The decree regarding meat imports by the Soil Products Authority, implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, was published in the Official Gazette on June 27. It is stated that this decree will expire on October 1, 2024, Yeniduzen reports.
The decree is justified by the recent increase in meat consumption in the country, the need to meet the growing meat demand, maintain balanced consumer prices, and increase purchasing power. Therefore, the rapid importation of meat (frozen lamb meat with or without bones, frozen minced beef or lamb) by the Soil Products Authority is necessary.
It was specified that the imported meat (frozen lamb meat with or without bones, frozen minced lamb or beef in packages) by the Soil Products Authority, based on criteria set by the Committee established by the Cabinet Decision dated April 27, 2023, will be exempt from the Public Procurement Law.
The frozen meat imported from European Union countries by the Soil Products Authority will be brought to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, stored in cold storage facilities, and sold to markets and butchers by TÜK upon request. The decree notes that the meat imports, which will end on September 30, 2024, will be excluded from the scope of the Public Procurement Law.
Last month livestock producers held demonstrations against the decree, saying it undermined their businesses. The Eastern Mediterranean University Academic Staff Union (DAÜ-SEN) has emphasised the necessity for the government to engage with stakeholders to address the issue of meat imports which, the livestock breeders say, undermines their industry. In their written statement, DAÜ-SEN highlighted that importing meat is not a viable solution, pointing out that the core problem lies in the inadequacy and inefficiency of local production.
