Turkey passes stricter land‑use law targeting illegal hobby gardens

The Turkish Grand National Assembly approved amendments to the Land Protection and Land Use Law that strengthen controls over non‑agricultural uses of farmland. The new rule bans the collective demolition of hobby gardens, prohibits unlicensed construction and the provision of electricity, water or gas utilities to such sites, and imposes fines of up to 100,000 lira per violation and 2,500 lira per square metre of damaged land. It also restricts cooperatives outside the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry from acquiring agricultural land and aims to curb unchecked building around major city outskirts.

During the debate, several MPs argued the legislation favours large multinational agribusinesses such as Cargill, Philip Morris and Ferrero, leaving small‑scale producers—including tobacco, beet and hazelnut growers—at the mercy of corporate interests. Critics also warned that parts of the bill could facilitate wildlife hunting and further disturb ecological balance.