Turkey: Tea Bill causes chaos before it becomes law

Turkey is a major producer of tea, ranking 7th globally and first in dry tea production in Europe. The country's economy heavily relies on tea, with per capita consumption being the highest in the world. The history of tea farming in Turkey dates back to the republican period, with significant developments and legal support for the industry. However, the liberalization of the tea market in 1984 led to challenges and a decline in production, resulting in increased imports. A new 'Tea Law Proposal' aims to regulate the industry and address the challenges faced by producers, but it has received mixed reactions. The bill introduces significant changes such as transferring the responsibility of setting fresh tea purchase prices from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to the National Tea Council, shifting to a licensed operating system, and modifying the remuneration structure for green tea. The proposal, which includes 15 articles, is designed to streamline the procedures and regulations related to tea agriculture and sales, sparking debate and anticipation among stakeholders.