Türkiye aims to end livestock imports by 2028, says agriculture minister

Türkiye’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Ibrahim Yumakli, announced that domestic red meat production meets 95% of the country’s demand, adding that the government aims to eliminate livestock imports by 2028.

Speaking on Friday at the opening ceremony of the Veterinary Road Control and Inspection Station in Ilgaz, Cankiri, Yumakli emphasized the importance of such facilities in preventing livestock diseases.

He also noted that during Ramadan, authorities ensured that meat prices remained stable and did not allow excessive price hikes. Yumakli stressed that the livestock sector is strategic, both for industrial production and for meeting a significant portion of the population’s nutritional needs.

Türkiye among the world’s leading meat producers

“We are an important producer on the global stage, with many countries closely watching us,” Yumakli said, highlighting that Türkiye’s self-sufficiency rate in red meat stands at 95%.

“The small portion of imports—only 5%—is primarily carried out by relevant institutions to regulate the market and prevent excessive price increases,” he added.

“Our ultimate goal is to remove meat imports from the country’s agenda entirely.”

Yumakli also referenced President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Rural Livestock Support Project, stating that under this initiative, red meat imports will be phased out by 2028.

“A healthy animal means healthy food consumption,” Yumakli said, underscoring the importance of combating livestock diseases.

He announced that eight animal control checkpoints would be established at key transportation hubs across Türkiye, with the number set to increase to 11.

“We are pursuing a zero-tolerance policy on animal health,” Yumakli added.