consumers for 10 liras, there is a problem. Last month, we held a meeting with all food retailers in Turkey, together with three ministries. We are in the field, including institutions responsible for regulatory tasks.

PRICE MOVEMENTS IN MEAT

There is no price increase in our country due to supply regarding red meat. There were speculative attempts to increase prices. As the Meat and Milk Institution, we fulfill our duty of market regulation. The issue of exorbitant prices is unacceptable to our government and ministries. This will be continuously monitored, not just for a certain period.

COMBATING COUNTERFEIT AND ADULTERATION

More than 8,000 of our colleagues are in the field, continuing their inspections. The number of inspections has reached 1.3 million, about 1.5 billion liras in administrative fines have been imposed, and criminal complaints have been made against more than 600 companies.

PESTICIDE ISSUE IN FOODS

Any product returned to Turkey for any reason cannot be sold in the domestic market. Everyone would have to close their eyes in order to do so. The returned products are disposed of before passing through customs. The use of pesticides has become somewhat mandatory in recent years, and this is done worldwide. Pesticide use in European countries is much higher than Turkey… Turkey uses 2.3 kilograms, while European countries use 3.2 kilograms of pesticides.

Not only products for export are inspected, but inspections are also carried out in the regions where the products are produced, in packaging facilities, and markets for pesticide controls. If any escape our notice, we evaluate all the reports that come to us thanks to the awareness of our consumers.

I would like to point out that the perception of “being offered to our consumption” is not correct.

HOW DID THE RAINS AFFECT DAMS?

We have had a weak rainy season for the most part, but the impact of the last 15 days will be seen. However, it is not possible to say from today the impact on dams; we will see its benefit in the period from March to June.

COMBATING FOREST FIRES

All villages have been visited and informed about forest fires. Since the beginning of the year, we have started to take necessary precautions, information dissemination, training, and identifying equipment shortages. We have decided to add 8,500 of our colleagues to our staff to avoid feeling the lack of our retired colleagues and to use the newly acquired equipment.

REGULATION ON STREET ANIMALS

Most of our municipalities have started taking steps on this issue. The assertion that it may not be done until 2028 is not correct; there is time until then. The year 2028 is the final deadline for the establishment and improvement of animal shelters. In 2025, municipalities must start allocating funds from their budgets and starting construction as required by the law, this is their duty. The law was enacted through the consensus of all parties. Our municipalities must fulfill their responsibilities without fail. We will start inspections at our municipalities very soon.