Livestock Sector Received 663 Billion Lira in Support Over 24 Years

October 31, 2026 · AA Yeşil Hat

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı announced that the total support provided to the livestock sector over the last 24 years has reached 663 billion lira, setting the 2027 budget target at 54.5 billion lira.

Genomic Testing Center Operational

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı inaugurated the Genomic Testing Center, which has become operational within the Lalahan International Livestock Research and Training Center. Speaking at the facility's opening ceremony, Yumaklı emphasized that livestock farming is not merely a commercial activity but forms the fundamental backbone of food supply security and rural development. Stating that high yield, health, and quality in production are among the most critical goals, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı said:

'The way to achieve this is by bringing together science, technology, and the experience of our producers.'

663 Billion Lira in Livestock Sector Resources

Sharing official data on financial investments in the sector, Minister Yumaklı stated that the total amount of grants and support provided by governments to producers over the last 24 years has reached 663 billion lira. Announcing their aim to build a high value-added production model, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı made the following assessment:

'The element we need to focus on is the ability to achieve efficient, high value-added, quality production. In this direction, our governments have provided support to the livestock sector for 24 years, bringing the total amount of support for the livestock sector in the last 24 years to 663 billion lira.'

Noting that this year's support budget has been increased by 39.5% to 38.5 billion lira, Minister İbrahim Yumaklı shared the projection for the upcoming period:

'If approved within this budget period, we will increase this support budget by 41.5% to 54.5 billion lira for the year 2027.'

Production Figures and Global Rankings

According to official data released by the ministry, Turkey has experienced a significant rise in its animal population and meat-milk production volume over the last quarter-century. In the 24-year period, Turkey's cattle population increased by 80% and its small ruminant population by 91%, while red meat production expanded by 144% and milk production by 155%. Pointing to Turkey's position in global markets, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı stated:

'We rank 10th in the world and 3rd in the European Union in cow's milk production. We rank 8th in the world and 1st in Europe in beef production. These are extremely important results.'

Animal Health and Epidemic Control

Yumaklı reported that the efforts to elevate the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Institute to an international level are nearing completion within the scope of epidemic disease control and preventive health services, and announced that the vaccine production facilities in Ankara Etlik and Istanbul Pendik are being restructured. Presenting the results of field studies, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı noted:

'Through our efforts, we have achieved a 68% reduction in sheep and goat pox outbreaks, a 70% reduction in bluetongue, and a 41% reduction in sheep and goat pox. These are very significant figures. Our goal is to reduce these to zero. We have also increased our compensation amount for offspring losses due to contagious diseases and all other reasons by 100%. In this context, this year we will make payments of 20,000 lira for calf losses and 4,000 lira for lamb and kid losses.'

Domestic Breeding and Genetic Strength

Stating that the center established in Lalahan will offer the opportunity for early-age breeding stock selection through DNA analysis, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı explained his goals for domestic genetic capacity:

'With the Genomic Selection Project, which we are carrying out within the scope of the National Breeding Action Plan, we planned to open this Genomic Testing Center with the aim of meeting breeding stock production from our domestic enterprises. It is not just a building. The work carried out by the young children of this country and experienced staff will leave its mark and resonate throughout the world. Specifically, we will be able to determine the genetic potentials of our animals through DNA analysis at earlier ages and make breeding stock selections accordingly. Our entire effort is for a Turkey that produces its own data, develops its own genetic capacity, and scientifically manages and implements breeding studies.'

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