Minister Işıkhan announced the new study! It will be a priority, a permanent model is coming for those workers

Providing information about the work carried out so far within the scope of the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Project (METİP), Işıkhan stated that approximately 96 million liras of resources were transferred to 65 projects prepared in 38 provinces between 2010 and 2013. Stating that approximately 180 million lira of funding was allocated to 23 provinces in the 2017-2026 period, Işıkhan noted that there are 37 active METİP areas in 21 provinces as of 2026.

Stating that the studies initiated in 2010 were made more systematic with the circular published in 2017, Işıkhan reminded that a new framework was created with the Presidential Circular No. 2024/5.

Minister Işıkhan said that in the coming period, it is aimed to preserve the existing infrastructure and increase the contributions of local governments, producers, producer organizations, private sector and non-governmental organizations under the coordination of governorships.

Emphasizing that METİP should not be considered as a project only for creating shelter areas, Işıkhan stated that they are working on a more comprehensive and permanent model.

Işıkhan said, "Our main goal is to create a permanent and applicable model that improves the working and living conditions of seasonal agricultural workers with a holistic approach, prevents children from falling out of education, facilitates access to health and social services, and is compatible with the needs of agricultural production."

In this regard, Işıkhan stated that micro support models in which producers and local actors can directly contribute are evaluated, and noted that it is aimed to develop new applications by taking into account the needs of agricultural production and the local opportunities of the provinces.

The new approach is expected to contribute to both providing more shelter space and ensuring the sustainability of existing areas.

The agenda items of the meeting included the sustainability of METİP areas and the status of existing areas. Işıkhan stated that instead of constantly covering operating expenses such as electricity and water from the METİP budget, these expenses should be provided with a usage-based and sustainable structure.

Stating that they also attach importance to making the agricultural labor intermediation system more effective, Işıkhan said that establishing the relationship between employees and employers in a more regular, registered and predictable manner can contribute to the improvement of working conditions.