Export of meat to Turkey: Thousands of people could transform grass into money

By the end of 2016, Bosnia and Herzegovina should be able to export app. 6,000 T of meat to Turkey. The first shipment of 42 T of beef left for Turkey from Tuzla airport on 2 June.

The experts assess this as a historic opportunity for BiH. Thousands of unemployed citizens will be able to start converting grass into money. That would additionally engage a number of veterinarians but also people of various other vocations. This project could, more than any other, bring people back to the village.

The opportunity, however, may as well become a double-edged sword. BiH can export to Turkey only the meat bred at local farms. Thus far, BiH has not even have enough meat to meet local demand. Now it is likely to have even less to offer to local buyers. At the same time, BH officials do not have any vision and strategy for animal husbandry. The issue of concessions has not been resolved as yet.

The experts hold that small farmers could be of help as they could each breed several heifers on their farms.

Due to heavy violations of agreement, several months ago Turkey put a halt on import of meat from BiH. It was discovered that instead of locally bred meat, some were selling meat from Poland.