Fresh Imported Lamb Meat Available for 11 Euros at BRTK Aisle
The President of the Butchers’ Association, Halil Akbıçak, has raised concerns about the increasing trend of meat consumers turning to Southern Cyprus and has proposed a solution to stop this shift. In a recent press conference held by the Interim Board of Butchers’ Association at the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Tradesmen and Craftsmen, Akbıçak emphasized the need for controlled meat imports to regulate prices.
According to Akbıçak, imported meat from countries like Romania, which costs 7.5 Euros per carcass, can be sold by butchers for a maximum of 11 Euros. He pointed out the imbalance between supply and demand in the meat market, leading to a surge in prices. Akbıçak also highlighted the detrimental impact of citizens buying meat from Southern Cyprus, which has resulted in a significant portion of the meat market shifting to the South.
The Butchers’ Association President accused the Livestock Breeders’ Union of making hostile remarks towards butchers and criticized the government for pushing through decisions like the “Ceiling Price Determination Protocol in Sheep Livestock” without proper consultation. While efforts were made to establish fair pricing in collaboration with government agencies, Akbıçak expressed disappointment in the outcome and the failure to bridge the price gap between the North and South.
Akbıçak emphasized the importance of importing a portion of slaughtered animals to prevent further market shifts to Southern Cyprus. He underlined the need for a controlled system with customs clearance to ensure the sale of imported meat at competitive prices. The Butchers’ Association is set to convene for a General Assembly on April 29, where discussions on tackling the challenges in the meat market are expected to take place.
In conclusion, Akbıçak’s call for controlled meat imports and efforts to promote unity among butchers and tradesmen reflect a proactive approach to addressing the current crisis in the meat industry. With strategic interventions and collaborative measures, the Butchers’ Association aims to stabilize prices and retain consumers within the domestic market.
