Turkish agricultural financing and support challenges

Agricultural stakeholders in Turkey are calling for increased financial support and policy reform to combat rising production costs. In late July, officials at the Agricultural Credit Cooperatives (Tarım Kredi Kooperatifleri) urged the government to triple Treasury-backed agricultural loan ceilings. They noted that annual credit costs have reached approximately 60% and that current limits have remained unchanged for three years despite inflation and rising input costs, which threatens farm viability.

By August, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry announced the distribution of 688.2 million lira in support payments, covering animal disease compensation, rural development, and genetic resources. However, political opposition has criticized these measures, arguing that support levels remain below legal requirements. Critics highlighted that rising costs for fuel, fertilizer, and electricity, alongside high debt levels—estimated at 1.48 trillion lira to banks—are driving farmers to withdraw from production.