Within the scope of our project, as part of advocacy work towards the establishment of a rights-based agriculture council of farmers, a Local Policy Dialogue – Planning Meeting was held in Yüreğir on 12 February 2025.
Producers are open to learning and eager to put it into practice
In the assessments made at the meeting, it emerged as a shared observation that producers in Yüreğir are open and willing when it comes to innovation, knowledge and new production models. Participants stated that if farmers have access to accurate information, clear guidance and a reliable planning framework, they are ready to apply measurement, record-keeping, productivity-enhancing practices and advisory models in the field.
However, it was emphasised that for this potential to be reflected in production in a sustainable way, planning, marketing and policy decisions must be communicated to the field in advance, clearly and in an applicable manner.
Input costs and marketing uncertainty make planning difficult
At the meeting, it was noted that rising costs of diesel, fertiliser, pesticides and seeds make production planning considerably more difficult. Producers stated that taking risks becomes harder when sale prices do not cover costs, and said they need a planning structure in which the cost–price relationship can be foreseen in advance.
Examples were shared showing that uncertainties in the marketing chain directly affect planting decisions, and that some products could not be sold at their true value despite reaching the harvest stage. Participants therefore called for planning meetings to be run in a structure that establishes product selection and market linkage together.
Planned production, water management and crop patterns came to the fore
At the meeting, it was emphasised that the lack of guiding planning on regional crop patterns, planting timing and production volumes is a significant problem. It was stated that planned production models should be developed taking into account Yüreğir's soil structure, climatic conditions and proximity to markets.
It was noted that water use costs and problems in accessing water also directly affect planning, and that crop choices should be made by assessing water consumption, cost and market demand together. Producers called for data-driven guidance and direction on this issue.
Import policies and the wholesale market system were discussed
At the meeting, it was stated that import decisions weaken production planning, and that production carries a high risk when predictability is not ensured before planting. Producers called for import policies to be implemented within a planned framework that takes domestic production into account.
Drawing attention to the fact that the wholesale market system and the structure of intermediaries limit producer income, participants emphasised that access to direct sales channels for farmers engaged in registered and traceable production should be made part of the planning process.
Overall assessment
At the end of the meeting, it was clearly established that farmers in Yüreğir are open to learning, willing to change and determined to continue producing. However, it was expressed as a shared view that for this determination to be reflected in the field, planning, marketing and policy decisions must be carried out within a predictable, data-driven structure that gives producers confidence.
