Minister of Agriculture and Forestry: “We have increased our agricultural export figures to 31 billion dollars”

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, İbrahim Yumaklı, highlighted the significant increase in Turkey’s agricultural exports. Agricultural exports, which were $3.8 billion 22 years ago, have now reached $31 billion. Turkey exports 2,200 types of agricultural products to 186 countries, and Yumaklı emphasized that the IPARD (Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance Rural Development) program has played a major role in this success. He noted that Turkey is one of the best countries in Europe in terms of implementing the IPARD program.

The promotion of the IPARD III program took place at an event in Ankara. Yumaklı stated that the agricultural sector has been affected by various factors over the past decade, such as climate change, pandemics, wars, and population growth. It is predicted that the global population will increase by 25% by 2050, and to meet this demand, 70% more food and 15% more water will be required.

Yumaklı stressed the importance of developing sustainable agricultural techniques and ensuring rural development to meet these challenges. He emphasized that supporting rural development is one of Turkey’s primary goals to ensure food security and promote rural economic and social growth.

Within the framework of the IPARD program, Yumaklı mentioned that efforts are being made to bridge the gap between rural and urban areas through projects like “Support for Rural Development Investments.” He also highlighted the importance of increasing the use of technology and machinery in agricultural production. Over the past 18 years, more than 95,000 projects have received 117 billion lira in grants, creating employment for 277,000 people. Turkey ranks first in Europe and ninth in the world in agricultural production.

Yumaklı further explained that through the joint funding of Turkey and the European Union under the IPARD program, a total of 46 billion lira in grants have been provided to entrepreneurs, bringing the total to 98 billion lira in support. He also noted that 66% of these grants were awarded to young entrepreneurs, while 30% went to female entrepreneurs.

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