Turkey raises livestock support to 38.5 billion lira, plans 54.5 billion for 2027

Turkey's livestock production support for 2026 has been increased by 39.5 percent compared to the previous year, reaching 38.5 billion lira, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli announced. He stated that if the budget is approved by parliament during this budget period, the 2027 support budget will be raised by 41.5 percent to 54.5 billion lira.

The minister made the remarks at the opening of the Genomic Test Center at the Lalahan International Livestock Research and Training Center Directorate in Ankara. He emphasized that the ministry's main goals in livestock are not only to increase production volume but also to improve efficiency, quality, and sustainability.

“Protecting our producer's livelihood, ensuring a business stays afloat, and enabling our young people to produce in their own homelands and on their own lands is extremely important to us.”

Yumakli highlighted the strategic importance of livestock for food security and rural development. He noted that total support provided to the sector over the last 24 years has reached 663 billion lira.

According to the minister, cattle numbers have risen by 80 percent, small livestock numbers by 91 percent, red meat production by 144 percent, and milk production by 155 percent during this period.

Attending the opening program were AK Party Ankara Member of Parliament Julide Sarıeroğlu, TAGEM General Director Dr. Mustafa Altug Atalay, and Ankara University Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Unuvar. Yumakli said protecting producers' livelihoods and enabling young people to produce on their own lands are extremely important.

He stressed that the focus is on quality rather than quantity, aiming for more efficient, healthier, and higher-quality production through science, technology, and producers' experience.

The minister described Turkey as highly competent in livestock culture and production, adding that the sector is important not only for the country but also for neighboring and interacting nations.