CHP Official Calls for Agricultural Reform: “We Are Starving Ourselves to Death”

CHP Agriculture and Forestry Policy Board member Sencer Solakoğlu called for sweeping reforms in Türkiye’s agricultural sector, warning that farmers are abandoning production due to rising costs and low profitability. Speaking in Yozgat, he emphasized that sustainable farming and structural change are essential to reverse the decline.

“Farmers Are Leaving Production”

Sencer Solakoğlu, a member of CHP’s Agriculture and Forestry Policy Board, said farmers across Türkiye are increasingly withdrawing from production due to financial pressures.

Speaking at the party’s Yozgat provincial headquarters, Solakoğlu warned that many farmers are struggling to continue operations, particularly in livestock farming.

“In villages, cattle are being sent to slaughterhouses, fields are being abandoned, and farmers who once grew crops like onions and potatoes are giving up production,” he said.

He added that agriculture is a critical sector where solutions must be implemented urgently.

“Even Water Has Become Expensive”

Solakoğlu pointed to rising input costs as a key factor behind the crisis, noting that basic resources such as water, feed, and fuel have become increasingly expensive.

“Water, feed, diesel and fertilizer — all have become costly. A farmer who produces cannot sell at a fair price, while a farmer who produces cannot afford to consume what he produces,” he said.

He stressed that farmers are now operating at a loss, making agricultural activity unsustainable.

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Milk Production No Longer Profitable

Highlighting the dairy sector, Solakoğlu said even milk producers — once considered relatively stable — are now struggling.

“Milk prices remain low, yet production costs are high. Farmers cannot make a profit,” he said.

He warned that unless structural changes are made, Türkiye risks losing its agricultural capacity.

Call for “Agricultural Revolution”

Solakoğlu argued that incremental measures would not be sufficient and called for a comprehensive transformation.

“This is not just about supporting farmers. A real agricultural revolution is needed,” he said.

He emphasized that Türkiye must shift toward modern, sustainable farming practices and strengthen long-term planning.

Food Security at Risk

According to Solakoğlu, declining production could pose risks not only to farmers but also to consumers.

“If this trend continues, access to affordable and sufficient food will become increasingly difficult,” he warned.

He stressed that agriculture is not only an economic issue but also a matter of national security.

Regional Visits to Continue

Solakoğlu said he will continue meeting with farmers across different provinces, including Yozgat’s districts such as Sorgun, Boğazlıyan and Şefaatli, to gather feedback and assess local challenges.

Outlook: Structural Reform Needed

The remarks highlight growing concerns within the opposition over Türkiye’s agricultural sustainability.

Key issues include:

• Rising production costs
• Declining farmer profitability
• Reduced agricultural output
• Long-term food security risks

Solakoğlu’s call for structural reform underscores the urgency of addressing these challenges.

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