Statement on agricultural diplomacy from Minister Yumaklı: The entry of tomatoes to the Russian border has started

Answering questions about the effects of the Russia-Ukraine War and the conflicts in the Middle East on food and agricultural security, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı explained that Türkiye is in talks with different countries to supply the agricultural inputs it needs, and that it is also in contact with the products it can provide to countries in need of food.

Yumaklı said, "Agricultural diplomacy is no longer a classical diplomacy as we know it, with its image formed in everyone's mind. Food supply security of countries is now on the agenda as a national security issue. Therefore, we need to do this." he said.

Reminding that they made a one-day visit to China last year and to Russia today, Yumaklı said, "The important thing here is not time. The important thing is to plan it correctly and reach an agreement with your interlocutors." he said.

Yumaklı underlined that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's influence in international diplomacy was a facilitating factor in these contacts.

TOMATOES WAITING AT THE RUSSIA BORDER HAVE STARTED ENTERING RUSSIA

Stating that they met with Russian Minister of Agriculture Oksana Lut and her delegation after attending the 2nd International Veterinary Safety Forum held in Moscow, Yumaklı said that they discussed the problems in agriculture and food trade between the two countries.

Stating that an agreement was reached on most of the issues discussed, Yumaklı said, "Currently, there was an issue of tomatoes waiting at the border. An agreement was reached on resolving this and the entries started." he said.

Pointing out that the teams of the two countries agreed to act in communication regarding the problems related to phytosanitary and quarantine procedures, Yumaklı stated that this is important in resolving the problems arising in mutual import and export without stopping trade.

Expressing that the meetings confirmed the will of Türkiye and Russia to take their relations further, Yumaklı explained that the contacts produced positive results in terms of solving the current problems in a short time.

A meeting is planned in Türkiye for fertilizer

Stating that they also discussed fertilizer supply with Russia, Yumaklı reminded that they had previously announced that there would be no limitation in fertilizer shipment to Türkiye this year.

Yumaklı stated that the relevant institutions and companies of the two countries are planned to meet in Türkiye on October 25 to discuss the fertilizer issue.

"Our entire goal is that the global conjuncture does not negatively affect crop production in Turkey in any way." said Yumaklı, pointing out the importance of fertilizer in terms of production.

Yumaklı said, "As we have done so far, we are working hard to ensure that our producers do not experience any problems with agricultural inputs, especially fertilizer. We have a very close dialogue with the countries." he said.

⁠"The 12 Day War gave us the first signal"

Yumaklı said that the "12 Day War" last year gave the first signal about supply risks and explained that the developments in the Gulf region affected agricultural inputs, especially energy. Yumaklı stated that their first step regarding fertilizer was to take foreign trade measures regarding exports.

Yumaklı stated that they later took measures together with the Ministry of Commerce to make the products in the warehouses available to manufacturers in Türkiye.

Pointing out that the prolongation of the problems in the region makes trade between countries and the circulation of strategic products and inputs difficult, Yumaklı pointed out that transportation costs have increased significantly.

Yumaklı noted that the region's importance in oil and natural gas production and supply increases these effects.

Explaining that they are constantly reviewing in which areas Türkiye may encounter bottlenecks, Yumaklı said, "We are taking all our precautions months in advance to prevent such a thing from happening. We are negotiating with different countries about supply, making agreements and understandings. We will continue this." he said.

Yumaklı pointed out that countries that do not have the opportunity to take these measures, especially those in need of basic food products, may be in a more difficult situation, and stated that Türkiye will continue to negotiate with the countries in need about the products it can supply.

"Animal diseases know no borders"

Evaluating the Veterinary Safety Forum, Yumaklı said that he was invited to last year's forum but did not have the opportunity to participate, and this year, they were able to share Türkiye's experiences in the fight against animal diseases with other countries.

Stating that economic losses resulting from animal diseases have become a big problem for countries, Yumaklı said that especially cattle and poultry diseases cause serious damage and diseases can spread rapidly between countries.

Giving the example of the reappearance of foot-and-mouth disease of the SAT-1 serotype in Türkiye last year after approximately 60 years, Yumaklı said, "It is necessary to take a very serious level of precautions on these issues. This is not something that can be achieved only with national measures. International measures must be taken with the solidarity of the countries." he said.