Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat stated, “Our cooperatives and unions contributed a total of 53 million dollars and 7.4 million euros to exports during the 2022-2023 season.”
Bolat met with representatives of agricultural sales cooperatives and cooperative unions at the Ministry.
During the meeting, attended by representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry as well as the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, Minister Bolat expressed that Turkey has shown good performance in economic growth, with the country growing at an average annual real rate of 5.4% over the past 21 years, and by 4.5% last year.
Bolat mentioned that positive growth data for the first quarter of 2024, to be announced by the Turkish Statistical Institute, is expected, emphasizing the significant contribution of agricultural producers to the positive trend in figures.
He highlighted the significant contribution of agricultural sales cooperatives to ensuring that farmers receive fair value for their products and that these products are presented to consumers under suitable conditions.
“Sustainable agricultural practices are important in combating climate change.” Bolat stated that the Ministry provides services to over 10,000 cooperatives and their members in various fields of activity, continuing:
“We have around 275,000 producers who are members of 286 active agricultural sales cooperatives operating in 51 provinces of our country, engaged in 20 products. Agriculture and food supply are on the agenda of the world. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we all witnessed the vital importance of the agricultural sector. Alongside the agricultural sector, sustainable management of energy and water resources is also important. Sustainable agricultural practices are crucial for preserving soil health, supporting biodiversity, and combating climate change.”
Bolat mentioned that agricultural sales cooperatives and unions support producers with both in-kind and cash loans, stating, “From olive and olive oil to oilseeds, from silkworm cocoons to wool, agricultural sales cooperatives and unions operating in various product groups play an important role in meeting domestic demand. Our cooperatives and unions contributed a total of 53 million dollars and 7.4 million euros to exports during the 2022-2023 season. In addition, they provide support to a family of 20,000 people through the employment of over 5,000 individuals in their businesses.”
“We continue to work to provide better service to cooperatives.” Bolat said they took action to comply with the amendments made to the Cooperatives Law in 2021 and to meet the demands of agricultural sales cooperatives and unions for changes in legislation.
He stated that the process of compliance with these amendments was completed smoothly, adding:
“Recently, due to legislative changes, we ensured an extension of time for data entry into KOOPBİS, which became mandatory, to prevent our cooperative boards from being subject to sanctions and to prevent disruption to the commercial activities of our cooperatives. We hope these efforts will be beneficial for all sectors.”
Bolat added that they continue to work tirelessly to provide better service to cooperatives, which they consider important actors in Turkey’s economic and social development.
source: aa.com.tr/ prepared by Melisa Beğiç