In many legal systems, particularly in the European Union, the modern understanding of agricultural law is regulated by specific laws. From Turkey’s perspective, various support policies for the agricultural sector have been attempted since the establishment of the Republic. On the other hand, the current structure of the Turkish agricultural sector presents a significant issue during the ongoing EU accession process. Therefore, it is inevitable that efforts will be made to implement the necessary regulations for aligning Turkish agricultural policy with the European Union.

One of the largest initiatives in this context is the establishment of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) aimed at the functioning and development of the common market for agricultural products. To understand the scope of this Common Agricultural Policy in the easiest and most accurate way, it is essential to examine its objectives.

OBJECTIVES OF THE COMMON AGRICULTURAL POLICY

The legal framework for the Common Agricultural Policy was established by the Treaty of Rome in 1957, and it was officially put into practice in 1967 with the establishment of the common market regulation. According to Article 39 of the Treaty of Rome, the objectives of the common agricultural policy are as follows:

• To increase the efficiency of production factors and agricultural output.
• To achieve self-sufficiency in agricultural production.
• To raise the income and living standards of producers while ensuring that consumers can purchase agricultural products at reasonable prices.
• To ensure continuity in supply and production.
• To stabilize prices and ensure market stability.

WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE IN THIS PROCESS

One of the main policy areas in which Turkey must ensure alignment during its EU membership process is agriculture. In this integration process, it has become essential to propose solutions to eliminate obstacles such as trade issues, infrastructure deficiencies, and similar barriers. The steps that need to be taken are as follows:

• Support should be given to projects promoting rural return.
• A rural and agricultural database should be created.
• Rural settlement planning should be done, and the renewal and development of villages should be ensured.
• The fragmentation of agricultural land and businesses should be prevented.
• Physical infrastructure investments in agricultural enterprises should be developed.
• Agricultural irrigation networks should be expanded, and efficient water usage should be ensured.
• Production planning should be done according to market needs, and diversification of production should be promoted.
• In areas unsuitable for intensive farming, small livestock farming and beekeeping should be developed.
• The development of small and medium-sized agricultural industries should be supported.
• Infrastructure should be developed to ensure the provision of sufficient and reliable food, increasing market efficiency.
• Contract farming should be widespread.
• The production of strategic, economic, and advantageous products should be increased.
• Agricultural commodity exchanges should be established to allow prices to be determined in the free market.
• Organic and good agricultural practices should be supported and expanded.
• Education and extension activities should be strengthened and expanded.
• The institutional and legal infrastructure of rural education should be reinforced.
• Vocational training activities should be increased.
• Participatory organization (such as cooperatives and unions) should be developed and promoted.

Av. Dr. Mert VAN – Av. Şefik ZiROĞLU