Ambassador Landrut: ‘All provinces will benefit from IPARD-III’

Ambassador Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut, the Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Turkey, stated that they have long aimed for all provinces to benefit from the opportunities offered by the IPARD-III program, saying, ‘We have been working on activating 1 billion euros for Turkey. We promise to continue providing this support.’ Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumaklı visited a farm engaged in livestock farming with Ambassador Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut.
Speaking at the ‘IPARD-III in 81 Provinces’ program held there, Ambassador Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut emphasized the long-standing goal of ensuring that all provinces benefit from the opportunities provided by the IPARD-III program. He stated, ‘I believe that IPARD-III will play a key role in rural areas during the post-disaster recovery period by creating a more sustainable and resilient agriculture and food sector. As the European Union, we have been by the side of the Turkish people from the very moments of the earthquake. We have worked on mobilizing 1 billion euros for Turkey through various means. We promise to continue providing this support.’
‘IPARD will make a difference in earthquake-affected regions’ Ambassador Landrut highlighted the importance of agriculture for the Cukurova region, stating, ‘We all know how crucial agriculture plays in this region and neighboring provinces. This region has suffered significant damage from earthquakes and requires great support in the recovery process. The European Union is determined to contribute to the joint efforts made during this process through the new IPARD program. I believe IPARD will make a significant difference in the regions affected by the earthquake. I have had the opportunity to see in many provinces how important IPARD is in creating employment in the agricultural sector.’
‘Over 1.4 billion euros in support provided’ Ambassador Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut emphasized the European Union’s support for the IPARD programs, stating, ‘Since 2011, the European Union has provided support of over 1.4 billion euros to IPARD programs. Significant results have been achieved. Over 25,000 investment projects have been supported in the agriculture and food sector and rural diversification areas. More than 100,000 employments have been created. This program reaches out to young people and women. Indeed, 20% of these investments have been made by female entrepreneurs. I always try to emphasize how attractive rural areas are to young people. In this context, we aim to transfer a fund of over 1 billion euros for Turkey’s national contribution and supporting farmers. We are pleased with the determination shown in increasing the national contribution. It will make it possible to support more farmers through IPARD.’
Furthermore, Ambassador Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut, the Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Turkey, expressed his belief that Turkey will continue to lead in IPARD funds if it continues in this framework. Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumaklı stated that a total of 45.3 billion Turkish lira in grant support has been provided to 25,434 projects through IPARD until today, resulting in investments worth 93 billion Turkish lira in the country’s agriculture and food sectors. Following the speeches, Minister Yumaklı and Ambassador Landrut exchanged gifts.