March 4, 2011

Turkish government raises support for livestock farming

The Turkish government has been increasing its support to the country's livestock industry in recent years, said Turkish Agriculture & Rural Affairs Minister, Mehdi Eker, on Wednesday (Mar 2).

During a parliamentary debate on milk prices, Eker said that the Turkish government has allocated a total of TRY1.7 billion (US$1 billion) to support the livestock industry in 2010. It was previously TRY83 million (US$52 million) in 2002.

Eker said last year the government supported milk producers for some 38,000 tonnes of milk powder which is equal to 380,000 tonnes of milk. Eker said the government's move was made in a bid to cause a decline in milk prices.

On livestock farming, Eker said Turkey gave away a total of TRY123 million (US$77 million) under a grant program for the modernisation of farms across the country. He said 639 farms have been renewed thanks to government's program.

Eker added that some 48,000 Turkish farmers have used government's interest free loans last year.