PROTECTING AGRICULTURAL LAND IS PROTECTING THE FUTURE
· Halil ETYEMEZ
A new legislative proposal in Turkey aims to safeguard agricultural lands from fragmentation and unauthorized construction, emphasizing proactive measures over punitive actions to preserve food security and national interests.
The new legislative proposal, discussed in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and containing significant regulations for the protection of agricultural lands, is not merely a technical legislative amendment. This regulation is an important indicator of how we view soil, production, rural areas, and the future.
We have all witnessed, especially in recent years, the rapid fragmentation of agricultural lands through applications like 'hobby gardens,' 'tiny houses,' and 'vineyard houses,' and the transformation of production areas into construction zones over time. This process, which may seem innocent at first glance, has gradually become a serious problem, effectively turning Turkey's fertile agricultural lands into residential areas.
As someone who has served in politics for years in a region with strong agriculture and production, who has been involved in rural life, and who has closely listened to the problems of farmers, I have had the opportunity to closely observe the effects of this process on the ground. The removal of fertile agricultural lands around metropolises from production by dividing them into small parcels has become a significant risk not only for today but also for the future.
Of course, people's desire to connect with nature is valuable. It is understandable that they want to get away from city life and connect with the soil. It is extremely natural for our citizens living in apartment buildings and concrete structures in big cities to need green spaces where they can breathe and social areas where they can touch the soil. At this point, I believe that the state and local administrations should also produce planned solutions that bring city dwellers closer to nature. Increasing urban gardens, city parks, controlled production areas, and social spaces where citizens can connect with nature will both meet people's needs and reduce the pressure on agricultural lands. However, the issue is not just about spending weekends. Because the process often does not start as a small hobby area; it gradually evolves into a new construction model with infrastructure, becoming de facto settlement, and then creating pressure for zoning.
Therefore, I find the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's new approach extremely important.
Similar legal regulations were made before. However, the desired results were not fully achieved in field applications. In the new regulation, I see a remarkable and extremely valuable understanding, particularly in the approach of our Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Mr. İbrahim Yumaklı.
The most important aspect of this approach is the emphasis on preventive measures against new problems, rather than a destructive approach that would victimize existing people. An approach is adopted that prevents the formation of the wrong process from the outset, rather than punishing people after they have committed a crime.
Controlling electricity, water, and infrastructure connections that facilitate illegal construction; limiting the subdivision of new agricultural lands; and preventing speculative construction are extremely appropriate steps.
I also find the restrictions introduced on certain cooperative models that facilitate the subdivision of agricultural lands for construction through various methods to be important. Because the aim here is not to prevent agricultural development cooperatives that produce genuinely, but to control structures that turn agricultural land into investment and rent areas.
I believe that cooperatives that produce genuinely, contribute to rural development, and support agriculture, livestock, and forest products should be supported. However, it has become inevitable for the state to take measures against practices that effectively turn agricultural land into residential areas.
Because today, food security is one of the most strategic issues in the world. A country needs strong agricultural lands as much as it needs a strong army. Water, soil, and production have now become matters of national security. Considering global climate change, drought, population growth, and food crises, the issue of protecting agricultural lands has become even more vital.
The key point to be considered here is the sensitivity of implementation. An implementation approach that does not victimize genuine producers, villagers, the natural flow of rural life, and traditional usage patterns is extremely important. Because losing the countryside while protecting agriculture is also not right.
I believe that every step that protects the soil, prioritizes production, and stands against unplanned urbanization is important for Turkey's future.
On this occasion, I would like to express once again that protecting the soil is actually protecting the future, and I extend my thanks to our Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Mr. İbrahim Yumaklı, for this approach put forth for the protection of agricultural lands, as well as to the deputies who contributed to the legislative process, those who worked in the commissions, our bureaucrats, and everyone who contributed to the process.