Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday that Trkiye has taken extensive precautions to shield its food security and agricultural production from the effects of regional conflicts, climate risks, and global crises. Speaking at the World Farmers’ Day program in Ankara, Erdogan stated that Trkiye has successfully protected both national stability and food supply through a ‘balanced foreign policy.’
According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan emphasized that Ankara has remained vigilant since the outbreak of conflicts affecting Iran and Gulf countries to ensure that agricultural production is not negatively impacted. He noted that Trkiye has secured fertilizer and fertilizer raw material supplies, maintaining sufficient stock levels. The president highlighted that global challenges such as water stress, climate change, pandemics, wars, and armed conflicts have underscored the strategic importance of food supply security, with ‘food nationalism’ gaining prominence.
Erdogan asserted that Trkiye has proactively addressed these global developments, emphasizing the country’s agricultural planning and support policies that have prevented food security issues. He stated that favorable rainfall levels have contributed to filling reservoirs, alleviating irrigation concerns, and anticipated a recovery in plant production following last year’s decline due to frost and drought.
In a message of solidarity, Erdogan expressed support for Palestinians, particularly those in Gaza and the West Bank, whose lands have been affected by violence. He conveyed hopes for the restoration of these lands and the return of prosperity and joy to the region.
Erdogan also highlighted Trkiye’s significant agricultural output, ranking third globally in vegetable production and fourth in fruit production, while being among the top producers in 21 crop categories. He announced a new financing and rural development initiative under the Trkiye Agrifood Sector Transformation for Jobs and Rural Prosperity Project, backed by the World Bank. This program will offer substantial financing support to agricultural and food sector investors.
The financing package includes a $5.3 billion plan with an initial tranche of $750 million available to entrepreneurs by 2026. Additionally, a mechanism involving Trkiye’s Credit Guarantee Fund will create a credit volume of approximately $500 million for primary producers facing loan access challenges. Erdogan projected that these initiatives would create new marketing channels for 400,000 farmers and generate employment opportunities for 250,000 citizens.