20% local producer requirement coming for vegetable and fruit trade in chain markets

The draft of the Wholesale Market Law, which aims to reorganize the vegetable and fruit trade in Turkey, introduces new obligations for chain markets. Yüksel Tavşan, President of the Turkish Wholesale Markets Federation (TÜRKHAL), announced that the draft includes a requirement for large markets to purchase at least 20% of the products they offer for sale directly from producers or producer organizations.

The draft aims to make transactions in the supply chain more transparent, in addition to supporting producers and cooperatives. Yüksel Tavşan stated that the regulation will strengthen the producer's access to the market and contribute to the reduction of informal activities. Furthermore, it is planned to monitor commercial activities conducted outside the wholesale markets more strictly through a registration and collateral system.

Incentives for producers include rent, storage, transportation, and tax facilities. In the event that producer unions establish wholesale markets, the provision of free land allocation and financial support is envisaged. Assessment: While Tavşan stated that these regulations will protect the producer, he emphasized that the number of intermediaries is not the sole determinant regarding whether they will have a direct impact on price decreases.