Zero tax on corn imports and other agri-food news from Türkiye
Here’s a quick look at the latest developments in Türkiye’s agricultural sector: zero tax on corn imports, wildfire preparations, a foot and mouth outbreak and the farmers aging.
Zero tax on corn imports
A new tariff quota has been introduced, allowing the import of 1 million tons of corn into Türkiye with zero customs duty until July 31, 2025.
The government will allow 1 million tons of corn to be imported between May 1 and July 31, 2025, without paying customs tax (normally 130%).Each company can import a maximum of 8,000 tons at a time and must wait 7 days before importing again.
According to the Ministry, this decision aims to stabilize the market, prevent speculative pricing, ensure food supply security, and balance national demand by supporting local production.
Young population is moving away from agriculture
The average age of farmers has been going up. Şemsi Bayraktar, President of the Union of Agricultural Chambers of Türkiye (TZOB), announced that food supply security is under threat as farmers in the country are getting older and the young population is moving away from agriculture.
Bayraktar stated that the average age of farmers in Türkiye had risen to 59 by 2024 and that the interest of young people in agriculture had seriously declined.
Young Farmers Are Only 5 Percent
- 35 percent are over 65 years old,
- 35 percent are between 50-64 years old,
- Only 5 percent are between 18-32 years old.
Women Farmers Are Also Aging : The average age of women in the agricultural sector is 61.
These data reveal that young people are leaving the agricultural sector and moving away from rural life. Bayraktar warned, "If young people lose their connection with the land, our future will be at risk."
Foot and mouth disease in Balikesir
A case of foot-and-mouth disease has been detected in the Ulukır neighborhood of Balıkesir’s Gönen district, following routine inspections carried out by the local Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry.
In response to the outbreak, authorities have implemented strict quarantine measures across 15 neighborhoods to prevent the spread of the disease.
The movement of animals into and out of the affected areas has been entirely suspended, and all animal transportation within the region has been temporarily banned, and residents are asked to follow the rules strictly.
Türkiye ready for summer wildfires
Minister İbrahim Yumaklı announced that preparations for summer forest fires have been completed as of May 1.
- 27 planes, 105 helicopters, 14 drones.
- 1,786 land vehicles, 2,742 first-response vehicles, 831 machines.
- 4,796 pools and 776 watchtowers (184 of them are smart towers).
Yumaklı emphasized the vital role of “forest heroes,” noting that 25,000 personnel are ready to respond.