TRNC Deputy Prime Minister proposes opening affordable meat sales points from Monday

TRNC Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu proposed that livestock producers open affordable meat sales points in Northern Cyprus and said he was ready to begin this work on Monday. The proposal was made at a meeting at the Livestock Producers and Breeders’ Union (Hayvan Üreticileri ve Yetiştiricileri Birliği).

Union chairman Adil Onalt said that, with production costs at around 40 lira, producers sell milk for 26–27 lira and are struggling to remain on the market as costs continue to rise. According to him, imported products arrive at lower prices, while locally produced milk and meat cannot find buyers: “If the producer disappears, the country will become completely dependent on imports.”

Onalt added that the expected decline in prices did not follow the introduction of imports, and identified the lack of oversight as the market’s main problem. He also singled out hotels: with the exception of a few establishments, hotels barely purchase local meat, milk and dairy products.

Ataoğlu proposed organising direct meat sales through existing butcher shops and cooperative outlets so that the final price for consumers would be lower. “Let us create meat sales points together. Let us determine the necessary infrastructure. If not today, then from Monday I am ready to take this path together with you,” the minister said, adding that he was also prepared to accept any criticism that might arise.

The minister also promised to visit major hotels together with sector representatives and push them to purchase local products, provided that supplies and quality were consistent. According to him, imports should take place only when local production does not meet demand and with the knowledge of the producers.