While many citizens can hardly afford red meat, ESK (Meat and Milk Board) sees huge increase in profits

While many citizens struggle to afford red meat and are forced to wait in long lines for discounted products, Turkey’s Meat and Milk Board (Et ve Süt Kurumu – ESK) has experienced a dramatic rise in profits—from 550 million Turkish Lira in 2023 to 11 billion Lira in 2024.

“A Public Institution Should Not Aim for Profit”

As meat prices continue to climb and become increasingly out of reach for the average consumer, the significant profit increase by ESK has sparked public controversy. During a recent parliamentary commission session reviewing the institution’s financial records, the sharp rise in earnings was confirmed, drawing strong criticism from opposition lawmakers.

Critics argued that a public institution should not prioritize profit, especially when its mandate is to provide affordable meat to the public. One parliament member commented that instead of meat, hardship now fills people’s cooking pots.

(During a session of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) Public Economic Enterprises (KİT) Commission, the Court of Accounts’ reports on ESK’s finances were discussed. Acting General Manager of ESK, Melik Daloğlu, confirmed the sharp increase in profits…..)

Concerns About Large-Scale Live Animal Imports

Concerns were also raised about large-scale live animal imports, with reports indicating that in just the first three months of the year, $545 million was spent on such imports. The imported animals reportedly cost the country 195 TL per kilogram, while slaughter prices at ESK facilities average around 440 TL per kilogram. Lawmakers questioned the lack of transparency in the import process, with authorities refusing to disclose who handled the imports, citing “trade secrets”—a claim met with ridicule and skepticism.

Average Citizen Must Work Entire Day to Buy 1 Kilogram Meat

It was pointed out that the current price of diced meat is so high that an average citizen must work an entire day just to afford one kilogram.

Some government representatives defended the meat import policy, stating that it responds to domestic demand and challenging the widespread belief that the country was once agriculturally self-sufficient. They argued that this claim has long been exaggerated.

Over $1.2 Billion Spent on Imports

Further criticism focused on how the import-heavy approach undermines local production. In 2024, Turkey reportedly imported 423,000 live animals and 81,000 tons of red meat, spending approximately $1.235 billion (or 39 billion TL). Despite this expenditure, meat prices have not decreased meaningfully, nor has affordable meat become more accessible to citizens. Since 2010, a total of 10.3 million live animals and 419,000 tons of red meat have been imported, costing the country around $12 billion.

SOURCE: nefes.com.tr/millet-ucuz-et-kuyrugunda-esk-kar-ediyor-33447 / Edited and translated by BTT