Red meat producers warn of market cartelization

Bülent Tunç, President of the Turkey Red Meat Producers Central Union, made assessments regarding the price hikes in red meat. Tunç stated, "There are 3-5 firms leading this. These firms are creating expectations among people by showing prices as higher than they are."

Expressing that the Meat and Milk Board (ESK) is implementing a successful policy regarding imports, Tunç said that the institution is managing the market transparently.

Pointing out that small businesses were unable to get a share of the animal imports by the ESK in the past, Tunç said, "There is a decision to provide 150 thousand of the animals imported by the ESK to small businesses. This is a very gratifying situation for small family businesses and creates excitement for the future of this industry. This does not suit certain segments, and they are doing everything they can to disrupt the situation," he said.

Arguing that large businesses are influencing red meat prices, Tunç issued a warning about "cartelization." Tunç stated the following:

"Large businesses in certain provinces are driving up the price of red meat. There are 3-5 firms leading this. These firms are creating expectations among people by showing prices as higher than they are. This is an event that happens at the expense of the real producer. These people made serious money from animal imports. As soon as the state started to prevent this, all the balances were disrupted. That is why they are trying many ways. There is currently an artificial market, and no further increase in red meat prices is expected. Contrary to the increase, we expect red meat prices to start falling in the middle of Ramadan. Prices are not sustainable in this way."

"LIVESTOCK ROADMAP" COMMENTARY

Tunç also made an assessment regarding the "Livestock Roadmap" to be implemented between 2024-2028, which was announced by the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, İbrahim Yumaklı.

Pointing out that there was no roadmap for the sector before, Tunç said, "Day-to-day decisions were preventing us from determining our direction. The provided roadmap will be effective in helping our producers determine their direction. The producer will make plans according to the roadmap."

Stating that there is no missing aspect in the roadmap for the sector, Tunç expressed that the prioritization of family businesses is a noteworthy element.

Stating that according to the roadmap, breeding animals produced by the General Directorate of Agricultural Enterprises will be given to small family businesses, Tunç said, "It would be much better if these animals were given free of charge to the people who are truly doing this work. Because our family businesses are on the verge of extinction. The number of animals held by 3 breeders is equal to the number of livestock in 20 provinces. These people are also inclined to direct the market," he said.

Tunç reported that there is no large-scale livestock farming in the world outside of the USA, and that there are businesses in Turkey with 50-60 thousand animals.

Drawing attention to the fact that large businesses provide animals through imports, Tunç noted that productivity should be increased by improving animal breeds in the country, and that the sector would be more sustainable in this way.

News Source: AA