Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

 

Attending the TOBB Agricultue Council’s first meeting in 2012 were Akhisar Commerce Exchange Board President Emin Demirci,  Ünye Commerce Exchange Board President Osman Atik, Aydın Commerce Exchange Council President A. Aydın Akyüzlü, Kumluca Commerce Exchange Board President Fatih Durdaş, Uzunköprü Commerce Exchange Board President Rahmi Eren, Rize Commerce Exchange Board President Mehmet Erdoğan and Kahramanmaraş Commerce Exchange Board President Ahmet Duran Balsuyu.

- Cotton should be labeled a strategic good

During the meeting, the contributions of cotton to exports and imports were assessed in detail and measures were taken to increase cotton production. The council touched on the need to label cotton as a strategic good, support premiums matching world standards, transitioning to licensed warehousing, increased quality, prevention of contamination and inter-institutional coordination.

- 1% VAT on rice

Emphasizing that the rice production in Turkey is sufficient, the Agriculture Council stated that the opening of new production zones every year and the increase of imports is damaging the native producers. The Council suggested that, in order to prevent tax fraud, VAT on rice should be lowered to 1%.

- Tea smuggling needs to be prevented

Stating that Turkey is self-sufficient in terms of tea production, both in terms of quantity and quality, the council stated that tea smuggling needs to be prevented.

- Olive and hazelnut price inconsistencies need to be prevented

Despite the increase in the number of olive and hazelnut trees in Turkey, the acquisition and consistency of the olive supply is in question. The same problem is also seen in regards to hazelnut production. To maintain consistency, the establishment of licensed warehousing and product specialized exchanges is required.