Minister Yumaklı's statement on meat prices: 'We are intervening against speculation'

The high cost of meat remains a constant concern for citizens. Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı answered questions from members of the press following the cabinet meeting.

Minister Yumaklı also responded to a question regarding meat prices. Minister Yumaklı used the following words regarding meat prices:

"SPECULATION IS TAKING PLACE"

"They were speculating that it would reach a certain price by the end of the year. They are used to starting a rumor and using it to drive up prices. They need to abandon these habits now. However, we are doing what is necessary together with our Ministry of Trade. The goal here is for neither the consumer to buy products at exorbitant prices nor for the producer to lose money on the work they have done.

We are closely monitoring the market. Within the scope of the cooperation between TİGEM and ESK, we will increase the number of cattle at TİGEM to 70 thousand in 2025. In the meantime, we will not hesitate to intervene when there are artificial increases. No one is saying anything against earning a reasonable profit above costs.

We have such a geographical advantage that after meeting our own needs, we have the potential to export to those in need around us."

EFFORTS TO INCREASE PRODUCTION

Speaking about meat imports, Yumaklı said, "We have a roadmap to increase production and we are implementing it. In this context, we want to increase the number of breeding animals and bring them into production. We have developed models for this.

We have started bringing in breeding animals in cooperation with TİGEM and ESK. Combating animal diseases and increasing quality and efficient production are also part of this model. The last instruction given by our President was to quickly bring breeding animals into our country. We are doing what is necessary," he said.

Minister Yumaklı also made statements regarding bird flu, stating the following:

“This bird flu problem exists all over the world. However, we have an experienced and disciplined sector. We are acting very quickly to prevent its spread. We are required to report such situations to the World Organisation for Animal Health, and we do so. We reported the cases in Konya, Eskişehir, and Afyon; these are already known. However, there is no situation to be afraid of. In the places we have quarantined, we are in the process of very rapid disinfection and restarting production. As a citizen, there is no situation to be anxious about while shopping. Rest assured, we would not allow anything that we would not want our own spouses, friends, or acquaintances to eat to spread across all of Turkey. That is already our duty."

WHAT DID HE SAY ABOUT STRAY DOGS?

Answering questions about the regulation on stray dogs, Yumaklı stated that it would not be left to the new year, using the words, "The regulation has a process. It is currently in the publication process."