Farmers React to Wheat Prices: A Call for Price Revision

“Farmers are reacting strongly to wheat prices.”

“Our Chamber Presidents are expecting intervention in the prices by reaching out to their local members of parliament.”

“Wheat prices must be revised as soon as possible.”

“We will inform our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, about this situation through a letter.”

ANKARA- 07.06.2024- The General President of the Turkish Farmers’ Union (TZOB), Şemsi Bayraktar, made statements regarding the announced wheat prices.

“Life began with wheat, and it has become a staple food item worldwide today. Wheat, cultivated for centuries, holds a primary position in the nutrition of our country’s people. Wheat prices directly affect every farmer producing in Turkey.”

“This year, farmers planted their wheat despite rising input costs, damages caused by natural disasters, and increasing credit interest rates. As in every year, they entered the harvest season to finally receive the rewards of their labor.”

“Under high inflation conditions, our farmers, facing financial difficulties, are looking at the prices to be announced by the Grain Board (TMO). While we expected positive discrimination for wheat farmers this year, the price announced yesterday disappointed producers. The cost per kilogram determined by our Union was 10 lira 87 kuruş, while the announced purchase price was set at only 11 lira. This price is merely 18.9% higher than last year’s price.”

“In the Mediterranean and Southeastern Anatolia regions, where wheat harvesting has began, the prices for bread wheat are around 9 lira 85 kuruş. Low purchase prices will lead to a decrease in current market prices as the harvest increases nationwide.”

“The announced price does not align with production costs or inflation figures. We struggle to explain this price to our farmers. Our Chamber Presidents have started discussions with local members of parliament since last night.”

“Our Union and chambers are making intense efforts to ensure that farmers receive the income they deserve from wheat. It is essential to urgently revise the wheat prices.”

“We will communicate our request for the revision of wheat prices to our President by letter.”

“In the last 10 years, there has been a 13.7% decrease in wheat planting areas. According to TÜİK data, a 5.4% decrease in grain production is expected compared to last year. This decrease indicates that farmers are distancing themselves from wheat production. If prices are not revised, the income our farmers earn from wheat will not be sufficient to support their families, and this will lead to further avoidance of production.”

“Wheat prices are not only a farmers’ issue. If farmers who cannot earn from wheat production do not produce, it will become a significant problem for the country.”