Turkey aims to modernize Seasonal Agricultural Workers Project

Turkey’s Minister of Labour and Social Security, Vedat Işıkhan, announced plans to transition the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Project (METIP) toward a more sustainable, local, and participatory model. Speaking at the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Monitoring and Evaluation Board meeting, Işıkhan emphasized that the project aims to improve access to housing, education, health, transportation, and social services for seasonal workers and their families.

Reflecting on the project's history, Işıkhan noted that METIP began in 2010 and was systematized via a 2017 circular, with a new framework established by a 2024 Presidential Circular. Financial data shared indicates that between 2010 and 2013, approximately 96 million lira was allocated to 65 projects across 38 provinces. For the 2017–2026 period, roughly 180 million lira has been allocated to 23 provinces. As of 2026, there are 37 active METIP areas across 21 provinces.

The future approach will focus on maintaining existing infrastructure under the coordination of provincial governorships while increasing the involvement of local governments, producers, producer organizations, the private sector, and NGOs. The goal is to move beyond mere housing provision to create a holistic model that prevents children from dropping out of education and integrates social services with agricultural production through micro-support models.