Turkey agriculture: Record grain purchases and livestock audit findings

Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı announced several developments regarding the nation's agricultural sector. The Turkish Grain Board (TMO) has reached a historic milestone by purchasing 12.3 million tons of grain, resulting in 180 billion lira in payments to farmers.

Yumaklı also projected a significant grape harvest of 3.85 million tons for 2026, noting that Turkey remains a global leader in dried grape exports. He highlighted that total plant production is expected to exceed 140 million tons this year due to favorable rainfall.

In terms of livestock, the Minister announced that new support measures will eliminate vaccination and identification fees for breeders. However, a Sayıştay audit report revealed discrepancies in the sector, noting that approximately 2.5 million cattle and 35 million small ruminants lack mandatory vaccination records in the TÜRKVET system. The audit also found that funds intended for pasture improvement projects remained largely unutilized in municipal accounts.